Multi-Gen Home Designs That Succeed in Meeting Multiple Needs

This article first appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Pro Builder.

Although multiple generations living together in one home may seem like a fairly recent concept, it was considered the norm decades ago ... until a variety of housing types emerged to provide each generation an opportunity to seek independence.

In more recent times, the economics of independent living and increasing longevity have prompted many families to revisit the idea of sharing expenses and living spaces, as well as providing needed care both for young and old.

Still, the desire for independence and privacy remains critical, and successful designs, which include separate entrances and personal garages, among other features, emphasize those wants and needs while also offering communal gathering spaces inside and outside the home that enable valuable connections and emotional support for members of these expanded households.

6160 at Westerly

DESIGNER: Seth Hart, DTJ Design, shart@dtjdesign.com, 303.443.7533

DIMENSIONS: Width: 50 feet / Depth: 80 feet / Living area: 4,087 sf

This multigenerational-inspired home (main image, above) provides ultimate flexibility to meet a variety of family needs.

For example, the entertainment-driven kitchen’s massive island and generous living and dining spaces accommodate connectivity, while a tucked-away office, a retreat in the primary bedroom, and a kids’ loft provide areas that enable privacy.

Meanwhile, the multi-gen suite on the main floor (shaded in blue on the first-floor plan, at right) offers direct access from a single-car garage, a separate entry door off the entry porch, and an interior connection to the main home for ultimate flexibility. The suite’s living room, kitchenette, and stacked washer and dryer allow the space to function independently of the main home for added privacy, while its own outdoor living porch can be expanded on end lots to a larger covered porch.

Elevations of 6160 at Westerly, a multigen design by DTJ Design

A. One-car garage with direct access to multi-gen suite

B. Entry door off a covered porch

C. Living room with kitchenette offers privacy and flexibility

D. Private outdoor living space can be expanded on end lots

E. Large kitchen and island to accommodate multigenerational families

F. Retreat off the second-floor primary bedroom provides additional private space

Floor plans of 6160 at Westerly, a multigen design by DTJ Design

Custom Home

ARCHITECT: Donald F. Evans, AIA, The Evans Group, dmichele@theevansgroup.com, 407.650.8770

DIMENSIONS: Width: 65 feet / Depth: 85 feet / Living area: 4,142 sf

This home is perfect for multi-generational living, providing a plan that works for a household of three (or more!) generations.

A generous private second-floor apartment, served by an elevator and stairs, is fully outfitted for independent living, including an open studio area for maximum flexibility.

The main home’s open floor plan features a dining room and a gourmet kitchen, both opening onto spacious outdoor living areas.

A split first-floor layout provides secondary bedrooms (each with a bathroom), a private home office, and a luxurious owner’s suite with two walk-in closets.

Exterior of an Evans Group design for a custom home

A. Grand rotunda entry glimpses outdoor living in back

B. L-shaped open floor plan

C. Owner’s suite set apart from secondary bedrooms

D. Secondary bedrooms with en suite or shared bathrooms

E. One-car garage to “friend’s foyer” and elevator

F. Centralized home office

G. Covered lanai accessible from living room and owner’s bedroom

H. Independent second-floor apartment

Floor plans for a multi-gen custom home design by the Evans Group

The Emerson

DESIGNERS: GMD Design Group, Scott Gardner, scott@gmddesigngroup.com, 919.320.3022

Donnie McGrath, donnie@gmddesigngroup.com, 770.375.7351

DIMENSIONS: Width: 74 feet / Depth: 88 feet / Living area: 4,310 sf

This multigenerational home provides spaces for interaction among family members, including outdoor living spaces at the rear of the home.

A separate entry from the front porch creates privacy for the multi-gen suite, which is located far from the main home’s living areas and is protected by a staircase and closets to reduce noise transmission.

Elevation of multi-gen home design by GMD Design Group

A. Split 2-1 garage provides a private bay for the multi-gen suite

B. Front porch with separate entries to the main house and multi-gen suite

C. Multi-gen suite kitchenette, living, and dining area

D. Secluded primary suite

E. Covered indoor/outdoor living

F. Loft provides natural light and a sense of arrival at the top of the stairs

G. Secondary bedroom with en suite bath

Floor plans for multi-gen home design by GMD Design Group

Plan 350

ARCHITECT: Todd Hallett, AIA, TK Design & Associates, thallett@tkhomedesign.com, 248.446.1960

DIMENSIONS: Width: 50 feet / Depth: 62 feet / Living area: 3,281 sf

A great approach to easing overhead burden during a down market is to develop a lean portfolio that packs a punch.

The strategy is to create plans with built-in flexibility. Transformer plans like this allow one plan to serve several market segments, including multigenerational, and ease the burden of portfolio management.