Designed by Simone prior to joining reimagined habitat

Modern Japanese Calm for Multigenerational Living

The owners loved their neighbourhood and wanted to create a home that could evolve with their family over time while supporting comfortable, flexible living for multiple generations under one roof. Their vision was for a modern Japanese-inspired extension that respected the character of the original home while introducing more light, warmth and contemporary functionality.

The result is a beautifully balanced home that feels serene, spacious and thoughtfully connected — supporting three generations of family living while maintaining privacy, comfort and independence.

The new double-storey extension introduces a generous, light-filled kitchen, living and dining area, anchored by a polished concrete slab that provides thermal stability while reinforcing the clean, minimal aesthetic of the home. Large windows and natural material selections create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, while a walk-in pantry and downstairs laundry add practicality for everyday family life.

Upstairs, three bright bedrooms and a central bathroom create a peaceful retreat for the younger generation, carefully designed to balance connection and separation within the home.

A key focus of the project was creating a flexible layout for multigenerational living. The existing part of the house was reconfigured to form a separate and comfortable suite for the family’s parent, including a refreshed master bedroom, bathroom, lounge, dining area and compact kitchen. This thoughtful arrangement supports more independent living while maintaining closeness and daily connection.

Energy efficiency and long-term comfort sit at the heart of the design. Improved insulation, glazing and passive solar principles help support year-round thermal comfort with reduced energy demand.

The extension carefully complements the original weatherboard cottage, blending modern Japanese inspiration with the warmth and character of the existing home. The result is a calm, functional and beautifully efficient family home designed to support every generation — including the family’s much-loved furry companion.