Multigenerational Homes: Smart Design for Shared Living Spaces

For some of us, the thought of living day-in and day-out with the in-laws does not sound ideal. For others, after getting their education and degree, many parents thought they would have an empty home, not one with their 20-something children.

Regardless of why (and whether it’s a good thing or not), generations of people are living together more commonly today. The question is, how do you really make this work?

Multigenerational homes are single homes or properties with several separate living areas. These house more than one generation of adults living within them. Though it is common for families, not all multigenerational homes are shared by relatives. A growing trend in many areas of the world, this home style helps to support groups of people in multiple ways.

There are very real practical reasons why multigenerational homes are not just common but necessary.

For some, the value of multigenerational homes is to reduce living expenses. This is done by sharing costs associated with rent or mortgage payments. Young adults who may not be able to afford their own home. In some cases, it may make financial sense for them to continue to live with parents well into their 20s and beyond.

Multigenerational homes have other benefits, too. Grandparents could help care for grandchildren while their family members work. Adult groups may live together to support their unique support needs or to maintain lifestyle goals. Multigenerational homes allow people to share the same residential footprint. This is often through shared spaces.

Considering the benefits, let's assume you're designing a home for a group of people. How are you going to make the older seniors compatible with the laidback lifestyle of those in their 20s? How do you give people some level of privacy when there are multiple groups of adults with bedrooms next to each other?

It comes down to the design. Just because people are living close to each other doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. 

Photo by Stephan Bechert

What Goes Into Building a Multigenerational Home?

The demand for multigenerational homes is on the rise. Designers and architects now need to focus on creating spaces that appeal to and meet the needs of various adults within one space. Key here is that many of these homes remain multigenerational, meaning that families or groups live together for the long term. As a result, homes must meet the specific needs of everyone in that group. That’s not as easy as it sounds.

Key features of multigenerational homes are a starting point. Think about each space and how to make sure everyone can get along!

• Kitchen and dining spaces: These are not just larger, but shared spaces are necessary. Larger spaces allow more people to prepare meals or mingle within one of the most important parts of the home.

• Dual laundry rooms: Laundry spaces not just in the basement of a home but perhaps in bedrooms help facilitate easy washing.

• Accessibility: Multigenerational homes must consider the long-term needs of those who are older. This may mean accommodations for wheelchairs or limited stairs throughout the property.

• Soundproofing interior walls: Privacy remains a big concern in these spaces. Architects who add built-in soundproofing on interior walls can help facilitate a better quality of life within the shared spaces.

• Split bedrooms: Also notable, unlike traditional homes where bedrooms sit next to each other, split bedrooms afford a better level of privacy. Two or even three divisions of bedrooms throughout the property are ideal.

• Separate entrances: More than one entrance to the home could be critical to allowing privacy and improving comfort in the space.

• Kitchenette: For those multigenerational homes on multiple levels, kitchenettes could afford a valuable benefit. This is done by providing basic kitchen spaces (refrigerators, ovens, and cabinetry with a sink) to allow for more access.

In addition to these types of features, consider all aspects of the property carefully to determine how well they meet each group’s demands (not everyone appreciates the same way of life or specific temperature in the home):

• HVAC zoning helps everyone remain comfortable, even when grandparents want the furnace set much higher.

• Several outdoor spaces help provide privacy and some solitude when desired. Stepping outside means a break from the hectic noise of younger families.

• Elevators may be necessary to support people as they age – and, well anyone else that wants to move easily through the home.

Finally, also take into consideration resale value. Building a property with numerous bedrooms is beneficial in the long term. Bedrooms can become offices or libraries. With resell, this can be vital. Provide homeowners with the ability to repurpose spaces to attract buyers down the road.

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Components for Multigenerational Layout Design

Notably, multigenerational homes can be any style and size desired. Any floorplan can work just fine. However, core to success is meeting the needs of multiple people at various stages of life. As a result, it becomes critical for designers to consider layout carefully.

Centrally located shared space

One option includes a large mid-section of the home. Living space, a large kitchen, and dining areas are all within the centre of the property.

Offshoots from that midsection can move in each direction. This creates a separate wing for each generation or grouping. It encourages privacy and shared amenities. It's like everyone has their own apartment with shared living spaces. Privacy is 100%.

Private suites on the main floor

Another style of some multigenerational homes is suites. In design, there is no longer a main bedroom. Instead, each room must be considered as its own “master” bedroom. This means ensuring the presence of a bathroom with full bathing services.

Private suites may or may not have direct outdoor access. When on the main floor, private suites may also incorporate a courtyard space. Even without outdoor access, main floor suites offer benefits to ageing members of the household.

Separate suites

While multigenerational homes traditionally are properties under a single roof, there are alternatives. For example, a centrally located courtyard between two smaller buildings. This could afford the privacy desired at the highest level.

More commonly, separate suites may be added to various portions of a traditional home.

• Transform a basement space into a full living space with apartment-like features.

• Add a bedroom, bathroom, and closet space to the back portion of a home. This adds privacy and some distance under the same roof.

