How to Design Multigenerational Homes in Singapore
Family is a core value to many Singaporeans across all walks of life. For those privileged to share a house with their parents or grandparents, finding a way to make multigenerational living work is key to maintaining close family bonds and a strong support system throughout the years.
However, designing a home that is elderly-friendly and caters to the distinct needs of multiple generations requires thoughtful, intentional planning. Here are some “Blue Zone”-inspired design solutions you can adopt to ensure a balance of dignity, comfort, and privacy in a multigenerational residence.
What are “Blue Zone” Principles?
“Blue Zone” was first coined by National Geographic Explorer and Fellow and journalist Dan Buettner in 2004. It refers to five specific regions across the world with notably higher longevity and vitality rates. By studying the lifestyles and environments of these environments, Buettner and his team derived nine key principles known as the Power 9®:
- Move naturally
- Purpose
- Downshift
- 80% rule
- Plant slant
- Wine at 5
- Right tribe
- Loved ones first
- Belong
Here are some home design choices inspired by the Power 9® to help you achieve a healthful, dignified multigenerational home.
1. Ground Floor Suites for Elderly Comfort & Accessibility
Accessibility is key to “Move Naturally”. As you age, achieving this may necessitate going against typical home design strategies.
For instance, the master bedroom or suite is usually located on an upper floor of a multi-storey residence to allow for privacy and exclusivity. However, a ground-floor suite can be life-changing for two main reasons: it eliminates the need for navigating stairs and it provides direct access to communal areas such as the living room, kitchen, and garden.
Elderly-friendly home design also goes down to the details, such as step-free ensuites, grab bars or shower benches, and non-slip flooring. Wide doorways (essential for wheelchairs or mobility devices), lever-style door handles, and good lighting are also essential for independent living across different mobility and ability levels.
2. Dual Master Bedrooms for Autonomy & Respect
As families cohabitate, maintaining a sense of personal space and autonomy is vital even as you keep “Loved Ones First”. A dual master bedroom concept is a sophisticated solution that supports independence while helping avoid conflicts over space. To ensure privacy, these suites can be placed in different floors or wings of the residence.
3. Separate Entryways and Kitchenettes for Independent Living
For some families interested in multigenerational living, providing a higher degree of autonomy is the solution for peaceful living with elderly relatives.
Separate or private entryways provide family members with the freedom and autonomy to come and go as they please without disturbing the main household. This allows them to host their own guests or receive deliveries with ease, maintaining connections with the “Right Tribe”. It can also help seniors feel respected within the home and avoid tussles over ‘saving face’ or reputation for more stubborn, independent-minded individuals. Smart home design elements such as automated lights and smart security systems can also improve accessibility for elderly residents.
Similarly, having a small kitchenette within their private living space allows for self-sufficiency. This can be especially important for those who prefer their own meal schedules or enjoy the ritual of making their own cup of tea (or even “Wine at 5” if they prefer).
Your Home, Your Legacy of Longevity
As a leading landed developer in Singapore, Brand New Land knows that your house is more than just your landed property investment.
A well-designed multigenerational home should bring families together, fostering closer bonds across generations. Our “Blue Zone”-inspired landed homes are how we’ve made multigenerational living work, incorporating features such as biophilic design to maximise indoor-outdoor living, spacious communal areas for building social connection, and customisable kitchens to encourage home-cooking for health and bonding opportunities.
We invite you to explore our thoughtfully designed landed houses in Singapore and discover how we’re building a legacy of longevity, one home at a time.