In an era where intergenerational connectivity and sustainable housing solutions are paramount, i29 architects has unveiled the Senior Shelter—a masterclass in empathetic design. Nestled within the same plot as an existing family home, this 100 m² single-story dwelling empowers grandparents to live independently while staying intimately connected to their children and grandchildren. The project rethinks compact living without sacrificing spatial quality, proving that proximity and privacy can harmoniously coexist.
Centered around a lush patio, the home dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors envelop the courtyard, creating uninterrupted sightlines through the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This strategic layout transforms the patio into a natural extension of the home, flooding spaces with daylight and fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Retractable panels on the west façade offer adaptable privacy control, balancing openness with seclusion in response to weather or mood.
The architecture radiates minimalist restraint. Waxed-wood facades ground the structure, crowned by a soaring exposed rafter roof crafted from sleek sandwich panels with integrated gutters. This overhanging canopy creates sheltered walkways while amplifying the sense of interior volume—a testament to spatial generosity within modest dimensions. Inside, the roof becomes a defining element, its raw geometry contrasting with the warmth of light oak walls and a polished concrete floor.
Material honesty defines the interior. Light oak wall cladding rises uninterrupted to meet the white-painted rafters, visually “supporting” the ceiling while accentuating its height. Every custom cabinetryunit and built-in element aligns with a unified horizontal datum, crafting a harmonious interior free of visual clutter. Exterior walls seamlessly merge with interior joinery, blurring the line between architecture and furnishings—a signature of i29’s integrated design philosophy.
Privacy is ingeniously layered. The north wing houses a tranquil bedroom and bathroom suite, separated from social zones by the courtyard’s buffer. Meanwhile, the home’s careful placement on the plot ensures respectful proximity to the main residence: close enough for spontaneous visits, yet angled to shield both households from overlooking. This spatial choreography enables daily interaction without compromising autonomy—a critical balance in multigenerational cohabitation.
Sustainability is woven into the design’s DNA. The compact footprint minimizes land use, while the energy-efficient envelope (featuring high-performance insulation and passive solar strategies) reduces long-term operational costs. Locally sourced oak and low-VOC finishes underscore a commitment to healthy living environments, aligning with principles of biophilic design. The future-proof home anticipates evolving mobility needs with its single-level layout and barrier-free thresholds.
Beyond its tangible virtues, the Senior Shelter champions a cultural shift. It demonstrates how density-sensitive architecture can enrich family bonds while respecting individuality. i29 proves that age-in-place design need not isolate seniors but can instead cultivate dynamic intergenerational ecosystems. In prioritizing clarity, human scale, and emotional resonance, this project sets a benchmark for compassionate housing in the 21st century.