Long may we live!
VAT-Combi housing (1991) Architekten Kollektief Heijdenrijk
Housing for a variety of family types
In the 1990s, the government promoted the separation of accommodation and care. Home care and neighbourhood service centres were necessary to enable pensioners to live independently for as long as possible. This policy resulted in new forms of housing. The VAT-combi (living apart, together or in combinations) housing, designed by Architecten Kollektief Heijdenrijk, was designed to meet the needs of different family configurations. Integrating housing for the elderly with homes for single people, couples and group households creates alternative arrangements for the elderly and caregivers, such as the kangaroo residence.
This model comprises a principal residence for family or friends who perform the role of caregiver and a subsidiary 'pouch' residence for the pensioner. The two independent dwellings have their own bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. They are situated next to or above each other and are linked by a door or staircase. The 'pouch' residence is on the ground floor and the principal residence may consist of one or more stories. In this arrangement, pensioners can live independently while benefitting from close proximity to their caregivers.