The Future of Domestic Architecture

When one thinks of an architectural monograph on present day architecture, the usual thought that comes to mind is of a handsomely bound hardcover tome with a series of carefully curated evocatively photographed architectural interiors and exteriors, with a peppering of text. Every so often, a book comes along that eloquently marries the timeless aesthetic beauty of a monograph with textual analysis that presents an argument pertinent to the zeitgeist. Future Homes: Domestic Architecture in a Changing World published by RIBA Publishing in March 2026. Exploring innovative residential design that tackles climate change, the evolving realm of modern technology, and changing lifestyles that cater to new aesthetic and architectural demands, Stathaki, a trained architect and Wallpaper* magazine’s Architecture and Environment Director, examines how architects across the world are pioneering a way forward through residential architecture to cater to today’s rapidly transforming needs. The book balances poignantly captured images of residences around the world from Australia, India, Ecuador, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, with text that responds to the how and why of the changing needs of homes today. Featured architects include both emerging and established names, including Shahira Fahmy Architects from Egypt, Italo Rota and Carlo Ratti from Italy, the UK’s Knox Bhavan, Studio Bark and AO-FT, Omar Gandhi Architects in Canada and Fernanda Canales in Mexico. Highlighted residences include Shahira Fahmy Architects’ Bin Nouh’s Courtyard House in the ancient oasis city of AlUla which was built using traditional earth-building techniques; Burnt Earth Beach House, set on the craggy cliffs of Anglesea in Australia by Wardle Australia; Urban Houses by Vietnamese Tad.atelier, which cleverly combines different households into one residence; Ua House in Kilifi, Kenya by Nairobi-based Studio Mehta Architecture, featuring a minimalist home born from its architect’s philosophy of what it calls “affordable luxury,” and Chuzhi in Tamil Nadu, India by Wallmakers featuring distinctive, swirling, vortex-like structures and a bathroom that appears carved into the rock. “I love the ingenuity, creativity and diversity of solutions the book contains,” says Stathaki. “There are examples from all corners of the world and I hope readers will enjoy the sheer variety of designs and context-sensitive, site-specific responses to universal, similar problems, such as layout efficiency that responds to current human needs, social and wellness elements in designing homes, the use of indigenous materials and frugality in resources and more.”

The book highlights how all the homes featured were made using progressive methods which, according to Stathaki, “break the mold of the current norm – while also looking fabulous at the same time.” This is a key point the author wished to make with this publication, that, as she says: “You can be mindful and sensitive to various needs with a design but still look inviting, aspirational and super contemporary.” 

Key themes throughout the book include climate change, technology, materiality, energy consumption and cultural heritage. Ultimately, the book reflects on how the meaning and nature of home as a permanent shelter – a dedicated space for protection, social activity and hearth since it was first conceived hundreds and thousands of years ago – continues to evolve alongside the shifting needs of society and the environment. This is a book that doesn’t shy from posing challenging questions while still upholding beautiful architecture and design. Stathaki eloquently proves that both can be true.