Multi-gen housing is one of the hottest real estate trends in the current US residential market. A citation by Pew Research Center confirms the abrupt percentage spike (11% to 14%) of Americans who invested in multigenerational living arrangements between 2021-23. Buyers moving back from single-family residences to these spaces for combined living are either young adults looking for affordable housing solutions or aging baby boomers needing care and emotional support.
Growing interest in homes for extended families has pushed the demand for multigenerational house plans in the US among real estate developers. They use interactive floor plans and architectural walkthroughs to impress present-day property buyers with the unique characteristics of homes for multiple families living under one roof.
If you’re new to multi-gen homes and involved in related design, construction, and marketing projects, this blog deserves your attention.
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The origins of this architecture date back to the mid-19th century, when global societies were more age-integrated and gradually became age-segregated with societal and economic developments. The desire for independence and financial stability further pushed US homebuyers to invest in one-family living arrangements such as condos and apartments, which prevailed till the early 20th century.
Today, multigenerational homes are emerging as the most economical housing options for young buyers and older generations who move together for shared expenses, responsibilities, and emotional support. But what drives modern homebuyers to invest in it? How can AEC leaders and realtors better facilitate design, approval, construction, and marketing requirements? Let’s start with the introduction.
What are Multigenerational Homes?
Multigen homes, or next-gen homes, accommodate two or more generations and even close relatives living together in a combined space. The occupants of these residences belong to one extended family, mostly aged above 25, including young adults with children and their grandparents.
Do You Know? Multi-gen architecture emerged as a prominent housing trend after the pandemic as most younger adults moved in with their parents to avoid depression due to economic crisis and isolation. At the same time, retired generations began living with their children for better care.
The architectural design of multigenerational homes is unique. They have an open floor plan concept that promotes flexibility, resilience, and shared support. This design is aesthetically pleasing and functional, catering to the diverse needs of the occupants.
The layouts of super-efficient next-gen homes combine attached suits with separate entrances surrounding a fancy front porch in exteriors. For added privacy, homebuilders and designers also insist on adding separate suits or casitas to the backyard of multigenerational house plans.
The open-concept design adds value to this architecture’s multifunctional purposes, as families can use it as they wish. For example, a spacious living or dining room can provide some space for in-law suites, kids, and guests.
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Benefits of Multi-gen or Next-gen Home Plans
Combined living saves money and builds a family. Whether you require detailed exterior and interior CD sets for construction permits or interactive floor plans in 3D and architectural rendering for presentations and marketing, your multigenerational home plans focus on these advantages.
Stronger Family Bonds & Support
Multiple generations living together as an extended family tend to build stronger bonds than those residing separately. Any floor design for multi-gen households incorporates shared areas for kitchen, dining, and spending hours together interacting and getting to know each other.
Such a living arrangement makes them feel more connected and united. Additionally, the children living with grandparents create unforgettable memories to cherish forever.
CAD drafting specialists in the US add in-law suites as casitas or tiny homes, either attached or detached from the main home. Their floor plans combine separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and an open kitchen.
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Multiple Design Options for More Privacy
The fear of losing privacy is a significant concern for clients investing in any architectural style. However, combined living in next-gen floor plans doesn’t compromise homeowners’ privacy, including using young adults.
As a real estate developer, you can get 3D floor plans and virtual tours of multi-gen house interiors so buyers can visualize the design from a privacy perspective. For instance, multigenerational house plans with separate entrances, living rooms, and casitas are the best examples of dwellings prioritizing secluded privacy.
Shared Responsibilities & Expenses
The financial advantages of multi-gen homes add fuel to their surging popularity. Unarguably, the expense of shared households is much less than that of separate ones.
Undoubtedly, families living under one roof find more convenient ways to share and manage their financial responsibilities, with each member contributing to household expenses.
Types & Features of Multigenerational House Plans
From single-floor layouts to duplex house plans, custom multigenerational designs reflect the individual tastes of families who want to embrace combined living.
Here are the most popular multi-gen house and floor plans among architects, designers, real estate marketers, and property buyers.
Farmhouse Multigen House Plans
The farmhouse-style next-generation homes embrace the open floor concept, with private living suites, an attached island kitchen, dining spaces, bathrooms, and pantries.
Other features of Farmhouse House Plans UK include:
Multifunctional design with two or more guest suites
Spacious layout with walk-in closets
Large pantry attached to the open kitchen
Front porch or patio in the backyard
Traditional Multigen House Plans
These multigenerational home plans add traditional appeal with simple, minimalist designs. Homebuilders mostly request open floor plans for double-story or duplex homes and bungalows.
The exterior landscape, front porch, multifunctional units, and open kitchen with attached counters for casual dining on the main floor are the main highlights of these dwellings.
Sneak Peak: Our interior CD sets include 2D and 3D floor plans to comprehensively show how each design and architectural element fits into the combined living concept.
Our designs use advanced software such as 3ds Max, Vray, and Lumion. These tools enhance the photorealism and precision of our designs, making them ideal for design, construction, and marketing purposes.
Modern Multigen House Plans
Multi-story duplex next-gen house plans are drafted considering the living preferences of occupants of all ages. They embrace modern architectural styles and designs dedicated to sustainable, convenient, and cost-effective living.
Their standard features are:
Large windows invite natural lights and give fascinating exterior views from the inside.
Spacious garage and storage space on the main floor.
A deck or porch at the ground level and a balcony are used for outdoor gatherings and fresh air.
Bedroom apartments at different levels have shared kitchens, dining rooms, and living halls.
Multigen Home Plans with Pocket Office
Multi-gen homes are not just about space, they’re about functionality. Each home features a pocket office, a classic family room that seamlessly flows into an open kitchen and dining space. This unique setup also includes a spacious garage and a wraparound porch at the ground level, perfect for outdoor living.
Our multi-gen homes are designed with adaptability in mind. The owner’s suite for adults on the first floor can be accessed from the family room on the ground level. The casita, located next to the owner’s suite, has a private entrance from downstairs and a spacious living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and shower rooms. This flexible layout can accommodate a variety of living arrangements, making it ideal for multi-generational families.
Overall, multi-gen house plans for any architectural style utilize the space for family rooms, master and in-law suites, a garage, a walk-in closet, a large pantry, a pocket office, an island kitchen, a porch and decks for outdoor living, sliding glass doors, and much more.
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Conclusion
The design and construction planning for multi-generational homes evenly exhibit potential buyers’ cultural, emotional, and financial motives. The housing affordability crisis in the current US real estate market is pushing the popularity of multi-family and multi-generational homes.
Parallelly, construction companies’ demand for architectural drawings, 2D and 3D floor plans, and roof framing layouts has been recorded at an all-time high.
Also, real estate marketers launching big residential projects, mainly based on multi-gen apartments and condos, increasingly rely on photorealistic 3D visuals and 360-degree virtual tours to boost sales.
Noting that there is no standard design for next-gen home and floor plans, the experts at BluEntCAD draft custom architectural and interior CD sets meant for varying design permits, development, and possible buyers’ expectations.
We also render floor plans, site plans, plot maps, exterior and interior visualizations, 3D landscapes, walkthroughs, and product models. Want perfect house plans for extended families? Request a free quote for CD sets and interactive floor plans.
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