Housing Designs for Boomers

While we are led to believe Boomers all want similar housing options, the truth is that this enormous group is just as diverse in their later years as they’ve been throughout their younger homebuying years. While many want to economize and downsize, others desire larger, grander homes. High levels of finish and quality and the prospect of little or no maintenance are high on their list of desired features, as is the flexibility to navigate physical challenges in the future. 

In addition, some are content to live in attached homes in amenity-rich developments with fitness centers and walking trails, while others prefer single-family detached residences in walkable neighborhoods with convenient access to stores and entertainment. Both of these design types are reflected in this month’s projects. 

55+ WELLNESS HOUSE 

ARCHITECT: KGA Studio Architects, Jerry Gloss, AIA, MIRM, CMP, jgloss@kgarch.com, 303.442.5882

PLAN SIZE: Width: 60 feet; Depth: 70 feet

The 55-plus buyer is looking for a home design that anticipates “potentials,” including evolving living arrangements, changing sleeping habits, and declining physical abilities. KGA refers to this overlay of considerations as “life-cycle design.” This buyer demographic has a wide variety of needs influencing their purchasing decisions, and flexibility is key. For this group, designers must create product that offers a range of options, motivates and excites them, and addresses differing needs without large swings in price. 

The base ranch plan shown here offers flex space opportunities (D, E, and F) at the front of the home. Standard rooms include two bedroom suites and a grand room/dining/kitchen area. Note the owner’s entry from the garage that merges with the kitchen to create an efficient connector, including a bench and home organization area. And all doors are 3 feet wide for better accessibility. (Front elevation shown, above.)

SOLANA AT LA FLORESTA 

DESIGNER: Dahlin Group Architecture |  Planning, marketing@dahlingroup.com, 925.251.7200

PLAN SIZE 5A: Width: 61 feet; Depth: 38.5 feet; Living area: 2,113 sf

Photo: Applied Photography

Set within La Floresta, a master planned community of all-age neighborhoods in Brea, Calif., Solana embraces the local lively atmosphere with a neighborhood designed for the 55-plus set. Residents enjoy full access to the Buena Vida Clubhouse, while walking, biking, and meandering trails link people and places within the community and out to neighboring regional and state parks. The community’s adjacent retail center, the Village of La Floresta, features indoor/outdoor dining, as well as shops and offices, all within easy walking distance.

Solana’s 96 single-family detached homes are designed to promote convenient, resort-style living for active, move-down 55-plus buyers, offering smaller homes within a gated, private enclave. Five plans, ranging from 1,396 to 2,113 square feet, promote single-level living and second-floor destinations for game rooms, offices, or guests. The mix of Mediterranean- and Andalusian-inspired architecture fits well with adjoining communities. 

THE RESIDENCES AT ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 

ARCHITECT: Robert Hidey Architects, ahidey@roberthidey.com, 949.655.1550

PLAN SIZE: Width: 61 feet, 10 inches; Depth: 93 feet; Living area: 3,890 sf

Set in a pastoral, semirural area crisscrossed by walking trails, bridle paths, and golf course fairways, these spacious homes feature generous first-floor master suites—a perfect mix for active Baby Boomers. Privileges at the 70,000-square-foot clubhouse—gym, spa, aquatic center, restaurant, and banquet facilities—reinforce a sense of community for residents.

Designed in an interpretive ranch house style, the development honors the area’s mid-century architectural heritage while offering modernity, elegance, state-of-the-art technology, and eco-conscious efficiency sought by today’s affluent Boomers. 

NARROW LOT – PLAN 1

ARCHITECT: Richard Handlen, AIA, LEED AP; EDI International, richard.handlen@ediinternational.com, 

415.362.2880

PLAN SIZE: Width: 30 feet; Depth: 110 feet; Living area: 1,630 sf

Most Boomers are empty nesters considering downsizing, if they haven’t done so already. While still very active, a common long-range goal is single-story living where they can age in place. Second-story spaces are for occasional use, but are not an everyday need. This plan provides options to help meet these desires.

CARDINAL WOODS RESIDENCES PLAN 1 

DESIGNER: Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD; larrygarnett@larrygarnettdesigns.com; 254.205.2597

PLAN SIZE: Width: 30 feet; Depth: 80 feet; Living area: 1,576 sf

The smallest of three designs for a 55-plus neighborhood, this one-story plan offers two bedrooms and a study. All of the narrow lot designs feature two-car garages accessed from a rear lane. An alcove in the garage can be used for storage or a workbench. The open living/kitchen/dining areas all focus on gated private side yards.