01 · Challenge
In-laws nearby, accommodation for two people at once
A family in a spacious house on the outskirts of Zwolle wanted to bring both parents of the woman of the house to their plot. The parents-in-law were at that time living 40 kilometres away and had increasing care needs. The side plot was large enough for a detached unit, but the municipality of Zwolle requires a separate exemption application for a temporary care annex on a side plot. The design had to include two bedrooms so that the couple could live there comfortably.
02 · Our approach
Two bedrooms in a compact design
We designed a compact but functional living unit of 42 m² with an open kitchen-living area, two bedrooms and a large combined bathroom with two washbasins. The structure was a prefab timber-frame unit placed on the foundation in two days. We chose a flat roof to avoid exceeding the maximum permitted height on the side of the plot. We applied for the temporary building permit from the municipality of Zwolle, including a site plan of the side plot with the required setback dimensions to the plot boundary.
03 · Result
Elderly couple close to family
The permit was granted within 6 weeks. The unit was built and ready for occupancy by arrangement after the permit was granted. The parents-in-law have since moved in and experience the closeness of the family as a great reassurance. The children and grandchildren drop by every day. The design lets both parents sleep independently at night too. The unit sits on the side yard without losing the garden. A granny flat does not have to be big to improve the life of an entire family.