The intergenerational home: redefining communal living
In an era where families aspire to combine proximity with autonomy, bi-generational residences are emerging as an innovative solution. Intergenerational homes allow family bonds to be nurtured while preserving everyone’s personal space. This approach, fundamental to the philosophy of Harmonie Construction, symbolizes the perfect alliance between modernity and family traditions.
Located in Cantley, in a privileged natural environment offering generous plots of one acre or more, this residential design finds its ideal setting. To assist you with your bi-generational project, we are sharing some important information and the experience of Eric and Tania.
What are the differences between a bi-generational, intergenerational, and multigenerational home?
These different terms—”bi-generational,” “intergenerational,” or “multigenerational”—refer to related concepts. Beyond the terminology, the essence remains the same: creating an environment conducive to harmonious intergenerational cohabitation.
The key lies in the subtle balance between independence and proximity. These residences offer:
Providing individual access to guarantee privacy.
Thoughtfully designed to enrich family interactions.
To meet the specific needs of each family.
A contemporary response to current housing challenges?
The intergenerational home transcends the simple concept of shared housing. It provides a concrete solution to contemporary challenges, particularly in the face of rising costs for senior facilities and the desire to maintain close family ties while respecting everyone’s autonomy. These homes represent:
- Economic advantages: pooling of energy expenses, sharing maintenance costs, and optimizing landscaping investments.
- An ideal solution for seniors wishing to maintain their autonomy while staying close to their loved ones.
- Planning for evolving needs with adaptable layouts to ensure long-term accessibility and mobility.
Intergenerational homes reflect an innovative approach to family housing, designed to adapt to the life changes of its residents. Whether you are drawn to their financial advantages, their adaptability, or their ability to strengthen intergenerational relationships, these homes offer a personalized response for fulfilling cohabitation.
The financial and equity dimension of intergenerational homes
Beyond its immediate family vocation, a bi-generational home constitutes a strategic real estate investment. The real estate market is showing growing interest in homes adapted for intergenerational cohabitation. Indeed, this type of housing not only offers the possibility of living together while preserving everyone’s independence, but it also presents attractive resale potential. The versatility of different intergenerational home typologies, whether they are houses with several independent entrances, communicating apartments, or dwellings with shared common spaces, further strengthens its appeal on the real estate market.
Find out if bi-generational living fits your lifestyle.
Intergenerational homes adapt to a variety of profiles and needs, whether it’s parents wishing to support their children, young adults seeking independence, or families wanting to bring generations closer together while preserving their autonomy. Are you wondering if this concept could be right for you?
Explore the full article to discover typical profiles and see how a bi-generational home could meet your aspirations and those of your loved ones.
Do you fit the profile?A few images of their intergenerational project.
The experience of Eric and Tania perfectly illustrates the benefits of an intergenerational home: an environment where different generations can coexist in harmony while preserving their respective autonomy. This architectural design represents a family life philosophy, where sharing and independence are naturally balanced.
An approach based on listening and understanding
The first meeting between Eric’s family and Harmonie Construction marked the beginning of an ambitious project: designing a space where grandparents and grandchildren could live together, without compromise. The team initiated the dialogue by exploring their expectations:
- What level of autonomy are you looking for between the different living spaces?
- What are your budgetary constraints?
- When do you wish to move into your bi-generational residence?
- How do you envision the layout of the common areas?
“The Harmonie Construction team supported us with professionalism, respecting our needs while providing judicious guidance,” say Eric and Tania.
Selecting a bi-generational Altera model to launch project planning
Harmonie Construction proposed two bi-generational models as the basis for the Altera range: Evolution and Horizon. The family naturally opted for the Altera Horizon model, which provided a solid foundation for realizing their aspirations. The team personalized the design by integrating an additional living space for the parents and a vast terrace harmoniously connecting the different housing zones.
Selecting a bi-generational Altera model to launch project planning
Harmonie Construction offered two two-generation models as the foundation of the Altera range: Evolution and Horizon. The family naturally chose the Altera Horizon model, which represented a solid foundation for realizing their aspirations. The team customized the design by incorporating an additional living space for the parents and a spacious terrace harmoniously connecting the different living areas.
With a side-by-side design, the Evolution model expands the possibilities for cohabitation by offering larger, modular spaces. Ideal for growing families, this model combines proximity and privacy, while offering customization options to meet your specific needs.
Taking customization to its peak, the Horizon model embodies the perfect intergenerational concept for those seeking a unique, custom-made, high-end home. Designed for discerning families, it offers a harmonious balance between exceptional design and timeless comfort.
