When the Kids Move Out

A single-family house is the dream home and the everyday experience for most Austrians. The majority of the 1.53 million single-family homes have been built in the last 70 years. How can these ageing houses be made fit for the future? What happens to the former dream home when the children have moved out and are not coming back?

Despite a rising population and a shortage of housing, on average only one or two people live in the detached houses of Austria. What happens to the house when the situation in somebody’s life changes? This enormous stock of housing harbours great potential, but what are the measures needed to adapt this ‘golden energy’ to meet changing needs, new uses and new lifestyles? How can densification be made possible in these neighbourhoods? Does the future lie in conversion or repurposing and what are the legal, structural and architectural issues involved?

Speakers: Julia Kick, Julia Kick Architekten; Isabel Stumfol, Rurasmus, TU Wien

Discussion also with: Daniel Fügenschuh, President of the Bundeskammer der Ziviltechniker; Josef Mathis, Mayor of Zwischenwasser and resident of a transformed house for two families; Christian Sagasser, Manager, Raiffeisen Bausparkasse