Financial constraints, a desire for social support, and cultural expectations are increasing the number of multi-generational families living in one home or on a single property. A custom home design, addition, or remodeling is often required to balance privacy and shared spaces. Seth A. Leeb is the NJ residential architect you need to make your family home a practical and enjoyable space that accommodates everyone.
In this article, we explore key considerations when designing a multi-generational family home, how to create functionally shared spaces, and maximize privacy and accessibility with in-law suites. We also learn more about cohousing architecture.
Multi-Generational Home Design: Key Considerations for Diverse Families
Diverse families want spaces that are accessible and inclusive for the whole family, whether they live in an existing home or intend to build a new one. When designing a multi-generational home, the architect includes wider doorways, an external entry for easy wheelchair access, and door handles that don’t require grip.
Kitchens are shared spaces. Wider work aisles and varying countertop heights with accessible appliances encourage everyone to participate during mealtime. Good lighting throughout the home is essential. Skylights bring more natural light, floor-level hallway lighting keeps everyone safe at night, and bright reading areas allow people to work, study, or enjoy a good book.
House Plans for Multi-Generational Families: Creating Functional Shared Spaces
Flexibility is key to creating functional shared spaces that fulfill the needs of parents, grandparents, and children in multi-generational family homes. What can you do?
- Add separate entrances for increased privacy and soundproofing where required.
- Design rooms to transition easily from one function to another without large structural changes, for example, from an office to a bedroom.
- Create zones in open-plan homes with screens or sliding doors to accommodate multiple needs.
The Seth A. Leeb Architect team has worked on multiple home additions and Add-A-Level projects, including kitchens, family rooms, and bedrooms. We know you will find inspiration in one of our completed projects!
Designing a Home with In-Law Suites: Maximizing Privacy and Accessibility
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are increasingly considered when designing a multi-generational home. ADUs, often called granny flats or in-law suites, are smaller self-contained living spaces built on the same property as a primary residence. They are created by converting portions of existing homes (upper floor, garage, or basement), adding to a structure (on top of a garage or next to the main house), or building a fully detached unit.
Zoning laws determine whether you can add an in-law suite to your property. Our services cover all aspects of the architectural design process, and we are fully informed on building codes and zoning laws. We can also advise on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and universal design requirements.
Cohousing Architecture: Integrating Community Living into Private Homes
Research on loneliness in America shows that 75% of adults want “more activities or fun community events” and “public spaces that are more accessible and connection-focused, like green spaces and playgrounds.”
“Cohousing architecture” is one way to fulfill this need, as communities intentionally design ample common spaces such as recreational areas and outdoor walkways, surrounded by private homes. Although the private homes have all required amenities, there is a common house with a large kitchen, dining room, and laundry room the community can use to cook for one another or socialize. Cohousing spaces are available in rural and urban areas.
Seth A. Leeb was recognized as Architect of the Year by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in New Jersey, among other awards. His architectural firm provides comprehensive residential and commercial design services in NJ. Contact us today to discuss designing a multi-generational home. You can also visit our website at: https://leeb-architecture.com/