THE FORMAT HOMES BLOG

THE FORMAT HOMES BLOG

Big Living, Smart Design: Best New Home Features for Large Families by New Home Builders in Adelaide

PUBLISHED 24/05/2025

Big families need more than just extra rooms—they need a home that works hard every day. From managing noise to keeping up with storage, the right design makes all the difference. Here’s how new home builders in Adelaide are creating smarter spaces that suit growing households from the ground up.

What New Home Builders Are Including to Make Family Life Easier

Large families don’t just need more space—they need smarter space.

It’s not just about fitting everyone in. It’s about creating a home that supports your lifestyle, your routines, and your long-term plans.

From zoning to storage, builders are responding to the demand for family-friendly homes with features that go beyond open-plan layouts and double garages. They’re designing homes that work for parents, kids, teens, guests, and everything in between.

If you’re building for five or more, these are the features worth considering.

Multiple Living Zones Are a Must

In a big household, everyone needs a place to unwind.

Modern homes now include at least two, sometimes three, separate living areas in large family designs. That means:

  • A central family zone for shared time
  • A quieter lounge or retreat for parents or guests
  • A kids activity area or rumpus room tucked away near bedrooms

These zones give everyone breathing room—and make the home feel more functional and less chaotic.

A Kitchen That Can Handle the Heat

Family kitchens are the engine room of the home. And with more mouths to feed and more hands helping out, the layout matters.

The best kitchens for large families feature:

  • Wide walkways and clear zones for prep, cooking, and cleaning
  • A generous island bench with seating
  • Dual ovens or a 900mm freestanding cooker
  • A butler’s pantry or walk-in pantry to hide mess and store bulk items

Some newer builds also offer optional second dishwashers or an extra fridge cavity—especially helpful for growing families and meal prep lovers.

Storage, Storage, and More Storage

If your home doesn’t have enough storage, it shows within weeks of moving in.

That’s why top home builders in Adelaide build clever storage into every corner. Look for:

  • Walk-in linen cupboards
  • Under-stair storage
  • Mudrooms or drop zones by the garage entry
  • Built-in robes in every bedroom
  • Garage ceiling racks or wall-mounted shelving

Good storage reduces clutter, saves time, and keeps everyday chaos under control.

Flexible Bedroom Layouts

It’s not just about having enough bedrooms—it’s about how they’re arranged.

Many builders are now offering floorplans that include:

  • A ground floor guest bedroom with ensuite for extended family
  • Teen or kids’ bedroom wings with a shared retreat or bathroom
  • Larger master suites with private zones for work or reading
  • Optional sixth or seventh bedrooms in double-storey builds

Flexibility is key. Today’s toy room could become tomorrow’s study. A spare room today might become a nursery tomorrow.

Three or More Bathrooms

A single bathroom for a big family leads to traffic jams and tension.

The best family homes now include:

  • An ensuite to the master suite
  • A main bathroom with separate vanity, shower, and toilet zones
  • A third bathroom or powder room, especially in two-storey homes

This layout allows for simultaneous use and keeps the peace during school runs or evening routines.

Study Spaces and Work Zones

With more kids comes more homework. And with flexible working here to stay, adults need dedicated workspaces too.

Look for new home builders that who include:

  • Study nooks near the kitchen or main living
  • Home office rooms with doors for privacy
  • Built-in desks in kids’ rooms or activity zones
  • Data cabling and power points in the right spots

The goal is to separate work from play—without isolating family members.

Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Big families need breathing room—and outdoor areas that work just as hard as the indoors.

Choose a floorplan that connects the main living zone to a large alfresco area. Then ask your builder about:

  • Covered pergolas with ceiling fans or heaters
  • Outdoor kitchens or built-in BBQs
  • Easy-care landscaping and real lawn for play
  • Sliding or stacking doors for a seamless transition

Many builders also offer pool-ready designs or can help pre-plan the backyard for a future pool, play equipment, or granny flat.

Laundry That Keeps Up

Small laundries don’t cut it for large families.

Builders now offer upgraded laundry layouts with:

  • Long benchtops for folding
  • Overhead cupboards and open shelving
  • Tall broom cabinets
  • Pull-out laundry baskets or hampers
  • Direct outdoor access to a clothesline

Some plans even include a laundry chute from upstairs—a small feature that makes a big difference in daily life.

Soundproofing and Zoning

When there’s a full house, noise is constant. Smart design keeps it under control.

Ask your designated builder about:

  • Acoustic insulation in internal walls
  • Door seals on bedrooms or media rooms
  • Floorplans that position bedrooms away from busy zones
  • Zoned ducted air-conditioning systems

This kind of planning means the baby can nap, the teens can watch TV, and you can work or cook—without driving each other mad.

Energy Efficiency to Cut Bills

More people = more power, water, and heating costs. That’s why energy-efficient design is essential in large homes.

Leading home builders now include:

  • Solar panels with battery-ready wiring
  • LED lighting throughout
  • Zoned heating and cooling
  • High-performance insulation and double glazing
  • Water-saving taps and toilets

These features help lower bills and reduce your environmental impact—while keeping everyone comfortable year-round.

Building a home for a large family is about more than square metres. It’s about designing with purpose, flow, and function. The best new home builders at Format Homes know what big families need—and they’re building smarter, more flexible homes to match.