With an ageing population, the need to consider how we, as a society, care for our elders becomes increasingly paramount. In fact one of the key matters for investigation in the Royal Commission into Aged Care is, "the future challenges and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable and high quality aged care services in Australia... in the context of changing demographics and preferences, in particular people's desire to remain living at home as they age".
Simultaneously we're experiencing a challenge with housing affordability, particularly with younger generations, where it has become increasingly difficult for those not already on the property ladder to afford a house in major cities.
Multi-generational housing is an option which has the potential to solve both of these problems.
What is multi-generational housing?
Multi-generational housing is where two or more generations of adults from the same family share a house or property. If you're from a migrant community, you're probably thinking, 'we've been doing that for years!'
Multi-generational housing is common in many cultures and, in fact was the norm here in Australia until relatively recently. These days though, most homes in Australia are designed with the nuclear family in mind. This prioritises independence, but familial support, particularly in old age, suffers. Elderly family members commonly move into aged care when their health and mobility deteriorates. As a result, our homes often aren't designed to cope well with ageing-in-place.
But it's no longer the '50s and the nuclear family doesn't dominate as it once did. Increasingly the 'average' family is diverging from this traditional model and we now see a much wider range of family types which is why it's time to start thinking about how to design for multi-generational homes.
How can multi-generational housing help with aged care?
As the Royal Commission notes, people want to stay at home as they age, rather than be forced to move into aged care. Of course, aged care can be necessary when the home environment isn't suitable for the elderly especially if they're unsupported in the home. Designing for ageing-in-place means the older generation can live more comfortably in their home as they grow older and, when incorporated with multi-generational housing these ageing-in-place strategies are even more effective because family members are there to provide support.
How can multi-generational housing help with housing affordability?
Multi-generational housing makes it possible to use the equity the older generation has built up in their home to help the younger generation get on the property ladder. Additionally, sharing resources between generations can make the home more affordable. A well-designed multi-generational house allows different family units to live independently, while still sharing resources and spaces if and when they want to; it's not like moving back in with your parents!
Approaches to multi-generational housing
In many cultures, multi-generational living is not a novel idea, it's a way of life. This can take many forms: some families live under one roof and share kitchen, laundry and garden space, while others may have a relatively autonomous home within the one building (often on different levels) where they may only share circulation space and utilities. Some families even share a compound with communal facilities for cooking and cleaning and shared gardens, whether for food production or for leisure. All of these styles of multi-generational housing can inform and inspire our approach here in Australia.
There are countless examples of multi-generational living in other cultures. These examples vary in dwelling configuration and the extent of shared common space.
The granny flat model is one approach to multi-generational housing that we're familiar with here in Australia: there's a primary house and then a smaller, stand alone studio in the backyard. This is a good way to retrofit an existing house, but it doesn't typically create a house built for ageing-in-place for the older generation and it relies on the younger generation owning a home already. Additionally, many granny flats don't allow the occupants to live completely independently because they don't have a full kitchen and or bathroom and living spaces are restricted.
Another model which is becoming more popular is a large house with a ground floor bedroom suite for the older generation and another bedroom suite upstairs or in another part of the house. This is excellent if you want to all live under the same roof and it could work really well if you have young children their grandparents are helping to care for. The downside is it lacks the independent living aspect.
There are several well-known international examples of multi-generational housing we can also draw on. 2 En 1: Intergenerational House by TICA Architecture is a great example where four generations of the one family share two seperate homes in the same building. Intermediary spaces like like a workshop on the ground floor and terrace on the first floor allow the family to come together, or they can enjoy privacy in their own home.
2 En 1: Intergenerational House by TICA Architecture is a home for four generations of the same family separated into two seperate dwellings on the one site. Several shared spaces like this deck area allow the family to come together to socialise, but they also have the privacy of their own homes. Image Source: TICA Architecture.
In Amsterdam, an incredible home designed by BETA is spread over five levels and houses three generations of the same family, creating space for every family member within the one building. A lift provides access for the grandparents' apartment, which also takes in incredible views of the city. The design maximises flexibility by allowing for change as the family grows and changes over time, while sustainability is also key, creating a near zero-energy home.
This sky high building in the Netherlands is a flexible multi-generational home spread over five levels. With lift access for elderly residents and flexibility built in to allow the house to adapt to the family’s changing needs, this is an incredible example of the possibilities for multi-generational housing. Image Source: BETA.
Multi-generational housing: a new model
With local and international examples to draw on, multi-generational housing could be a solution to two of Australia's greatest challenges wrapped up in one: creating affordable housing for younger generations and allowing older generations to stay in their homes longer but it requires good design to make it work, both culturally and practically.
A project we've been working on rethinks how the average suburban subdivision could be rethought to create multi-generational housing. In this model, two seperate houses are built on the same block, one for the older generation and one for the younger generation and children. While this housing typology would typically include a non-descript driveway down one side, seperate garages and seperate yards, the multi-generational house shares and celebrates these spaces. What you get is two houses surrounded by garden! There can even be a green roof on top of the garage to maximise outdoor space for all to use.
By taking the typical suburban subdivision and rethinking it for multi-generational living, the shared driveway common in this style of development can become a shared green space.
In this model, both families can live independently, while still feeling supported by each other and they're free to come together to enjoy their communal garden space. Overall, all generations can enjoy more outdoor space than they would otherwise. As the older generation ages, they can continue to enjoy this space without worrying about the maintenance. Similarly, the younger generation can take advantage of free childcare in a home they can afford - it's win-win!
Green space where there would normally be grey. The Multi-generational BENT model allows two families to live independently, but share a generous outdoor space. It also allows for easy subdivision in the future if the family’s needs change.
Could multi-generational living work for you and your extended family? Get in touch!
Related Projects
The owners of BENT Pavilion felt it was time to down-size, but were adamant that downsizing shouldn't mean down-grading (and we whole-heartedly agreed)! At home in Balwyn North and wanting to remain close to friends and family, they hatched a plan to keep their parents close by and continue to enjoy the space and lifestyle they love by joining forces to build a home... together.