• Incorporate not just separate bedrooms but also separate living spaces. A small kitchenette or sitting room can provide ample privacy, again under the same room.

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Focus on the Requirements of the People Living There

One of the more complex aspects of multigenerational home design and building is meeting the needs of people who will live together indefinitely. People need different features and support at various points in their lives. And, not everyone will be on the same page at the same time. While as a designer you may not be thinking about relationships, it’s a factor in the success of this project.

How can you design a space that meets everyone’s needs now – at different ages? It takes some treading lighting and some hard conversations with those living there.

Older generations

Those who are older typically need the most support in the architectural design of a multigenerational property. Accessibility, limitations on stairs, and easy access to main home features tend to be necessary.

For those who are ageing in place, space must be considered, as well as the potential to need wheelchairs or lifts into and out of the home. Open spaces with fewer tripping hazards and level floors without even small steps. Easy-to-manoeuvre bathrooms can be critical.

Multi groups of adults

Multigenerational homes with more than one set of adults in midlife have different requirements. Often, these properties include families with adult children or even more than one couple sharing the space.

Privacy is paramount in these spaces. No one wants to hear what’s going on in the next room. Protective soundproofing can help ensure each adult (or couple) has the ability to live life the way they desire. Separate entrances can also be helpful in these spaces.

At the same time, coming together to watch movies or even entertaining large groups is still desirable. Versatility is key to these types of floor plans. Provide larger shared spaces but private living quarters.

Also notable are the unique needs of each group. There may be the need to incorporate fitness centres, work-from-home spaces, or entertainment areas. Private nooks, reading areas, or rec spaces may appeal to one or more members of the family home.

Inclusion of children

Not all multigenerational homes have minors within them. When they do, there are a few specific requirements to consider. Children need separate bedrooms and tend to need to be closer to their parents. If a young family is living with an older generation, pairing two bedrooms close to each other could make late-night monsters-under-the-bed problems easier to fix.

For multigenerational homes that incorporate children, consider safety as well. Multiple entrances to the home create a much higher risk of leaving the home. Safety features around pools and water features still must be a consideration.

Examples of Successful Multigenerational Homes

Throughout Europe and much of Asia, multigenerational homes are not unique. They are commonly found, in fact. Though in the US and Canada, these properties are still considered one-of-a-kind, their growth in popularity is turning heads for good reasons (mainly as people battle the high cost of real estate).

Consider a few examples of homes throughout the world. These homes offer a multigenerational footprint with success.

BETA’s Three Generational Home in the Netherlands

Consider a three-generation Amsterdam home. It is noted for its beautiful, modern interiors and space-saving elements. This property, built by BETA, a Dutch architectural studio, offers several key features.

The property includes spaces for a couple with children and their parents. Designed to be a tiny apartment building that can be adapted over time, the building features numerous living areas. For the elderly couple, the top portion of the building is ideal. The central floor incorporates guest quarters, living spaces for shared meals, and bold features. Features like a stunning staircase that connects each floor.

The base level meets the needs of the younger family. It keeps noise to a minimum but allows for expansive space to meet a growing family’s needs.

Austin Maynard Architects’ Charles House in Australia

The Charles House in Melbourne is quite the design success. The property features, among other things, pocket sliding partitions to connect rooms. These interior room walls can be slid and modified as desired over time. From children living next to each other to grandparents who later move in, there’s ample flexibility here.

The partitions offer privacy without limits. The larger openings between spaces where the walls move help to accommodate changing needs, such as wheelchairs.

Outside, each portion of the property has a slightly different design. For example, slate patterns differ from one home space to another. These are separate buildings connected by hallways with floor-to-ceiling windows.

In Melbourne, where housing scarcity is a concern, this type of multigenerational home is growing in demand. It affords each family group ample privacy and their own style options. Yet, the property works cohesively together.

Chang Architect’s Cornwall Gardens in Singapore

This is quite an extraordinary home. Cornwall Gardens enables a multigenerational family to live within the same space with incredible privacy. In the centre of the property are a Koi pond, waterfall, and swimming pool. Beautifully designed to encourage a natural space, the stepped-like exterior creates a centre oasis.

Then, the surrounding interior space becomes a shared area. Various levels within the home accommodate the needs of the family. This includes fitness spaces, a library, and several dining areas. All are situated around the exterior garden.

The property features six bedrooms. It also has a green courtyard, beautiful roof gardens, and stunning elements throughout it. The window box-like structures allow for more of a hotel-like feel.

The architects designed this property to function as a tropical paradise. It would not only encourage people to remain throughout their lives but also to raise the next generation on the same property.

Building to Suite the Next Generation

Architects often face concerns about multigenerational homes. How can you build a home that meets the needs of multiple people without alienating others? It is not always about larger-sized properties. Rather, it is about making space work and hoping the people can get along at least long enough to cross paths in hallways.

As more people throughout the world move back home or never really leave, multigenerational homes will continue to be very much in demand. Designing them to accommodate the unique needs of our clients could be an interesting challenge.