As Singapore’s population ages and multigenerational households become more common, designing a landed home that caters to both elderly parents and growing children is more relevant than ever. “Age‑in‑place” concepts, supported by BCA’s Accessibility Code, guide thoughtful design to make homes safer, more functional, and cohesive across generations.
Here are 6 strategic areas to plan your renovation or rebuild:
Ground‑Floor Master Suite for Elderly Comfort
Why it matters: Seniors often struggle with stairs due to joint or mobility issues. A large, well‑appointed ground‑floor bedroom gives them privacy and independence.
What to include:
Tips: Integrate barrier-free thresholds, wheelchair‑friendly door widths (≥850 mm), and anti‑slip floor finishes—perfect alignment to the Code on Barrier‑Free Access.
Lift Shaft or Platform Lift Provision
Why it matters: Ensuring vertical access is crucial for aging occupants and strollers alike.
Design considerations:
Singapore context: BCA enforces compliance on renovation requiring major changes. Planning ahead can secure Priority Occupation Permit (POP) without costly modifications.
Wider Corridors & Doorways, Level Transitions
Why it matters: Accessibility is critical for mobility device users and small children.
Essentials to include:
Tip: Introduce these details early in design and save on retro‑fitting costs.
Anti‑Slip Bathrooms & Senior‑Friendly Fixtures
Key elements:
These additions significantly lower fall risks and align with universal design principles, making bathrooms comfortable for users of all ages.
Dual‑Master Layout: Private Retreats
Trend highlight: Many landed households adopt dual‑master layouts—one ground-floor and one upstairs—offering independence for parents and children/couples.
Benefits:
Design tips: Ensure each master has ample wardrobe, en‑suite bathroom, and seamless access.
Zoning & Soundproofing for Privacy
Goal: Balance togetherness with privacy and noise control.
Effective strategies:
Lifestyle tip: Organise noisy and silent zones—like placing a playroom near the living area and a senior suite in a quieter corner.
Universal Touches Across The Home
Small yet meaningful features:
Future-Proof Infrastructure: Planning Ahead
Why forward planning matters:
Singapore context: Factoring infrastructure into your design prevents structural compromise and delays in approvals during rebuilds or A&A projects.
Regulatory & Neighbourly Best Practices
Stay compliant and considerate
Health, Safety & Lifestyle Boosters
Enhancements that matter:
Pulling It All Together: A 4‑Step Renovation Checklist
Closing Thoughts
Designing a home that supports both the sprightly little ones and the wise seniors is not just trendy—it’s a sustainable and fulfilling approach to landed living. When you weave in accessibility, thoughtful zoning, and infrastructure planning now, the result is a timeless home that adapts gracefully to life’s stages.
By combining BCA’s accessibility standards with smart design strategies, your next landed renovation can become a model of multigenerational harmony in Singapore.
Looking to design or renovate a pure landed home that meets your family’s long-term needs? Our sales consultants can help you find a property with the right potential—and connect you with trusted professionals for your rebuild or A&A journey. Reach out to us here to get started.
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