From design to completion: a project centered on the family’s essential needs
During the initial discussions, Eric and Tania presented their vision with precision, along with the essential elements required for their intergenerational residence to harmonize perfectly with the entire family’s lifestyle. These criteria, combining functional and emotional aspects, guided the entire design process:
Guaranteeing intergenerational independence
The layout of a separate entrance, high-performance acoustic insulation, and autonomous private spaces (including independent kitchen and bathroom) were paramount to ensuring the grandparents had their own personal space.
Creating convivial shared areas
The topography of the land can influence the design of your home. Flat land is generally easier to build on, while sloping land may require additional earthworks.
Planning for evolving needs
A generous deck and an open-plan living room in the main unit were designed to facilitate family gatherings and shared moments.
Optimizing light and the connection with the environment
The family wanted to bathe every space in natural light with breathtaking views of the Cantley forest through large glass doors.
Prioritizing eco-responsibility
The use of energy-efficient materials and preparation for future ecological installations, notably solar, reflected their environmental commitment.
“We formed an excellent team with Harmonie, with total transparency in decision-making.”
The Altera bi-generational vision, driven by experience and passion.
Discover the vision that gave birth to Altera bi-generational. Guided by their personal experiences and a shared passion for bi-generational housing, Maxime Thérien, President, and Maurice Dagenais, co-founder of Harmonie Construction, share the journey that led them to develop incomparable expertise. Their mission: to support families in the realization of their multigenerational projects.
The entrance takes shape by overcoming the challenges of the natural terrain, carefully prepared to guarantee privacy and harmonious integration into the site.
The meticulous laying of ceramics on the heated floor offers unparalleled comfort and a durable finish.
Every detail counts! Here, our carpenter perfects the final staircase, ensuring a solid and polished structure.
A well-structured, flexible schedule adapted to their intergenerational home project
Discover the art of living together.
Let's discuss your projectOvercoming challenges together
An intergenerational or bi-generational home project presents specific challenges that are essential to anticipate. The main complexity lies in harmonizing intergenerational needs, particularly the necessity of creating private spaces for seniors while maintaining convivial common areas.
The configuration of the land can also pose significant challenges, especially in the presence of complex topography or restricted surface area, directly influencing the layout of the housing units.
Unforeseen complications, such as logistical delays or adaptations to municipal standards, can also arise. These obstacles, though natural in such a project, should not be a source of apprehension. Rigorous planning, transparent communication between stakeholders, and an agile project management approach allow them to be overcome effectively.
A custom staircase presenting various difficulties
An additional challenge arose regarding the custom staircase for moving from the ground floor to the upper level. The design of the staircase on the plans presented challenges during on-site installation. The result was not quite up to Eric’s expectations, nor to our own expectations and standards.
In collaboration with the clients and our subcontractor, we quickly agreed on a solution, and production of a new staircase began immediately without impacting the schedule.
Land configuration
The configuration of the land, along with all the clients’ criteria for placing the house, the detached garage, the pool, and all other exterior elements, posed a major challenge during excavation work. Soil conditions forced us to react along the way to respect our clients’ requests. We were able to find an optimal solution that worked while staying within the initial budget.
The importance of good communication at key stages of an intergenerational home project
Meticulously organized bi-monthly meetings and detailed weekly communications allowed Eric and Tania’s entire family to follow the project’s progress with absolute confidence. Total transparency was ensured through regular meetings and project management tools adapted for information sharing.
The platform provided privileged access to recent site photographs, documents relevant to their project, and reports on strategic decisions. The Harmonie Construction project manager scheduled site visits at crucial moments, allowing the family to directly observe the progress of their project.
“Finally seeing the foundations allowed us to have a concrete perspective of our future residence. It was truly beautiful to see!”
After the foundations (Month 4)
The family was able to explore the precise placement of each unit and the configuration of the outdoor spaces.
Once the frame was erected (Month 5)
This stage proved particularly memorable for the children, who joyfully envisioned themselves in their future bedrooms. Tania recounts with emotion: “Their enthusiasm was contagious; they ran through the space, already claiming their future territories. This visit brought the project to life for the whole family.”
Before interior finishes (Month 8)
At this critical stage, Eric and Tania confirmed their aesthetic choices, the optimal location of electrical installations, and the details of the kitchens and bathrooms. The team meticulously noted the specific adaptations required for the grandparents’ space.
These strategic visits not only reassured the family but also strengthened their active engagement in the creative process.
This collaborative and proactive approach allowed every family member to feel fully involved and valued.
