"We went to leaders in housing to learn what market factors would most influence housing in the next five to 10 years, and, as a result, their images of the average American home of the future,'' said Bryan Glaza, executive vice president of Dragonette, Inc., a Chicago-based public relations and marketing services firm which developed the report on behalf of NAREE.

The report provides perspective from a wide range of participants in the home building industry -- from builders and material suppliers, to technology companies and manufacturers -- on most all aspects of the home, including structural systems, exterior finishes, mechanical, communications, interior finishes and interior functionality.

Participants were asked their opinions on how Baby Boomers, Generation X/Y, healthy home issues, communications technology, and environmental/ecological concerns will influence the design of homes and the products that go inside. Among the companies interviewed were Lucent Technologies, Owens-Corning, Tenneco Building Products, General Electric, DuPont, Lennox Industries, Centex Homes, ADEMCO, Schlage Lock, Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath Inc., James Hardie Building Products and Fleetwood Homes.

"From the eyes of the market, tomorrow's American home will be one increasingly designed for modern lifestyles, featuring more customized and comfortable living spaces, easy-to-use systems, and materials built for durability and low-maintenance,'' said Glaza. ``We're seeing a convergence of technology with a return to the 'home as the haven' concept where the home serves as an escape from the hectic world outside, where relaxation and quality time with family are key.''

Recent innovations referenced in the report already are being seen in homes around the country, such as products for the ``smart home'' and ``healthy home.'' However, industry experts expect developments such as structured wiring and zoned environmental control systems to become both more common and affordable, and in some cases standard inclusion in all new homes.

``It is only a matter of time before these new ideas touch the lives of homeowners across America. Rapid developments in technology, ever-changing consumer lifestyles and increased consumer awareness will drive many of these designs and products into a vast majority of America homes by 2010,'' Glaza said.