Publication: Transforming Existing Structures Into Multigenerational Housing
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Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
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Published Version
Abstract
Multigenerational households, defined as two or more adult generations sharing a dwelling (Liu and Easthope 2016), are gaining renewed relevance in response to current social, demographic, and spatial challenges. In some contexts, such as the U.S. Census Bureau definition, these households include three or more generations living under one roof (Marquez-Velarde 2020). While multigenerational living is not always motivated by sustainability, it frequently results in lower per capita resource use, offering potential environmental benefits through shared utilities, reduced energy consumption, and spatial efficiency (Klocker, Gibson, and Kerr 2018).
Beyond resource sharing, multigenerational housing also addresses rising needs for social cohesion, affordability, and elder care. Yet, most existing dwellings are not designed to accommodate these complex family structures. The built environment remains largely fixed, offering limited adaptability to shifting household dynamics such as care responsibilities, economic constraints, or adult children returning to the family home (Liu and Easthope 2016).
Designers and researchers are thus increasingly exploring alternative living models and spatial concepts for multigenerational households, focusing not only on shared living but also on privacy, autonomy, and the ability to adapt over time (Gerards, De Ridder, and De Bleeckere 2015, p. 20). Currently, there is a noticeable shift in living arrangements: the number of one-person households, single-parent families, and seniors living alone is growing, while many existing one-family homes are no longer suitable to accommodate these emerging configurations (Friedman 2012, p. 5).
In line with demographic developments, over 94% of individuals aged 60 or older now live independently, with elder care increasingly taking place within the home rather than institutional settings (Schittich and Ebner 2007, p. 145). However, social norms such as Germany’s DIN 18025 and DIN 18040 still fall short in providing adequate guidelines to address these emerging demands (Schittich and Ebner 2007, p. 145). As Schittich and Ebner emphasize, the main challenge lies in “adapting existing housing to needs economically, planning and building new dwellings with particular regard for the later years of life, and, finally, considering residential forms in which young people can live with seniors, or seniors with each other.” (2007, p. 146)
One promising approach to address these spatial and demographic shifts is the conversion of existing structures. Converting underutilized or outdated housing stock, rather than constructing new buildings, offers an environmentally and economically realistic solution. It helps reduce urban sprawl, limits overconsumption, and lowers the environmental footprint of residential development (Friedman 2012, p. 5). Existing spaces, such as attics or basement levels, can be reconfigured to support shifting household compositions, such as returning young adults or the integration of live-in caregivers (Friedman 2012, p. 41).
Adaptive reuse can also promote social inclusion and housing diversity. Increasing interest in converting abandoned office buildings into residential spaces reflects a broader need for proximity, community, and flexible urban living (Friedman 2012). As multigenerational households continue to evolve, flexibility in floor plans, allowing both shared and separate zones, is essential to support independence and connection across generations.
This research aims to explore how existing residential structures can be transformed to support flexible multigenerational housing that meets the evolving needs of diverse family configurations. It seeks to identify spatial concept strategies, particularly in interior layouts, that enable both adaptability and inclusivity over time.
Research Question:
How can existing structures be transformed to support flexible multigenerational housing that meets the evolving needs of diverse family configurations?
To answer the research question, the study uses a qualitative methodology that combines theoretical research with practical case analysis. The focus lies in understanding multigenerational housing through both academic insight and real-world application.
In the first phase, academic sources, including books, reports, and peer-reviewed articles, on multigenerational housing, inclusive design principles, and integrated living concepts are analyzed. This literature review establishes a theoretical foundation and identifies key design strategies, challenges, and principles relevant to understanding spatial needs across generations and creating inclusive and adaptable living environments.
In the second phase, selected case studies of multigenerational housing projects are examined. These case studies provide real-world examples of how spatial flexibility and inclusive design have been implemented in practice. The analysis aims to identify transferable concepts that could inform the adaptation and conversion of existing buildings into flexible multigenerational dwellings.