Home adaptations for an aging lifestyle

People are living longer, healthier and more interesting lives compared to 50 years ago. As an architect on Sydney’s north shore I am seeing a shift in client aspirations wanting to remain in their familiar family home and modify its design to accommodate their changing needs and circumstances. They are rethinking their homes to suit evolving lifestyles, blending practicality with financial sensibility.

One of the more intriguing adaptations is the redesign of upper or lower levels to accommodate a family member or a renter who not only provides extra income but also serves as a caretaker when needed.

The desire to ‘age in place’ is nothing new, but the way homeowners are achieving it has evolved. Many of my clients want to remain in the homes they’ve cherished for decades, in the neighbourhoods they love, close to friends, family, and familiar conveniences. However, as mobility becomes a consideration and travel becomes more frequent—often to a second home in the country or on the coast—having a well-thought-out living arrangement makes a difference.

Instead of simply retrofitting grab rails or widening doorways, homeowners are thinking bigger. They’re reconfiguring spaces to create semi-independent living zones, offering privacy for a tenant or family member while ensuring they have a trusted presence at home when they’re away.

One of the more popular modifications is converting upper levels or underutilised areas into self-contained apartments. This provides an ideal solution for adult children who aren’t quite ready to buy their own home or for trusted tenants who contribute to the household costs.

For homeowners who travel frequently—whether for work or leisure—having a live-in tenant or relative also brings peace of mind. They act as informal caretakers, monitoring the property and ensuring general upkeep. This approach makes practical and financial sense in an era of increasing living costs and housing shortages.

As architects, we must balance aesthetics with function. Creating a separate living area that feels private yet integrated into the home requires careful planning. We consider additions such as separate access. If space allows, providing a private entrance ensures the main homeowners and tenants/family members retain independence. A small, functional kitchen space allows for self-sufficiency without excessive duplication.

Designing adaptable rooms that can evolve as needs change—for example, a sitting room that can later be converted into a carer’s bedroom. Even if mobility isn’t currently an issue, I encourage my clients to future-proof their homes with wider doorways, step-free showers, and lift-ready spaces.

Soundproofing between levels or ensuring natural light reaches both living quarters makes shared living more comfortable and helps maintain a healthy relationship between the inhabitants.

For many of our clients, these changes aren’t just about preparing for aging but about enhancing their lifestyle now. A well-designed home should accommodate not just current needs but also the years to come.

Sydney’s North Shore has long been known for its stunning homes and strong sense of community. Instead of leaving these well-loved spaces, homeowners are choosing to evolve within them. They are blending financial prudence with practical living, ensuring they remain part of their neighbourhood while securing a more flexible future.

As an architect, I see my role as designing beautiful homes and creating solutions that support my clients’ evolving lifestyles. The trend towards adaptable living spaces—whether for inter-generational households or as a source of passive income—is one I wholeheartedly support. It reflects a broader shift in how we view homeownership: not just as a place to live, but as a dynamic space that works with us as we age.

For those considering modifications, my advice is simple—plan early, think ahead, and design with flexibility in mind. Your home should be a place that serves you at every stage of life, no matter where the future takes you.

Playoust Churcher Architects has been the go-to architectural firm for the local community for well over three decades.

We specialise in residential heritage and contemporary renovations, outdoor extenstions and new building developments. An integral part of your journey with us is our comprehensive process approach, tailored to meet the demands of our clients and council regulatory frameworks. Our team is well-positioned to maximise livability and financial return and is committed to delivering value that minimises risk and ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget.

We invite you to view our case studies and to contact our team for a comprehensive consultation on your project.