Project

The Minimal Living research project by MLA+, supported by the Creative Industries Fund NL, explores how cities can address housing shortages without expanding their physical footprint. Set within Rotterdam Alexander and Capelle aan den IJssel, the project investigates whether 10,000 new homes could be created without constructing a single new building.

Through data-driven urban analysis, spatial design strategies, and community participation, the project demonstrates how existing housing stock can be reconfigured by splitting row houses, adding roof extensions, and adapting ground floors to create affordable, sustainable, and inclusive homes.

The research challenges traditional housing paradigms, proposing a circular approach to urban growth that minimizes carbon emissions and construction waste while improving social cohesion. By introducing concepts such as intergenerational living, shared amenities, and adaptive reuse, the study presents a viable path toward meeting housing demand through smarter, not larger, design.

The study demonstrates that:
1. It is hard to achieve 10,000 new homes without new buildings through renovation, house-splitting, and selective extensions. Our estimate that we could at least double the current number of units and make in total 5603 units through densification, while preserving a comfortable lifestyle with >50 m² of living area.
2. Minimal living can significantly improve affordability and accessibility, especially for young professionals, seniors, and small households.
3. Renovation and house-splitting are the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable pathways compared to new builds.
4. Intergenerational housing models enhance social cohesion and align with demographic trends.
5. Public acceptance remains one of the biggest issues. Our workshop shows that people were generally more positive about the concept of house splitting in general than about doing so themselves. In addition, we found younger people to be more negative and older people to be more positive about splitting.
6. We also found out that to make housing splitting happen, we need a regulatory change. Successful implementation requires policy adjustments, financial incentives, and strong communication campaigns.

In short, minimal living is not merely a design concept but a pragmatic urban strategy. It offers Rotterdam the chance to meet housing demand, preserve green spaces, and cut carbon emissions, while fostering more inclusive, connected, and resilient communities.

Client

Stimuleringsfonds: Creative Industries Fund NL

Program

Exploring how Rotterdam Alexander and Capelle aan den IJssel can create 10,000 new homes by reconfiguring existing buildings—through house splitting, extensions, and adaptive reuse, without constructing any new structures.

Stages

Research

Team

MLA+

Awards

Stimuleringsfonds 2025