Kuusiperhe

Kuusiperhe is a Finnish term used to describe a residential arrangement where six separate family units share the same dwelling or housing complex. The concept is discussed in sociological and housing-policy literature as an example of multi-family or cooperative living. A kuusiperhe may take forms such as a housing cooperative, a legally defined association of households, or an informal network with agreed-upon rules for shared spaces and resources.

Etymology: The word is a compound of kuusi (six) and perhe (family).

Typical features include shared kitchens and dining areas, common living and play spaces, and coordinated routines for chores, childcare, eldercare, and sometimes finances. Decision-making is often by consensus or through a governing body; property rights and responsibilities are set out in contracts or cooperative bylaws. Members usually maintain separate private units but contribute to the upkeep and planning of the shared parts of the property.

Context and discourse: Kuusiperheet are discussed as a potential response to housing shortages, high childcare costs, and the desire for intergenerational support. They face challenges such as concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the complexity of coordinating six households. In practice, such arrangements remain relatively rare compared with conventional family households, but variants exist in intentional communities and multimodal co-living projects.

See also: co-housing, multigenerational housing, shared housing, housing cooperative.