Making a terraced house suitable for multi-generational living

Making a terraced house suitable for multi-generational living requires both thoughtful design and practical solutions to ensure the space is functional, comfortable, and maintains privacy for everyone involved. Here are some key strategies to future-proof your house for multi-generational living:

1. Define Separate Living Spaces

• Create independent zones: If possible, divide the house into separate zones for each generation. This could mean converting existing rooms into small apartments or suites with separate entrances, or creating distinct areas with privacy walls and additional bathrooms.
• Use partitions or sliding doors: In a terraced house, it might not be possible to completely divide the space, but using partitions or sliding doors can create semi-private areas within shared spaces.

2. Add an Extra Bathroom or Two

• Essential for privacy and comfort: The more people sharing the space, the more bathrooms will be needed. Adding an additional bathroom (or even a wet room) can significantly reduce conflict and improve convenience. If possible, adding en-suite bathrooms in bedrooms also offers privacy and reduces traffic in shared bathrooms.

3. Consider Flexible Room Layouts

• Multi-functional spaces: To maximise space, design rooms that can be used for different purposes as the needs of the family change over time. For instance, a living room can double as a guest bedroom, or a basement can become an independent living area with its own kitchenette and bathroom.
• Home offices: Given the trend towards remote work, having adaptable spaces for home offices or study areas can be crucial, especially for younger adults who may be working or studying from home.

4. Improve Accessibility

• Universal design: Consider the needs of elderly family members by making the house more accessible. This could involve adding ramps, widening doorways, or installing grab bars in bathrooms and hallways.
• Stair lifts or elevators: If you have multiple stories, installing a stair lift or even a small residential elevator can make it easier for elderly family members to move between floors safely.

5. Create Private Outdoor Spaces

• Personalised garden or balcony areas: Having outdoor areas that each generation can enjoy can be an essential factor in multi-generational living. Create small, private gardens or balconies where each family unit can relax and unwind, even within a terraced layout.
• Shared communal garden: Alternatively, if privacy isn't as big of a concern, consider designing a communal garden that everyone can use.

6. Ensure Ample Storage

• Storage solutions for everyone: Storage can be a huge challenge in a terraced house. Make sure there is enough space for everyone’s belongings—whether it’s through under-stair storage, built-in wardrobes, or converting unused spaces like attics or basements into functional storage areas.
• Use vertical storage: In smaller terraced houses, think about maximising storage by using vertical space, like shelving, hanging organisers, or lofted areas.

7. Separate Kitchens or Kitchenette

• Multiple cooking spaces: A large family or multiple generations living under one roof often leads to competing meal times and kitchen usage. If you can, create separate kitchenettes on different floors, or at least a small wet bar or cooking station in a secondary living space, so family members can prepare meals without constant interference.

8. Soundproofing and Noise Reduction

• Reducing noise transfer: Since terraced houses often have thin walls, soundproofing becomes important in multi-generational living. You can install soundproofing materials in shared walls or use carpets and heavy drapes to reduce noise. Also, consider using white noise machines in quieter rooms to maintain privacy and comfort.
• Quiet zones: Designate quiet areas for reading, studying, or relaxing that are removed from the bustling common spaces.

9. Upgrade the HVAC System

• Efficient heating and cooling: As more people live in a space, controlling the temperature becomes important. Upgrade the heating and cooling systems so each area can be controlled individually to accommodate varying needs and preferences.

10. Consider Future Flexibility

• Plan for adaptability: Design rooms that can easily adapt to the needs of future generations. For example, if elderly relatives might need extra care or assistance in the future, consider spaces that could accommodate medical equipment or live-in caregivers. Similarly, if young adults are likely to return home in the future, flexible guest rooms or study areas would be useful.

11. Create a Communal Social Space

• Shared spaces for togetherness: Even though private spaces are important, also create a large communal living area for family gatherings, cooking, and socialising. A spacious dining room, a large kitchen, or a cozy living area can bring the family together and ensure that there’s room for everyone to enjoy each other's company.

12. Consider Technological Solutions

• Smart home features: Consider installing smart home devices such as smart thermostats, lights, security systems, and voice-controlled assistants. These can make life easier and more efficient for multiple generations, as well as enhance safety and accessibility.
• Home automation for care needs: For older generations, smart home devices can help with everyday tasks like reminding them to take medication or monitoring health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns.

13. Embrace a Flexible Design Approach

• Focus on the emotional needs: Designing a home for multi-generational living isn't just about making it practical; it's also about ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and emotionally supported. Make sure there are spaces for quiet reflection, relaxation, and family bonding.
• Neutral but personalised decor: Use a neutral base for the overall design to keep it cohesive, but allow for each generation to personalise their own space. For instance, allow for different colour schemes, décor, or even furniture choices in individual spaces.

Conclusion

Designing a terraced house for multi-generational living involves creating a balance between privacy, comfort, and shared spaces. Thoughtful planning can ensure that each generation can live together harmoniously, while also providing enough flexibility to accommodate changing needs in the future. With the right adjustments, even a small terraced home can become a comfortable, adaptable space for an extended family.