Pigeon Pair

The Challenge

housing suitability and affordability

The clients, two generations of one family, realised they were both having similar difficulties finding suitable and affordable housing in their local neighbourhood. The predominant housing type of older, single dwellings, on large suburban blocks, did not suit either the downsizing parents nor the active young family. Both groups were looking for lower maintenance and a lower price tag. The complexity and costs for each to update or rebuild would push the projects beyond feasible. It was over a family dinner that an idea was hatched to try to solve both party’s problems with one solution.

What if …

…two birds COULD be got with one stone?

We saw this challenge as an opportunity to test a mutually beneficial intergenerational living model. Addressing the issues of flexibility and comfort associated with multi-generational families living under the one roof, this model pools the financial resources of both parties to purchase a single property, subdivide - effectively halving the land cost - then leverages economy of scale to deliver two similar yet individual homes. This provides each party with a manageable sized block and a new, low-maintenance high-performance home. It was also an opportunity to challenge the standard ‘cookie cutter’ townhouse development approach accepted as the status quo in the middle suburbs.

Same-same, but different

fit for purpose

As a pair, these homes have a coherent external appearance, but once inside they each cater to the needs and preferences of their owners.

The living areas of the family home provide flexibility as the kids grow from needing play space and ongoing supervision, to wanting autonomy and privacy. The TV wall provides an informal separation between the Living and Kitchen spaces, breaking up the open plan, but retaining interaction between these spaces. Clever and concealed storage supports the organised functioning of a busy family. Contemporary fittings and fixtures and a fresh palette help the home to feel fun and playful.

Next door, Grandma and Grandpa’s house has a more formal and sophisticated feel. The main bedroom suite is located on the ground floor with an ensuite bathroom which includes an integrated seat ledge to the shower. There is additional in-wall structural support adjacent to the bath and toilet for future grab rail installation. Similarly, should mobility become an issue, there is a lift for access to the upper level. A laundry with work surface is the buffer between the backyard and the kitchen and can facilitate outdoor projects and pottering or become an extension of the kitchen, for when the whole family descend.

Multi-mode Living

flexible spaces to suit changing needs

Each home has a single consolidated living space, which has a direct relationship with both the kitchen and the north facing backyard. To avoid the pitfalls of open plan, these spaces were carefully arranged and designed to suit their anticipated needs.

For Grandma and Grandpa’s house, this focused on the kitchen and its connection to the living and dining spaces. For the most part these spaces would benefit from being open to one another, but at times, the activities of one would disrupt the other. Sliding glass screens, partly frosted, allow separation and control of noise, view (and smell!). Additionally, the living room needed to cater for hosting guests as well as relaxing while catching up on the latest news or TV series. To achieve this, the cabinetry was designed to be able to conceal or reveal the TV, changing the focus of the room.

For the young family, the raised adjunct living zone makes a fun and engaging playroom while the kids are young but will be able to provide a casual hangout with the addition of a few bean bags (and video game consoles). With sliding screens to both the main living and hallway sides, this space is able to grow and shrink in response to the activities is accommodates. One day, when toys or privacy from Mum and Dad are no longer required, it may even become a space more formally designated to relaxation and reflection, reminiscent of its tea-room inspiration.

Sense of Arrival

A welcoming, functional space

At Pigeon Pair, the process of arrival gives each home an immediate sense of individuality. There is a common language between the two homes, yet each has its own configuration and sense of welcoming.

The family home porch greets visitors with a fresh peach tone that continues into the entry. The grandparents’ home, set slightly higher, welcomes guests with a relaxing matcha. The back-to-back porches are buffered from the street by a batten screen and the shared front garden. Battening is used to articulate the building facades, the underside of the porch ceilings and the front doors.

Inspired by traditional Japanese home design and set down 2 steps from the main floor level, the genkan-style entries serve a very functional purpose. In both homes, the front and internal garage doors open in to this space – welcoming in both guests and the homeowners. Each space contains a bench seat plus various storage compartments, including drawers and cupboards, suitable for discarded shoes, keys, jackets, school bags and the other flotsam and jetsam that live by the front door. A custom lantern adds a soft glow night light.