Designing a house where seven families can live together requires thoughtful planning to balance privacy, shared spaces, and comfort. Below is a remodeling idea that creates a harmonious living environment for multiple families:
Remodeling Idea: Co-Living Community with Private Suites and Shared Spaces
Key Design Features:
- Private Living Quarters for Each Family
- Common Shared Areas
- Outdoor and Recreational Spaces
- Smart and Sustainable Design
- Functional Room Layouts
1. Private Living Quarters for Each Family
Each family should have its own private space to maintain personal privacy and comfort. The remodel can divide the house into seven self-contained suites, each with the following:
- Bedrooms: 1-2 bedrooms depending on the family size.
- Bathroom: A private en-suite bathroom for each suite.
- Mini-Kitchen or Kitchenette: A compact kitchen with essentials (sink, stove, fridge) for small meals or snacks.
- Living Area: A small living room for each family to relax.
Design Tip: Use sliding partitions or foldable walls to maximize space and allow for flexible usage of rooms.
2. Common Shared Areas
To create a sense of community, the house should feature large, well-designed common spaces where families can come together.
a. Large Communal Kitchen and Dining Area
- Oversized Kitchen: A large kitchen with multiple cooking stations, double refrigerators, and ample counter space so several families can cook together.
- Dining Hall: A spacious dining area with a long communal table to accommodate all families for shared meals or gatherings.
- Pantry: A well-organized pantry with labeled sections for each family’s food storage needs.
b. Shared Living Room
- A large living room with comfortable seating, a big-screen TV, and a fireplace to encourage socializing and group activities.
- Multiple zones can be designed for reading, watching movies, or relaxing together.
c. Shared Laundry Room
- Install multiple washing machines and dryers to accommodate the needs of seven families.
- Consider dividing the space into personal laundry sections to avoid confusion.
3. Outdoor and Recreational Spaces
Shared outdoor spaces are essential to provide fresh air and recreational options.
a. Community Garden or Yard
- Create a garden where families can grow vegetables, flowers, or simply enjoy outdoor relaxation. Raised beds can be assigned to each family for personal use.
- Outdoor Kitchen: Add a BBQ area with picnic tables for outdoor dining and gatherings.
b. Playground/Entertainment Zone
- If there are children, add a playground area or playroom for them to enjoy.
- Include an entertainment room with a pool table, ping pong, or gaming consoles for communal enjoyment.
4. Smart and Sustainable Design
To support multiple families and promote sustainability, the house should incorporate smart and eco-friendly design elements.
a. Energy Efficiency
- Install solar panels to reduce energy costs.
- Use energy-efficient appliances in both the private suites and shared areas.
- Smart lighting and motion sensors in shared spaces can save energy when rooms are not in use.
b. Water Conservation
- Install low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets to minimize water usage.
- Consider adding a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate gardens.
c. Smart Home Systems
- Integrate smart home technology to control lighting, heating, and security systems centrally or via a mobile app.
5. Functional Room Layouts
The layout of the house should balance private and communal spaces without feeling cramped or overcrowded.
a. Central Atrium or Courtyard
- Create a central atrium or courtyard in the middle of the house. This space serves as a meeting point and provides natural light to the surrounding rooms.
b. Separate Entrances for Privacy
- Each family should have a private entrance to their suite, either through separate entryways or a central hallway with secure doors.
c. Shared Hallways with Personal Lockers
- Add shared hallways equipped with lockers where families can store shared tools, sports equipment, or personal belongings.
Conclusion
A co-living remodel for seven families can be designed to foster community while maintaining privacy and personal comfort. By focusing on creating private suites for each family and shared common areas for socializing, cooking, and outdoor activities, you’ll create a functional and welcoming environment. Incorporating smart home technology and sustainable features ensures that the space is efficient, eco-friendly, and future-proof.
