Whether it’s for cultural reasons, practical support or building stronger family bonds, more families are embracing multi-generational living. It’s a lifestyle that offers a number of benefits for every member of the household.
But designing a multi-generational home requires thoughtful planning - creating spaces that offer privacy and independence as well as areas for everyone to gather. The design should be adaptable to meet the needs of a multigenerational family over time.
From cultural customs to practical considerations, multigenerational living allows families to thrive together in ways that some traditional homes may not always accommodate.
The benefits of multi-generational living
Every family has their unique reasons for choosing to live together under one roof and, often, these will go beyond financial motivations.
Cultural traditions
For many families, living with parents, grandparents, and even extended relatives is deeply rooted in cultural practices. Multi-generational homes can honour these traditions, ensuring close ties between generations and a sense of shared responsibility and unity.
Support and connection
Grandparents often play an active role in raising grandchildren, while adult children can provide care and assistance to ageing parents. This arrangement can create a built-in support system, offering comfort and a sense of security.
Financial benefits
In today's economy, saving money is more important than ever. By choosing a multi-generational living arrangement, families effectively save money by pooling resources. This approach to household expenses, such as mortgage, insurance, food and maintenance eases financial pressure on individual members and increases the usefulness of assets like retirement savings. Cross-generational investment in a new home build can be a financially smart move that ensures a more sustainable and cost-effective living environment for the entire family.
7 tips for building a multi-generational home
Aesthetics, functionality and accessibility for all family members
Home designs with flexible floorplans are a great place to start for multi-generational families thinking about building a new home.
When considering the design of your multigenerational home, consider the needs of everyone, including children, adults and the elderly. Ideally, you’ll want to find the right blend of aesthetics, functional elements and accessibility for your family.
Look for designs that feature two separate living areas, two master bedrooms, a kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and multiple leisure areas.
Following the below tips can help you maximise the advantages of multigenerational living.
- Future-proof living spaces: catering to the evolving needs of your family
Recognising and planning for the evolving needs of both younger and older family members is crucial. Designing with this in mind ensures spaces in the family home are adaptable, easily catering to the changing requirements of a growing child, adult children, young families, active adults and elderly family members. Ground floor accessibility and a well-appointed master bedroom/s are two key elements of future proofing for a joint family. - Expansive personal havens: extends beyond the bedrooms
Choose homes with large bedrooms that serve as personal havens, complete with ample storage options. Include ensuites for other bedrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for every family member. - Tranquil nooks for solitude and reflection
In any busy multigenerational home, having quiet areas is essential. Incorporate leisure rooms, study nooks, prayer rooms and window seats into your home design, providing peaceful corners for solitude and reflection amongst the family dynamics. - Culinary masterpiece: the heart of the home
The kitchen is the heart of a multigenerational home. Choose a design with a spacious kitchen, complemented by a functional butler’s pantry to streamline meal preparation. The main kitchen bench can double as a serving area, facilitating family interactions and making entertaining a breeze. - Seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor living
Choose homes that flow seamlessly, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living with large sliding doors and plenty of glass. Focus on creating a functional outdoor living space that doubles as an entertaining area and be sure to consider play areas for the kids. - Sustainable living: eco-friendly and cost-effective
Sustainability is a key consideration in modern homes. Focus on incorporating features that are not only eco-friendly but also contribute to long-term savings. All Henley designs are 7-star energy efficient homes. - Strength and elegance: durable inclusions in every detail
Homes should have robust fixtures, fittings and flooring. Select inclusions for their durability and visual appeal so they stand the test of time.
Multigenerational house plans
Our multi-generational home designs are crafted to provide comfort, privacy, and connection for families of all sizes and stages. Featuring multiple bedrooms with ensuites, private guest suites, and generous living spaces, these homes offer the perfect balance of shared and personal spaces.
Valletta series
Introducing the Valletta series – a symbol of grandeur, space, and elegance. Designed with the modern family in mind, the Valletta series features five bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite and an expansive guest suite, promising comfort and privacy for all family members. The impressive kitchen, coupled with a functional butler’s pantry, forms the heart of the home, fostering family interactions and efficient dining experiences.
The Valletta series offers versatile options, including the Valletta 499-D54VE which has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 powder rooms and 2 garages.
Athena series
The Athena 484-D52 double storey home design offers 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a powder room, making it another popular choice for multiple generations living under one roof.
A generous guest room with ensuite and walk-in robe at the front of the home creates a separate and private space for family members visiting from overseas, a teenage retreat or a comfortable space for older parents.
The spacious kitchen with butler’s pantry, alfresco area, plus ground floor and first floor living areas, offer options for everyone in the family to have quiet time or gather together.
For slightly more narrow blocks, Athena 446-D48 also boats 5 beds and 5 bathrooms, and is suitable for a 15m lot width.
Lancaster series
Like the Athena, two of our Lancaster double storey multigenerational home designs feature 5 bedrooms, each with an ensuite. Both the master and guest suite ensuites have the added advantage of a double basin.
A void located over the dining area offers an expansive and open feel, creating a striking feature that seamlessly connects the home’s two levels. A large first floor leisure area overlooks the void.
This design also features two entries into the alfresco area, one from the kitchen and one from the dining room, making it ideal for entertaining and family gatherings.
You'll also love the separate study and plenty of storage space including walk-in wardrobes to every bedroom, and linen storage on both the ground and first floors.
The solar all electric option: leading sustainable living
The Valletta, Athena and Lancaster homes combined with our solar all electric option are a popular choice for multigenerational families. This innovative package integrates electric heating, cooling, induction cooking, and hot water systems, complemented by solar panels. This choice is not just environmentally conscious but also cost-effective. It's an investment in a sustainable lifestyle that promises long-term financial savings.
Financial planning and value maximisation
Understanding the financial aspects of building a home is key. Be sure to do your research, seek qualified financial advice and make informed decisions. Our partnership with Mortgage Domayne, Victoria's award-winning construction loan specialists, supports our customers in navigating the financial journey of building their dream home.
Where dreams meet reality
As more Australian families explore options for multiple generations living under the same roof, flexible floor plans, homes with various living areas and accessibility features will become sought-after features in new homes.
Our focus on beautiful modern homes across single and double storey options with flexible design possibilities makes us the preferred choice for families embarking on the journey of multi-generational living. Explore all the homes in our multi-generational living collection here.
