National Design Competition Utilize the Overhead Space! Against Housing Shortage

The Netherlands is facing a shortage of over 400,000 homes, and this shortage is only increasing. Nitrogen regulations, space shortages, and congestion in the electricity grid mean that new construction is not enough. The solution to the housing shortage also lies in existing homes. Research by the Association of Homeowners shows that about 15% of homeowners believe their home is suitable for division. Half of that group is also seriously considering it. This potentially offers 350,000 extra homes. An analysis was previously conducted in Brabant by the Stec Group of the total number of homes that can be additionally realized in the existing stock. This was calculated at 104,000 additional homes.

Extensions or Splitting

By splitting homes, adding an extra layer (topping) with an extension, and smart renovations, hundreds of thousands of extra front doors can be created. Sandra Nap, director of Holland Houtland: “It is a shame that millions of square meters are vacant while 1.4 million young people are forced to live with their parents. At the same time, older people live in houses that are too large for them. There are already 300,000 senior homes too few. We see enormous opportunities to convert the overhead space in existing homes into new homes. Splitting houses can thus yield 350,000 new homes. All this provides benefits for current residents to live cheaper, more comfortably, and more sustainably, as well as for home seekers. We organize this challenge to really gather creative new ideas and achieve that!”

Expert Jury with National Architect

At the Eigen Huis Fair, Holland Houtland will launch the competition on Friday, October 10, 2025. The design competition challenges students, architects, designers, and individuals to share creative and feasible solutions. An expert jury, including National Architect Francesco Veenstra and the directors of the Housing Bond and the Association of Homeowners, will evaluate the submissions based on sustainability, affordability, and scalability. In an interview with Trouw (July 2025), Veenstra said: “The key lies in using what we already have more intelligently. Splitting and transforming is often faster, cheaper, and more sustainable than new construction. This challenge inspires and shows feasible, scalable examples for residents and municipalities.”

The design competition is made possible by 6 provinces. Wilma Dirken, Deputy for Housing of the province of North Brabant: “People are eager for just good homes. One of the solutions is to use existing buildings more intelligently. Brabant sees enormous opportunities there and we would like to help them along. That is why we also support this competition. We all want those quick and creative solutions, and we are sure that this Challenge will help with that!”

The Association of Homeowners expects that many homeowners will be convinced. Nico Stolwijk, Director of Advocacy: “Splitting homes is one of the promising solutions for the housing shortage. Research by the Association of Homeowners shows that 1 in 7 homeowners expects to be able to split their home. Interestingly, this is mainly considered for children and family (37%), while 13% set no conditions. This shows that there is a desire and willingness. Now we just need to tackle the barriers! As a jury member, I hope that the creativity of the participants leads to new, scalable concepts that truly boost the splitting of homes.”

Zeno Winkels, general director of the Housing Bond, jury member: “As the Housing Bond, we want a home for everyone, young & old, and affordable. The housing crisis affects us all, and the challenge involves us all! Join in.”

Participate

From October 10 to December 10, everyone can submit a design via www.benutdeoverruimte.nl. (refers to another website) The top 10 and the winners will be announced during the WOCODA public housing fair on January 29, 2026. The winners will receive, in addition to a cash prize, a place in the Guide to Utilizing Overhead Space, the inspiration and knowledge source for residents, governments, and designers. In addition to three jury prizes, with a grand prize of €5,000, there is also a public prize for the submission with the most votes.