Harmonie Construction succeeded in transforming a potentially anxiety-inducing process into an enriching and calming experience.
Key handover day, a memorable milestone for Eric and Tania
The handover of the keys proved to be a particularly moving moment for everyone. Upon their arrival at the site, the Harmonie Construction team was waiting for Eric and Tania. The festivities began with a detailed tour of the property, with each family member delightedly discovering the different spaces. The children, overflowing with enthusiasm, ran through the rooms shouting joyfully: “This is my room!”
Meanwhile, the grandparents, deeply touched, meticulously inspected their living space, particularly appreciating the well-thought-out features like the elegantly integrated handrail near their entrance.
The team then proceeded with the official handover of the keys, along with a gift basket for both families including local products to introduce them to the region’s businesses. This thoughtful gesture particularly moved the family, illustrating the deeply human dimension of the project.
A project that embodies a family vision of the future
Eric and Tania’s experience perfectly illustrates the benefits of a bi-generational home: an environment where different generations can coexist in harmony while preserving their respective autonomy. This architectural design represents a family life philosophy, where sharing and independence are naturally balanced.
Their project was distinguished by several fundamental elements
- Layout of spaces: The main unit was transformed into a true family nerve center, conducive to gatherings and shared moments.
- Natural light: The optimization of natural lighting in every room creates a welcoming and invigorating atmosphere.
- Grandparents’ unit: An autonomous space with a private entrance and specific fittings, guaranteeing independence and well-being.
Every architectural choice, from the selected materials to the organization of common spaces, responds precisely to the specific needs of each family member.
A few essential aspects to consider for a successful bi-generational project:
- Pay particular attention to defining family priorities: needs for privacy, shared spaces, and personalized comfort.
- Develop adapted solutions that meet current requirements while anticipating future needs.
This project perfectly illustrates how a bi-generational home surpasses its practical function to become a true family sanctuary, meticulously designed to meet the aspirations and needs of each of its inhabitants.
Take advantage of the expertise and availability of our team of experts to evaluate your intergenerational project
A meeting with our team of housing advisors will allow you to benefit from personalized expertise. We will take the time to understand your specific needs and long-term goals to propose adapted solutions.
With the Altera bi-generational series, Harmonie Construction offers you much more than a residence. Our Altera Origine, Evolution, and Horizon models represent a modern and sustainable solution to meet the needs of evolving families and allow your needs to be transformed into a concrete vision, while guaranteeing an optimal quality of life for every family member.
Complete evaluation of your project
Our experts will perform a complete evaluation of your project, taking into account all aspects, whether financial, logistical, or emotional. We will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to guide you toward the best decision.
Support throughout the process
At every stage of the process, from initial design to final completion, you will be supported by our team. We will be there to answer all your questions, manage unforeseen events, and ensure your project runs smoothly.
Access to quality resources and partners
By collaborating with us, you benefit from our network of trusted partners, including specialized architects, contractors, and financiers. This guarantees you access to the best resources to successfully complete your bi-generational home project.
Our team is here to help you realize your intergenerational project
Book an appointment today with a Harmonie Construction advisor to explore the options available to you and begin realizing your bi-generational project with confidence.
Consult our intergenerational home resources.
Begin a reflection to evaluate if this type of housing meets your family needs. Find clear answers on the benefits, ideal profiles, and adapted solutions.
Discover three key configurations for bi-generational homes: stacked units, side-by-side, and parental annexes. Learn more to choose the ideal solution that combines family harmony and personalized comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
One of the primary concerns for families considering an intergenerational home is the management of common and private spaces. It is important to find a balance between communal life and privacy. Good planning and clear rules can help prevent conflicts.
The cost of purchasing and building an intergenerational home may seem high, but it is often offset by savings on utilities and shared costs. It is also possible to find financing solutions adapted to this type of project.
Finally, it is important to take legal and administrative implications into account. Ensure you obtain all necessary permits and comply with local construction regulations.
Planning and completing a bi-generational home construction is a more complex process than a standard single-family project, but with the support of our team, you can be assured that your project will run smoothly and that your new home will perfectly meet your needs.
Once the legal and administrative aspects are in place, planning for your intergenerational home project can begin. In collaboration with our team of architects and housing advisors, you will define detailed plans, choose materials, and determine the layout of spaces. Harmonie Construction works with trusted partners to guarantee optimal construction quality. Our team will supervise every stage of the construction site to ensure that work respects deadlines and quality standards.
At the end of the work, we will accompany you during the home inspection to verify that everything meets your expectations, and we will remain available for any questions or necessary adjustments after you move in.