Full House

This research project combines ethnographic studies, co-design and design exercises to develop a toolkit for designing multi-generational dwellings in Sydney— a growing trend largely driven by housing unaffordability. By examining four terrace houses, a traditionally compact typology, the project challenges the assumption that multi-generational living is only suited to large suburban homes. Generosity of space is not necessarily achieved through square footage but can be created through thoughtful, small-scale interventions that instill adaptability and future-proof homes to meet the evolving needs of expanding and contracting households.

This case study terrace in Newtown demonstrates strategies for building on compact inner-city lots. Habitable space has been extended into the residual area of a former laneway over time.

Tools extracted from an ethnographic study were tested on a breadth of sites to see how they may differ, evolve and expand in response to different spatial constraints.

Taxonomy of tools for multi-generational design

Drawing through observation has been a primary tool in this project for understanding how spaces and inhabitants shape each other.

One of four terrace case studies in the project 'Full House'