Multi-generational homes are households that are specifically designed to house more than one generation of the same family. Such architectural approaches have seen popularity in places like Asia where family values articulate themselves differently than in the West. However, in the contemporary moment, multi-generational homes are also beginning to gain popularity in North America. Most recently, an example of one comes from the Montreal-based architecture studio Nós which designed a slick, three-part multi-generation house in Vermont's Green Mountains.
Aptly named the Three Summits, this design project is comprised of three connected contemporary structures, each with a playful pitched roof and granite stone walls. When designing these dwellings, meant for three generations of one family, Nós really emphasized the surrounding landscape, looking to create visual architectural cohesion that emphasizes the breathtaking mountainous environment.
Three-Part Multi-Generational Homes
Nós Designs a Multi-Generational Home in Vermont
Trend Themes
1. Multi-generational Homes - The growing trend of multi-generational homes is an opportunity for real estate developers to create more space-efficient designs that meet the needs of extended families.
2. Connected Dwellings - The trend of connected dwellings offers an opportunity for architects to innovate and create unique designs that allow multiple generations of a family to live together while still having their own space and privacy.
3. Landscape-driven Design - The trend of landscape-driven design provides an opportunity for architects to create homes that coexist with the natural environment, giving residents a closer connection to nature and improving their overall quality of life.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - The trend of multi-generational homes presents a significant opportunity for the real estate industry to build and sell homes that meet the unique needs of extended families.
2. Architecture - The trend of connected dwellings presents an opportunity for architects to take advantage of new design concepts and create unique structures that meet the needs of multi-generational families.
3. Construction - The trend of landscape-driven design provides an opportunity for construction companies to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable materials into multi-generational home design, making them more environmentally conscious and energy-efficient.