Forget the Village - 7 Design Features to Help You Retire in Your Own Home

Because downsizing shouldn’t mean downgrading.

More and more of our clients are telling us the same thing:

“We don’t want to go into a retirement village—but we also know staying in our current home long-term just isn’t practical.”

And they’re right. Many older homes simply weren’t designed for the practicalities of aging—things like stairs, high-maintenance finishes, or bathrooms that can’t adapt when life changes.

At the same time, these clients aren’t looking for something cold or clinical. They still want to enjoy life, entertain friends, and live in a home that feels considered, calm, and beautiful.

In fact, one of the most common things we hear is:

“We want to downsize—not down-spec.”

So, what does “retirement-ready” look like—without the village?

According to Age Concern NZ, aging well at home depends on five things:

• Accessibility

• Safety

• Comfort

• Connection to community

• A sense of control and independence

This is where our Architecture + Build collaboration service comes in. We work with award-winning architectural designers and manage the full process from concept to completion—ensuring your home is both future-ready and deeply personal.  Our team handles everything from due diligence when purchasing a site (or rebuild on your current site) through to move in day and beyond. You don’t have to manage a million moving parts—we do it for you.

Eight years after we built their first home, David (and Jane) have come back to us to build again — this time right next door. With Gavin once again leading the charge, they’ve entrusted us to create a home that offers the same quality and comfort, while thoughtfully incorporating features to support how life might change over time.

7 Design Features to future-proof your home for later in life

1. Stairs

If you’re considering a two-storey home, then provision for a future lift—or ensure you have a full living setup on the ground floor. The extra planning now can save a lot later.

2. Passageways and turning spaces

Wider hallways and open access points aren’t just mobility-friendly—they feel better to live in and are easier to navigate at any age.

3. Bathrooms that can adapt

Reinforce walls early so grab rails or folding seats can easily be added down the line. A level-entry shower isn’t just safer—it looks more streamlined too.

4. Low-maintenance finishes and landscaping

Durable exterior materials, simple rooflines, and easy-care planting can keep your home looking great—without creating extra work.

5. Facilities for guests or future support

A semi self-contained wing with a second lounge, bathroom, and kitchenette gives privacy for visiting family—or even in-home care, should you need it.

6. Safety and peace of mind

Designing for clear sight lines, good lighting, and a layout that enables you to move around safely can add as much to your sense of comfort as the finishes do.

7. Smaller but no less special

Smaller doesn’t necessarily mean less of anything. We build space-optimised homes with quality materials, smart storage, and beautiful detailing—because life doesn’t shrink, it evolves.