Lifestage Design™
Whether it's a home that grows with your family, one for sharing with parents or smart ideas for future-proofing, Lifestage Design™ puts life at the centre of every brief to create inspiring and nourishing spaces you can enjoy over many chapters, not just one.
We listen, we ask questions, we give honest advice, helping interpret your aesthetic through a collaborative and inclusive process, putting together the right team, innovative materials, creative thinking and meticulous management to achieve your vision.
While the concepts of livability and universal design are prominent overseas, here in Australia, we are behind the curve. An early advocate for design that supports ageing in place Kirby is at the forefront of this movement in Australia, being uniquely skilled in the principles of universal design and livability.
For Kirby, Lifestage Design™ is about creating a lasting, positive impact through beautifully considered spaces balanced with an eye for fine detail with a head for ambitious concepts. These uniting principles underpin Kirby Architect's unique approach to each and every brief.
LifeStage Design In practice: Malvern Manor
Malvern, victoria
Timeless aesthetics and smart, hidden features make this stunning home a perfect example of Lifestage™ Design, a home with the elegance and flexibility to support a lifetime of living, whether for a young family, an ageing couple, or multiple generations. In a central location, it takes full advantage of its elevated position to create a private oasis centred around a generous living area. Adjustable rooms, a secluded western courtyard, an expansive northern terrace, and year-round natural light to every room all contribute to a home that adapts with ease and delights at every stage of life.
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Designed with aging in mind: the towel rail doubles as a door opener, handrail, and towel rack. The basin is thoughtfully positioned to allow easy access for a wheelchair or Zimmer frame and ample space for a carer to assist if needed.
Every room is carefully positioned to maximise local views, with sightlines to the horizon or sky, reducing feelings of isolation while preserving privacy. The home features refined finishes and high-end appliances, including granite benchtops, a gas fireplace, V-ZUG appliances, an integrated fridge and freezer, an under-bench wine fridge, and a dual-drawer dishwasher, all designed to enhance daily living.
But what truly sets this home apart is its quiet commitment to adaptability and dignity as we age. Many families are still unfamiliar with the concept of “Ageing in Place,” which has traditionally been associated with aged care facilities. Recent changes to government funding, however, are making it more accessible to those who wish to remain in their own homes longer. Unfortunately, ageing-friendly design is often perceived as purely functional and utilitarian, with little room for beauty or individuality. This home challenges that idea, blending style with smart, subtle features that support changing needs across generations.
But what truly sets this home apart is its quiet commitment to adaptability and dignity as we age. Many families are still unfamiliar with the concept of “Ageing in Place,” which has traditionally been associated with aged care facilities. Recent changes to government funding, however, are making it more accessible to those who wish to remain in their own homes longer. Unfortunately, ageing-friendly design is often perceived as purely functional and utilitarian, with little room for beauty or individuality. This home challenges that idea, blending style with smart, subtle features that support changing needs across generations.
Accessibility is woven seamlessly into the design: from self-closing drawers for those with reduced hand mobility, to wide hallways that accommodate wheelchairs and prams, to a zero-threshold floor that reduces trip hazards. The downstairs level is fully livable for those with accessibility challenges, even in this two-storey home. Double-glazed windows and strategically placed light wells maximise natural light, while soft lighting ensures safe movement at night without the need for overhead lights.
Environmental features include water-efficient fixtures, a rainwater tank system that switches to mains when low, and hydronic heating for energy-efficient, allergy-friendly warmth. Slide-out flyscreens replace heavy blinds for cleaner shading, and door hardware is both security-conscious and easy to use — keyless and designed for quick, safe exit in emergencies. Thoughtfully positioned glass panes at the entry allow secure views of visitors without opening the door.
Environmental features include water-efficient fixtures, a rainwater tank system that switches to mains when low, and hydronic heating for energy-efficient, allergy-friendly warmth. Slide-out flyscreens replace heavy blinds for cleaner shading, and door hardware is both security-conscious and easy to use — keyless and designed for quick, safe exit in emergencies. Thoughtfully positioned glass panes at the entry allow secure views of visitors without opening the door.
The kitchen is designed for safety and ease: a durable stone benchtop resists heat and stains, while the induction cooktop won’t burn and auto-shuts off for added peace of mind. Recessed overhead cupboards prevent bumps, and all handles and drawers are arthritis-friendly and easy to use, with soft-close functionality.
In the bedroom, cupboards act as curtains: no handles, no sharp edges, easier access, and more space to position beds closer, making the room feel larger. The ground floor bedroom also includes ceiling support for future bed-lifting equipment if needed.
Even the extension was designed with respect for its context, maintaining the home’s original streetscape and classic tone. This is a home that not only supports the present but also thoughtfully prepares for the future.
At its core, this home is about more than design features, it’s about quality of life. It offers its residents the freedom to live fully at every stage, without compromise. Whether it’s a family with young children, an ageing couple, or multigenerational living, this is a home that grows and adapts with you, not just where you live, but how you live.
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Vertical courtyard garden: No bending to garden with a self-sustaining herb garden, and water-efficient with top-to-bottom watering. Open the doors to bring the outside inall from the comfort of inside. All service equipment is mounted at standing height for easy maintenance.