A Multi-Generational, Multi-Use Model
Mermaid Multihouse by Partners Hill and Hogg and Lamb
Author: Bronwyn Marshall
A study in the multigenerational living condition and the reinstatement of the village community in Australia’s suburbs conceived by Partners Hill and delivered with Hogg and Lamb, Mermaid Multihouse serves as an experiment in the multi-use vernacular.
Desinged by Partners Hill and Hogg and Lamb
Located in the Gold Coast, Mermaid Multihouse stands as a representation of changing times, away from the hitherto popular singular dwelling for one individual or family and into a new realm. As housing prices and residential density continues to increase, the need for a new form of housing is becoming clear and variations on a model that allows for multi-generational living are currently being tested. Pooling their resources, a mother and son client jointly purchased a property within their desired suburb. Conceived together with Partners Hill, the project was delivered with Hogg and Lamb was informed by the idea of reinstating a mode of living inspired by the traditional village community.
In total, six differing rooms all have a considered connection to the garden elements, with a visual relationship maintained internally and as one passes through the connected areas.
Shared Walls and Community-Oriented Design: Redefining Suburban Living Models
Built by Concord Build, this innovative project transforms a single suburban block into two self-sustained dwellings, connected by shared walls and inspired by community village typologies. Separate zones offer flexibility for evolving needs and income opportunities, while laneways and entrances mimic inner-urban pathways. Six rooms are thoughtfully connected to garden elements, with corridors providing passive cooling and ventilation. Drawing from Japanese high-density housing, the design reimagines suburban spaces, efficiently utilising limited land to create a compact, interconnected community model. This approach challenges traditional suburban housing norms with functional and sustainable solutions.
Mermaid Multihouse sees the re-use of a suburban site, tripling its density.
A Sustainable Model for Multigenerational Living
Mermaid Multihouse creating a model that will support multiple generations, changing requirements over time, and working from home. With the inclusion of a number of sustainable principles, the project is a considered and curated social, environment and economical response. Rainwater storage sits alongside enviro-certified construction systems and products, fans are used in place of air-conditioning and ventilation opportunities through the arcade are created. Partners Hill has proposed an integrated and well-conceived model for reconsideration of the traditional residential landscape.
