Firsthand look inside the first house built for post pandemic life

The home, situated in Chatham Park, was built in only 60 days. It was created from the brainstorms of 7,000 customers, who were asked what they would like to see in a house post pandemic.

This is the home they envisioned – constructed to fit all the needs we discovered during the lockdown portion of the pandemic. It allows innovations for working from home, remote learning, safe entertainment options and even a quarantine room with its own entrance.

The house even has a name: Barnaby.

Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, founder of the America Home Study, believes some of the adjustments made during the pandemic are here to stay – and the way homes are built should also be evolving.

This house was designed to support life and the different needs we have post pandemic.

"Our studies show us the behavior studies are sticking," said Slavik-Tsuyuki.

Some of the permanent lifestyle changes may include working from home and online learning.

Design considerations were driven by safety, comfort and wellness. There are separate homeowner and guest entryways, as well as dedicated home office spaces and flex spaces.

The family bathroom is larger to facilitate social distancing if needed, and there are more covered outdoor spaces for gatherings to allow more space between guests.

There are even drop zones for package deliveries, touchless fixtures and flexible storage spaces.

Major paradigm shifts developed during the pandemic era could impact home design for years to come.

Barnaby will open this week for tours, allowing guests to explore, take photos and interview members of the development team before the home opens to the public on July 15, 2021.

Homes like Barnaby start at around $400,000, and there are currently 68 homes available in the neighborhood.