The joint Innosuisse study of the HSLU’s Schools of Engineering and Architecture, Social Work and Business shows that small-scale housing has a place in Switzerland. A representative survey conducted as part of the study revealed that around half of respondents across Switzerland are interested in, or already have experience with, small-scale housing.
The study, which focused on eight different specialist topics, was also the first to present a proper definition of small-scale housing. The category includes forms of housing with no more than 30 m2 of floor space for one person and 15 m2 for each additional person. They can take the shape of free-standing residential units, previously known as “tiny houses”, or as buildings with combined residential units across several floors. This type includes micro-apartments and the traditional shared flat.
Small-scale housing has the potential to diversify the housing stock in rural areas and in the city. Selina Lutz
The study also states that — taking into account sustainability and densification goals — small-scale housing offers opportunities for communities of different types and sizes, for example to redensify built-over areas and for the temporary use of former industrial sites. Depending on their design, small housing units can therefore serve as a sustainable and future-proof housing solution between the competing interests of individualisation and densification. The study also features visions for urban and rural areas formulated on the basis of the research results.
The study results are summarised in detail below.
