Covid-19 created the perfect storm for family members of all ages to return to living under the same roof – so how do you nail multigenerational home designs?
Although not a new concept in many cultures outside of the Western world, extended families have been living together as a unit for quite literally centuries. Young adults stay at home until they’re married, grandparents certainly help out with caregiver duties with smaller grandchildren, and the ecosystem just works.
While the overall concept is far less common here in Australia, a growing number of factors are contributing towards a rise in this lifestyle – think housing affordability, youth unemployment or underemployment, rising childcare prices and even a rapidly aging population. In 2021, Australian families come in all shapes and sizes, which is why many are starting to consider multigenerational home designs for the first time.
Five Examples Of Multigenerational Home Designs
In modern day Australia, the increase in demand for multigenerational home designs can usually be attributed to one (or more) of the following factors –
- Young adults who choose to live at home longer in order to save money, or are struggling to enter the housing market
- Grandparents care for their young grandchildren while both parents work
- Older parents want to travel but wish to retain a home base to return to
- Elderly parents or grandparents who wish to stay in their own home longer and live independently, but may require ongoing support
- An adult child living with a physical or mental impairment, who wishes for some independence but still needs to stay close to a home support network
Technically speaking, multigenerational home designs are classed as when two or more generations of adults from the same family share a house or property. While this can still of course be valid if the generations are living in say a standard three bedroom home, multigenerational home designs are when the occupants have made a conscious decision to build or “tweak” around the needs of the shared living agreement as opposed to any other preferences. Common examples of multigenerational home designs usually resemble one of the below.
Granny Flat – This is considered to be the “go-to” option for multigenerational home designs if you are looking for a straightforward space solution. Granny flats can range from anything between $50, 000 and $150, 000 depending on your preferences and design requirements.
Duplex – If you have family members who need a higher level of attention but aren’t quite ready for assisted living, then opting for a duplex is the perfect alternative as they are usually on one level. With separate entries and living quarters, it’s the perfect mix of support and privacy.
Split Level Homes – This option takes advantage of all the space available on your land, and is a cost-effective method while still enjoying the benefits of a backyard and a spacious home design – it can also be as simple as enclosing the bottom story of an older Queenslander.
Acreage Style – If you have the space and can afford to build from scratch, then think big. Acreage style multigenerational home designs are focused around big, open centre points such as a kitchen or living area, while still including separate “wings” for family members to retreat.
Where To Source Further Advice On Multigenerational Home Designs
In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – after all, undertaking a home renovation project of any size shouldn’t be painful, and that includes navigating multigenerational home designs.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in residential, commercial and hospitality fitout options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.