adaptable living spaces: canberra’s shift towards flexible design solutions

by | Nov 11, 2023

In the evolving architectural landscape of Canberra, the concept of adaptable living spaces has emerged as a key consideration. The ability of a home to flex and adapt to the changing needs of its residents is becoming increasingly vital.

Importance of Adaptability

Canberra homeowners are experiencing evolving lifestyle needs (be it enabling inter-generational living on the a single residential site, space for charging an EV, or additional sun protection for interior spaces for extended parts of the year as our local climate shifts), necessitating homes that can easily accommodate these changes. This is particularly evident in the recent release of the new Territory Plan, which now allows dual occupancies in RZ1 single residential zones on blocks greater than 800 square metres, enabling greater flexibility in how some of the inner, older residential suburbs of Canberra might use their backyards!

At the same time, the new National Construction Code now includes the Livable Housing Design guide for the first time as a mandatory inclusion for new projects – meaning that housing needs to designed to meet the needs of a broader section of the community, “including older people and those with a mobility-related disability” (NCC 2022, Part H8). The crucial role of adaptable designs lies in their ability to meet these diverse requirements.

Design Strategies for Flexibility

Architectural strategies play a pivotal role in crafting adaptable living spaces. Designs encompass elements that offer flexibility, from modular furniture to multiple purposes rooms, allowing seamless transitions between different functions within a single space. These solutions are tailored to suit diverse family dynamics and lifestyle changes, ensuring the space remains functional and comfortable.

Case Study: Mellow Yellow House and Cottage

We recently completed a long-term project for an extended multi-generational family with a unique set of needs in Narrabundah, ACT. The original extension for the immediate family (which was designed by Sarah whilst working previously for Philip Leeson Architects) was set-up to address their very specific needs for one of their sons who has autism. The original red brick cottage to which this extension is attached was later designed by Sarah Truscott Architect to be adaptable for their grandparents, a future carer for their son, or for any of their other sons and future families to stay on the same site. This flexible layout means that the home now effortlessly accommodates changing family structures, work-from-home needs, or aging-in-place considerations, showcasing the practicality and versatility of adaptable spaces.

The significance of adaptable living spaces in Canberra cannot be overstated. As homeowners’ needs continue to evolve, architects should increasingly (and as mandated by the new National Construction Code) prioritise flexibility in their designs. This focus ensures homes that not only meet current requirements but also adapt gracefully to future modifications, creating spaces that truly grow with their inhabitants.