Milford Family Home: Designing a Connected Space for Shared Living

NZ Herald

In the sought-after North Shore suburb of Milford, a family approached Michael Cooper Architects with a unique vision for their new home: a space designed not for separation, but for connection. Unlike many families who desire distinct zones for adults and children, this family envisioned a home where everyone could thrive together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experience. Michael Cooper, principal architect at Michael Cooper Architects, explains how they achieved this remarkable design.

The Challenge: Creating a Unified Flow

“The brief was clear: we wanted to avoid the traditional ‘his and hers’ zones,” Cooper recalls. “They wanted a home that encouraged interaction and shared activities, while still providing pockets of privacy when needed.” This presented a fascinating design challenge – how to create a spacious and functional home without sacrificing the feeling of intimacy and connection.

The Solution: Open-Plan Living with Strategic Zoning

The architects embraced an open-plan living concept as the foundation of the design. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly into one another, creating a large, inviting space perfect for family gatherings and everyday living. However, clever zoning techniques were employed to define different areas within the open plan, preventing it from feeling overwhelming.

“We used changes in level, different flooring materials, and strategic placement of furniture to delineate spaces,” Cooper explains. “For example, a subtle step down separates the living area from the dining space, while a textured rug defines the seating area. These subtle cues help to create a sense of order and clarity, even within a large, open space.”

Key Design Elements: Fostering Connection

• Central Kitchen: The kitchen is positioned as the heart of the home, a place where family members can gather and connect while preparing meals. A large island provides ample workspace and a casual eating area.
• Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Large sliding doors connect the interior living spaces to a beautifully landscaped outdoor area, extending the living space and encouraging outdoor activities.
• Flexible Spaces: A dedicated playroom provides a space for the children to play and create, while also serving as a flexible space that can be adapted for other purposes.
• Shared Zones: A comfortable lounge area offers a relaxed space for the whole family to unwind and connect.

The Result: A Home That Celebrates Family

The completed home is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. It’s a space that celebrates family, encourages connection, and provides a beautiful and functional environment for everyone to thrive. It demonstrates that a home doesn't need to be divided into separate zones to meet the needs of a modern family. Instead, it can be a place where everyone comes together to create lasting memories.

Michael Cooper Architects' work in Milford showcases their ability to understand and translate a family’s vision into a stunning architectural reality, proving that a connected home is a happy home.