kangoeroewonen

Kangoeroewonen is a Dutch housing concept in which a single plot accommodates two dwellings: a primary residence and a smaller, self-contained secondary dwelling that is usually built as an annex or attached to the main house. The arrangement is intended to support multigenerational living and aging in place, allowing family members such as elderly parents, adult children, or caretakers to live on the same property while maintaining privacy and autonomy.

Design and layout: The second dwelling is typically smaller, with its own entrance, living space, kitchen and bathroom, and has its own outdoor area. It can be a separate house on the same plot or an independent unit within the same building envelope, connected via a corridor or courtyard. The exact configuration is determined by local zoning and building regulations.

Regulatory framework: The feasibility of kangoeroewonen depends on local zoning plans and building permissions. Municipal authorities may set limits on the size of the second unit, its separation from the main dwelling, and the number of occupants. In some cases, the second unit is treated as a distinct dwelling for planning purposes; in others, it is an adjacent dwelling within one building permit. Financing and taxation implications vary by jurisdiction.

Benefits and challenges: Benefits include keeping families close, enabling care for aging relatives, and efficient land use. Challenges include permitting complexity, potential conflicts over usage, parking, and neighborhood impact, and ensuring that the independence of occupants is preserved.