A significant proportion of space in single-family houses remains unoccupied, largely due to demographic changes. Specifically, 3.2 million single-family homes are inhabited by pensioners, each occupying over 80 square meters of living space per person. Additionally, there are households currently residing in single-family homes with less than the average per capita living space. Many of these households are likely to experience an increase in unused space in the near future as children move out (Kenkmann et al., 2019). Consequently, a substantial amount of space in these homes is expected to remain vacant. The critical question then arises: how can we activate and utilize this space for the purposes of socio-ecological transformation?

Examining existing buildings for potential activation offers tangible benefits, not only in conserving natural resources (Blum et al., 2022, p.104 ff) but also in enhancing living quality through potential reorganization of use. The transformation of single-family homes into multi-occupancy dwellings is currently a topic of discussion as a viable action plan. The Federal Environment Agency, for instance, recommends considering the subdivision of single-family houses into multiple residential units, in light of potential future funding programs (Blum et al., 2022, p.104 ff). Specifically, Kenkmann et al. (2019, S.70 ff.) propose the division of such buildings. However, these proposals are primarily quantitative considerations. The practical question of how to realize this transformation of the housing stock with the participation of residents remains unanswered. The underlying issue is encapsulated in the phrase: Housing is conservative (Selle, 1996, p.7). This is particularly true for the single-family home, a structural embodiment of traditional gender roles and a contributor to social inequality.

Assuming the interdependence between residents and their physical-material surroundings, structural transformations should always be in relation to the resilience of social practices, and vice versa. This interplay becomes apparent through the perspective of the residents. As architects, our focus is on these latter two aspects, particularly the question of structural transformation. We view it as our responsibility to uncover and understand this perspective before beginning the design process.

The pursuit of qualities that either persuade residents to embrace new concepts or alleviate their existing challenges is more crucial than merely reducing space or advocating for renunciation. As Harald Welzer and Bernd Sommer (2017, p.111-112) suggest, the starting point for a transformative design in this empirical approach involves re-evaluating the 'familiar' (von Mende, 2023).

The empirical exploration of the existing single-family houses sector was conducted in collaboration with students as part of a research-based teaching format. A research report detailing the results is currently in preparation,  evaluating the material from the multi-method survey, which includes drawings, interviews, and model photographs. The insights and subsequent questions derived from this field research will inform architectural design projects to be developed at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar starting from October 2023.