Located in Sydney’s North West, Epping Generations House, designed by Vanessa Wegner Architect, stands as a testament to the future of multigenerational living; artfully balancing the needs of two families across three generations while bringing gentle density into the area. It is a functional and warm home and an important model for both supporting our ageing population and providing an innovative response to tackle Australia's housing crisis. Replacing a dilapidated 1950s bungalow, Vanessa Wegner’s thoughtfully planned architecture presents as a singular, cohesive residence yet is deeply personal to each of the families.
The genesis of Epping Generations House arose from the desire of the younger family, living in the bungalow on the large site, and the grandparents, residing just three streets away, to build a dwelling together. The challenge was to create a place that provided both privacy and connection while also meeting the complying development requirements. Given the grandparents were downsizing from a five-bedroom home, the size restrictions on a Granny Flat were insufficient for their needs.
Set back from the street, the house has an unassuming facade, mirroring the scale of the original bungalow and quietly concealing the dual living spaces behind. The singular entry opens to a shared hallway and courtyard, leading to two separate entrances for each dwelling. The ground floorplan is divided in half, with the older couple occupying the single-level eastern side, while the young family occupies the western side of the ground floor and the lower level that spans the full width of the site.
The older couple’s home features bedrooms, living areas, and a guest room all on the ground level for easy accessibility. In contrast, the younger family’s bedrooms are located on the ground floor, with the lower level accommodating the living spaces, kitchen, and direct access to the garden and pool area.
Both homes receive an abundance of light through highlight windows, strategically placed on the east and west sides and running down the central spine to maximise natural light and ventilation. Floor-to-ceiling windows on the northern side of the property further enhance natural light and provide expansive views over the valley. Courtyards, terraces, and window seats play an important role in offering diverse spaces for the occupants, providing places of comfort to gather or retreat.
The house has a shared material palette of white concrete block walls, cedar panelling and concrete floors. The outside greenery effortlessly fills the space with colour and natural beauty, and the white walls provide a calming backdrop to the colourful artwork that adorns them. Along with rooftop solar panels and battery storage, thermal mass from the concrete walls and floors, and a natural pool with a plant-based filtration system, this home is also set up for sustainability and optimal energy efficiency.
This project exemplifies how modern architecture can solve the challenges of multigenerational living, offering a beautiful, functional, and intensely personal home that supports healthy, connected living and adapts to the evolving needs of its occupants as they grow and age.
