Houzz Tours
My Houzz: An Australian Home Appeals to 3 Generations
Two separate ecofriendly dwellings on an Adelaide property mean family is never far away
Dixie and Sam Jeffries bought this terrace house on a small inner-city block in Adelaide, Australia, envisioning a sustainable space to house several generations. They teamed with architects Oli Scholz and Simone Vinall of Scholzvinall to design two inspiring homes: an extension to the existing house for Dixie and Sam's family, and a two-story house for Sam's parents at the back of the property. An edible garden, rainwater tanks, solar panels, concrete slab floors and a host of fruit trees combine to create a thoughtful place that three generations can call home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Dixie and Sam Jeffries; their two children, Jackson and Amali; and Sam's parents, Chris and Wendy Jeffries
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Size: 300 square meters (3,552 square feet) for both dwellings; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: To harness the full potential of the Australian sun, both homes feature solar hot water with an electric boost function and solar panels to generate electricity.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Dixie and Sam Jeffries; their two children, Jackson and Amali; and Sam's parents, Chris and Wendy Jeffries
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Size: 300 square meters (3,552 square feet) for both dwellings; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: To harness the full potential of the Australian sun, both homes feature solar hot water with an electric boost function and solar panels to generate electricity.
The open living, kitchen and dining space forms the hub of the main house. Dixie and Sam collect artwork by local artists to adorn their walls, including a painting by Paul Sloane and a photograph by James Geurts, seen in this shot.
The lean-to kitchen on the original terrace house was knocked down and replaced with this bright and uplifting space. "The adults as well as the children wanted the house to be a fun place," says Dixie. The kitchen features stainless steel benches and backsplashes for easy cleaning.
Cabinetry: T and C Joinery; light shade: Kartell, Space Furniture
Cabinetry: T and C Joinery; light shade: Kartell, Space Furniture
The jewel-toned kitchen cupboards set the mood in the open and cheerful combined kitchen and dining area. The floors are polished concrete with underfloor heating.
A horizontal window behind the kitchen sink provides a view out to the courtyard but maintains privacy between the two separate dwellings. Sam powder coated the kitchen sink fixture in a neon orange.
Stove: Westinghouse, Harvey Norman
Stove: Westinghouse, Harvey Norman
The simple, minimalist remodeled bathroom features louvered windows for ventilation.
Bathroom tiles: ceramic hexagon mosaic, Academy tiles; taps: Roger Seller, Estilo
Bathroom tiles: ceramic hexagon mosaic, Academy tiles; taps: Roger Seller, Estilo
Restoring the staircase in the terrace house revealed a rustic baltic pinewood.
Prints: One Small Room
Prints: One Small Room
Sam and Dixie's bedroom is in the original part of the house and sleeps three. They plan to design built-in wardrobes for the bedrooms.
Nectarine trees sit on the front veranda of the original terrace house. The living space extends to the east of the building, harnessing the northern light.
Both houses have rainwater tanks for garden use. The homes also recycle graywater. Solar panels help generate electricity and heat water.
The central courtyard space that connects the two dwellings attracts plenty of birds. The families often eat in the courtyard and also use the space to grow tomatoes, snow peas, herbs, greens and fruit.
Bird feeder: The Conservatory
Bird feeder: The Conservatory
Chris and Wendy's house shares many features with the other, including polished concrete floors, in-floor heating, open-plan living and louvers for cross ventilation.
Light: Nur, Artemide; dining table: Dog Dragon
Light: Nur, Artemide; dining table: Dog Dragon
Their unit is 80 square meters (861 square feet), but lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors help it retain an open feel.
Framed photograph: James Geurts
Framed photograph: James Geurts
A window looking out to the trees near the back fence sits above the kitchen's polished concrete countertops. A display of black and white objects includes family heirlooms, such as the bird tile.
Cabinetry: T and C Joinery; chairs: replica Eames, Matt Blatt; light: Mega Bulb Pendant, Great Dane Furniture; salt and pepper grinder: Eva Solo, Top 3
Cabinetry: T and C Joinery; chairs: replica Eames, Matt Blatt; light: Mega Bulb Pendant, Great Dane Furniture; salt and pepper grinder: Eva Solo, Top 3
Family heirlooms, including this antique pine settee and African wood sculpture, sit at the bottom of the stairs. The raw wood tones and textures add warmth to the neutral open-plan living space.
The smaller house has two bathrooms, including an upstairs en suite.
Ceramic round mosaic tiles: Academy Tiles
Ceramic round mosaic tiles: Academy Tiles
An alcove over Chris and Wendy's bed looks into the bathroom but is high enough to maintain privacy. The bed was custom made onsite, since its size made it impossible to move up the narrow staircase.
All three generations love living in the central city location, which is an easy walk to the markets, local parks and Jackson's kindergarten. "Having your parents living in your backyard might be unconventional," says Sam. "But I love getting to eat Dad's veggies, and Mum is always popping around to try on something she is knitting for the children."
Quilt cover: Pop, Sheridan
Houzz call: Share your creative, multigenerational home with us!
All three generations love living in the central city location, which is an easy walk to the markets, local parks and Jackson's kindergarten. "Having your parents living in your backyard might be unconventional," says Sam. "But I love getting to eat Dad's veggies, and Mum is always popping around to try on something she is knitting for the children."
Quilt cover: Pop, Sheridan
Houzz call: Share your creative, multigenerational home with us!