"Undantaget": Reinterpreting (a) dwelling for (an) elderly

Abstract: In the upcoming years, the proportion of elderly within the population will increase significantly (SCB, Socialstyrelsen). The share of aged is already, and will increasingly be, noticeably higher in municipalities on the countryside compared to in the cities. Accordingly, “a variety of dwellings and form of housing suitable for elderly” is asked for and needed (Socialstyrelsen, Boverket). This thesis is one respond to the situation and an addition to the housing possibilities for elderly; a proposal and a test of one way of dwelling as an elderly on the countryside.  To this background, the thesis is a case study: an interpretation of the obsolescent typology “Undantaget”, a free standing (secondary) structure within the homestead on the countryside which the aged, previous owners often inhabited in preindustrial times. The case study is based on an investigation of the local vernacular building tradition. A contemporary dwelling for an elderly is explored, informed by vernacular tradition and its interwoven principles considering construction and tectonic, approach to/usage of resources as well as (else) economic, social and ecological aspects. A modified “Undantag” is proposed; an investigation of sustainable building and living intertwined.