A Business Case for Flexible Housing

Abstract

Adaptive construction is already for decades on the agenda of the construction sector. The adaptive capacity of a building includes all qualities that enable the building keeping its functionality during the technical life cycle, under altered conditions and needs [1]. Meanwhile, the interest in flexible building has increased significantly caused by the growing awareness of the need for sustainability. The Dutch construction sector is responsible for 35% of the national waste production. This number emerges from a sector that accounts for 5.1% of the gross domestic product [2]. This paper reports about a study that was executed in collaboration with a Dutch real estate developer [3]. The purpose was to develop a successful business case for a flexible row house concept that could show the market under what conditions flexibility measures for future adaptations can be implemented. One of the main conclusions affirms that a long-lasting collaboration between a developer and the investor could result in a feasible business case if the developer stays involved during the use phase of the dwellings. Through many additional interviews, this research was able to let the real estate market reflect about the business case of flexible row housing.