Imagine you are retired and walking into the perfect home. That’s what hundreds of survey respondents and focus group participants did during the creation of the NEXTadventure home.

As Paul Tourbaf, president, residential construction group at Hanley Wood, says in the following video, the team putting together the NEXTadventure home heard the preferences of the 55-plus home buyer loud and clear. These preferences are now reflected in every aspect of the NEXTadventure home.

For instance, the research showed that the 55-plus buyer is very interested in outdoor living. With that in mind, Taylor Morrison selected a Western Window Systems 90-degree vinyl multi-slide door that completely pockets into the wall to bring together the indoors and outdoors. In addition, Timberlake Cabinetry provided new solutions that bring convenience to this demographic that wants to use their kitchen for entertaining and also wants ease of use.

55-plus buyers are looking for products that improve indoor air quality and their health.
55-plus buyers are looking for products that improve indoor air quality and their health.

Tourbaf points out that there also are intangibles that this buyer is thinking about. They want improved indoor air quality and health, so suppliers are improving products to be more sustainable and resilient. You can find examples of that through many of the products in the NEXTadventure home, including the Rinnai Ultra Series Tankless Water Heater, the energy-saving textured slate Eagle Roofing, and the Broan Ventilation Fan that is Energy Star qualified.

This home is an example of the need and desire for more flexible living space, which benefits both the builder and the home buyer. More flexible space gives the buyer more living options at a lower cost—to them and to the builder. Tourbaf predicts that formal spaces, like the dining room, will no longer be included in the home. Buyers will be looking for easily convertible space, such as an office that also can serve as a guest room.

Tourbaf urges builders to refer to the NEXTadventure project as the way forward as it shows them how to best meet the needs of 55-plus buyers in the future. Lessons learned from all aspects of the project – for architects, designers, landscape professionals, construction and anywhere in the supply chain— are available via more videos, white papers, and articles at www.builderonline.com/nextadventure.