Solo but not alone; a co housing solution for single parents

Abstract

This master’s thesis has explored how co-housing can be designed to support single parents by both reducing overall housing costs and contributing to more community, cooperation, and access to social safety nets. The background is that single parents often have a weaker economic position, limited social networks, and greater everyday responsibilities. This affects not only the parents themselves but can also influence their children's well-being and future opportunities. Traditional forms of housing are rarely adapted to their life situation, and there is a limited range of housing options that promote sharing and community without compromising privacy. The work has been conducted through a research-based design process where literature studies, statistics, surveys, reference projects, and study visits formed the basis of the analysis. The results have been compiled into design strategies focusing on reducing private living space in favor of shared functions, as well as creating social areas that encourage spontaneous meetings and cooperation in everyday life. The final design proposal presents a co-housing model where private apartments are complemented by shared spaces for cooking, play, and social interaction. By sharing resources and spaces, both construction costs and environmental impact can be reduced, while providing residents with access to social support that can ease everyday burdens. However, the intention was not to create an “isolated” housing project solely for single parents, as a diverse residential environment is considered valuable. By including both private and shared spaces for all residents, the project aimed to strengthen the sense of community within the building while also reducing housing costs. The work demonstrates that co-housing can function as a daily social safety net, provided that the architectural design balances community with the need for privacy. An important conclusion is that co-housing should not be seen merely as a niche form of housing but as a relevant alternative in a housing market where many life situations currently lack suitable solutions. The study also emphasizes the importance of creating housing with mixed target groups, where single parents, older people, and other households can support each other in a shared environment.