Smart Ways to Use Your Property
Many Kiwi families own a section of land with a single house, but that piece of property holds the potential for so much more. For families wanting to live closer together without being on top of each other, adding a minor dwelling or granny flat is often the most practical first step. This approach focuses on the layout of the property itself, creating a small 'family village' where everyone has their own front door.
This concept is a modern interpretation of suburban papakāinga design, where multiple homes are thoughtfully arranged on family land. Clever site planning is essential when designing for extended family. It allows for the creation of shared outdoor areas, like a central garden perfect for whānau gatherings and summer barbecues. At the same time, it ensures each home has its own private patio or garden for those quiet morning coffees. This careful arrangement provides both connection and independence. For those considering this path, exploring the options we offer for infill dwellings can provide a clear starting point.
A Home That Adapts as Your Family Does
Once you have the property layout sorted, the focus shifts to the inside of the home. A truly successful multi-generational home is one that is future proofed to work for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. This is where universal design principles come into play. It is not about creating a clinical space, but rather about thoughtful design that simply makes daily life easier for every member of the family, regardless of their age or physical ability.
This commitment to accessible home design means incorporating features that benefit everyone. Some of the most effective elements include:
- Step free entries for easy access, whether you are pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or just carrying in the weekly groceries.
- Wider hallways and doorways that create a sense of spaciousness and allow for comfortable movement throughout the home.
- A bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor to accommodate older family members or anyone who finds stairs a challenge.
- Lever style door handles and taps, which are much easier to use for people with limited hand strength, like young children or those with arthritis.
Building these features in from the start is far more cost effective than trying to retrofit them later. More importantly, it allows family members to maintain their independence and dignity for longer. This commitment to thoughtful planning is a core part of our approach, and you can see how we integrate these ideas in the new build homes we design.
Balancing Togetherness and Personal Space
We can all picture that moment when even the closest families need a bit of their own space. Acknowledging this reality is fundamental when creating successful multi-generational homes. The key is to find a harmonious balance between private retreats and inviting shared areas. This can be achieved by creating distinct zones, such as a self contained unit with its own entrance or placing bedrooms for different generations on separate floors to minimise noise transfer.
With privacy taken care of, you can then focus on designing shared living space ideas that naturally encourage connection. A large kitchen island often becomes the heart of the home, a place for homework, conversation, and preparing meals together. A comfortable lounge invites family movie nights, while connecting the indoor living area to an outdoor deck extends the communal space for relaxed family activities. As a report from BRANZ on multi-generational households highlights, getting this balance right is crucial for long term harmony. To see examples of how this balance is achieved in finished projects, you can look through our completed projects.
Modal has created homes and dwellings that provide the scaffold for mulitgenerational living, bringing all the principles we have discussed to life. At Modal, we believe in creating homes that work for people, and our services are structured to guide you through every step. If you are inspired by these ideas and want to discuss your own project, feel free to book a meeting with us.
