Smart design tips for multigenerational living

A dog and person walk in the courtyard of a two-storey terracotta-clad home

Written by Chris Pearson for Australian Seniors

Multigenerational living is nothing new. But the traditional granny flat in the Australian back garden is on notice, with designers looking for new approaches to an age-old issue. “It’s particularly relevant with the ageing population,” says Paul Porjazoski of Bent Architecture. And for the baby boomer generation, who will possibly be better off than their offspring, the backyard simply will not do.

Take Bent’s North Balwyn Multi-Gen project in Victoria, where two generations bought a site and built a two-storey, three-bedroom home for grandparents at the front and a larger family home, with three bedrooms and a study, at the rear. The two are separated by a courtyard. “The outdoor space is the overlap and becomes the communal space, the mediator,” says Paul.

R Architecture’s Mahogany House in Melbourne, meanwhile, consists of two pods separated by a central courtyard with a swimming pool. A double-storey main family living pod sits to the west, while a single-storey two-bedroom grandparents’ pod sits to the east, the two connected by a central lounge, which soaks up views of that courtyard and a mahogany tree.

New approaches to communal living

Andrew Maynard of Austin Maynard Architects gave the granny flat a facelift in the Terracotta House. “Rather than squeezing everyone under one roof, we created a village compound,” he says. The client, a grandmother who bought a cottage with a huge backyard in inner-suburban Melbourne, wanted a space that would house both her son and his family and a big veggie garden.

Andrew designed a compact new home for her at the rear and renovated the existing house for her son’s family. Between the two is a communal pavilion and produce garden. “This pavilion acts as a guestroom and library, and allows for spontaneous, incidental connection, while ensuring privacy when needed. With its mix of shared and private spaces, this is a multigenerational home like no other.”

How to manage multiple generations under one roof

Shared living can be challenging, so careful planning is key. Include distinct communal zones, usually the kitchen, and also private zones so occupants can retreat. Preferably, this should not just be a bedroom, says Paul. “Ideally, it should be a second or third sitting area, but it need not be big. It could be a nook or window seat.”

Andrew’s Charles House was built for a family looking 25 years into the future, he says. “They wanted a home that would grow with the family, which would adapt to the needs of their young children as they grew up, and a place where they could accommodate a family of five and grandparents in the near future.” He integrated the granny flat into the ground level as an adaptable space with its own garden access. To offer privacy, it’s in three pavilions, linked by glass bridges.

Future proofing your home

‘Ageing in place’ continues to be the ideal for many, as soaring costs encourage home owners to stay put. Bent’s Mount Eliza project had the long view in mind. While the downstairs is a fully contained home with a main bedroom, Paul tucked an additional living area, bedroom and bathroom under the roofline for future younger house guests.

Interior designer Frances Cosway of White Pebble Interiors says: “Think ahead by placing the main bedroom on the ground floor if it’s a two-storey home. When the kids are young, it offers separation from them upstairs, but it also means the parents can avoid stairs when they’re older.” You might not want to invest in a lift yet – they can be upwards of $100,000 – but you could provide space for one to be installed in the future.

For longevity, think multi-purpose rooms, says Frances, so they can accompany family members through their life stages, from nursery to grandparents’ retreat, from a study to a guest bedroom for visiting offspring. “Keep inbuilt joinery to a minimum in these rooms, because it can limit their use. And, ideally, ensure they have a bathroom nearby.”

Adopt a door for privacy

While we have embraced open-plan living, it brings downsides. “I harp on about doors for privacy,” says Frances. A smart solution is a sliding door which disappears into the wall cavity to make two spaces one. Include doors on that upstairs grandkids’ hideaway – being separated by a stairway is not enough. And a door separating the communal spaces from the hallway and the rest of the house is a must.

Sound management in multigenerational homes

Being out of sight might not mean your extended family is out of mind. “Ensure that sightlines can be controlled and that sound transmission between the various living quarters is heavily mitigated,” says Andrew.

“Noise limitation is essential,” agrees Frances. “As well as doors, I am a great fan of carpet, especially in homes with youngsters.” For extra quiet, team it with heavyweight curtains and ample soft furnishings.

Think ahead

Keep your spaces on one level, avoiding steps. “Especially to outdoor spaces, which many people forget,” says Paul.
Benches of different heights add to a kitchen’s versatility, as prep spaces or for eating meals, says Frances.
Ensure hallways are at least one metre wide for a wheelchair or walking frame, should you ever need one.

28 Oct 2026