Aging In Place (AIP) Principles - Extra Sleeping Spaces
Integrating Extra Sleeping Spaces: Supporting Guests and Resident Alike
EXTRA SLEEPING SPACES serve a variety of uses as life and circumstances change, making it a valuable asset for aging residents. Whether for hosting guests, accommodating caregivers, or transitioning to single-story living, an extra sleeping space provides numerous benefits, enhancing both the practicality and comfort of aging in place.
Convenience for Family:
An extra sleeping space makes it easier for family members to visit and stay overnight, fostering stronger inter-generational connections. Having a dedicated guest room allows family gatherings to be more frequent and enjoyable, contributing to the mental and emotional well-being of aging residents. This setup enables more comfortable and convenient visits, reducing stress and making family time more meaningful.
Caregiver Accommodation:
An extra room or bed can be crucial for accommodating live-in caregivers or providing temporary care during illness or recovery. This space allows for seamless transitions in care without major disruptions to daily life. By having an extra sleeping space for caregivers, aging residents can receive the necessary support and monitoring, ensuring their health and well-being are maintained.
Adaptability for Changing Needs:
Designing an extra sleeping space on the main floor can be a proactive approach to aging in place. As mobility issues arise, this space can be repurposed for the resident, allowing them to avoid stairs and continue living independently with minimal modifications. This adaptability is crucial in maintaining the comfort and functionality of the home as the resident’s needs change.
Preventing Isolation:
“New research indicates that family ties in older adults have a positive impact on their mental health and social participation…Patterson and Margolis found that adults without family ties — referred to as “kinless” in the literature — had worse mental health and were less likely to participate in social activities than older adults who were close to their family. ‘Social activities in the last month included any of the following: visiting your family or friends who don’t live with you, attending religious services, going to clubs or organized activities, and going out for enjoyment,’ said Patterson.”
Jon Meerdink from the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research
Having an extra room encourages social interactions by making it easier for family and friends to visit, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and bolstering mental health and well-being.
Making The Most Of Your Space
To maximize the utility of an extra sleeping space, consider using multipurpose features such as fold-out beds, Murphy beds, or convertible furniture. These solutions allow a room to serve various functions, such as a home office or hobby space, when not used for sleeping. Incorporating accessibility features, like task lighting and accessible storage, ensures the space is more functional and adaptable to visitors and residents alike.
Incorporating an extra sleeping space into homes designed for aging in place offers significant benefits. It supports family visits, facilitates care, enables single-story living, and enhances social connections and mental health. This adaptable space ensures that the home remains practical and welcoming, accommodating the changing needs of its residents.
Precedent Projects
Playa del Rey Pacific Ave Remodel by Nabiboyd
The Playa del Rey condo is an exemplary case of seamlessly integrating an extra sleeping space into a home’s design. Located near LAX, the condo’s strategic placement makes accommodating frequent guests essential. The designers transformed a dated wet bar into a functional, stylish custom Murphy bed, effectively turning a one-bedroom condo into a versatile two-bedroom space. This fold-down bed features a unique design with a large 5-by-7-foot door that swings sideways, acting as a partial wall to create a private bedroom nook from the adjacent dining area and kitchen. This innovative approach not only provides guests with a secluded, comfortable sleeping area but also includes practical features like discreet shelves and cabinets for suitcase storage, enhancing convenience. The inclusion of a handwoven wall textile in place of a traditional headboard adds a personalized touch and depth to the space. This project illustrates how thoughtful design can maximize limited space, providing a flexible and elegant solution for guest accommodation without dedicating a permanent room, making it ideal for aging in place or any home where space efficiency is a priority.
Private Residence Peak One by Ample Design
This project is a great example of the effective use of multi-functional rooms to maximize space and utility year-round. This home features two versatile rooms that accommodate both a bed and a desk, seamlessly integrating sleeping and working areas. These dual-purpose spaces ensure that every inch of the home is used efficiently, providing flexibility and functionality for everyday living. Both rooms can function as work and guest spaces, with one built with a platform bed with loads of storage and the other with two Murphy beds and a tuck-away room divider that can convert one room into two. This thoughtful design approach not only optimizes space utilization but also enhances the home’s adaptability, making it ideal for aging in place. By incorporating multifunctional elements, these rooms allow homeowners to enjoy the full potential of their residence while maintaining the capacity to host guests comfortably, creating a dynamic and accommodating living environment that adapts with their needs.
Photography from Ample Design
Photography from Ample Design
Photography from Ample Design
Photography from Ample Design
Manzanita by Max Humphrey and Beebe Skidmore Architects
Situated under expansive windows with breathtaking views of the water, this oversized window seat wraps around the living and dining room, integrating into the home's layout. Designed to accommodate both daily use and larger gatherings, this window seat functions as living room seating and a dining bench, creating a versatile space for relaxation and socializing. What sets it apart is its capacity to transform into an impromptu sleeping area, comfortably fitting multiple overnight guests. This design not only maximizes the use of space but also enhances the home's functionality, making it perfect for hosting big crowds. By incorporating natural elements like pine and a coastal-inspired color palette, the designers created a stylish, laid-back atmosphere that reflects the beach house’s surroundings. This space exemplifies how creative, multifunctional design can enhance a home's relevance and capacity, ensuring it is both practical and welcoming for family gatherings and guests year-round, while also maintaining a strong connection to its stunning coastal setting.