There is a major housing shortage in the Netherlands. The government’s solution: build one million new homes by 2030, around 100,000 of them in Rotterdam. But how can that be achieved? The focus so far has been on new high-rises, new neighbourhoods, or even entirely new towns. Yet new construction takes time, harms the climate, and delivers few truly affordable homes. Is there another way to create more living space?

Even in times of housing shortage, space still exists – hidden within the city, behind front doors and between facades. Around half of households, for instance, occupy more space than they need. In neighbourhoods such as the Oude Westen and Middelland, many single residents live in family houses with several bedrooms. Platform Woonopgave – a coalition pushing for affordable housing in Rotterdam – and Recht op de Stad – a citizens’ movement advocating for housing rights – explored these districts to uncover vacant spaces and hidden living opportunities. By sharing and subdividing homes, encouraging people to move within the housing market, extending buildings, and using in-between spaces, new homes can also be found.

The exhibition House Hunting reveals the wide range of possibilities for creating more housing through a ‘detective board’ of drawings, sketches, stories and maps. The exhibition shows what this approach can bring to the neighbourhood: new amenities, shared spaces and affordable homes. At the same time, the exhibition invites local residents to take part and contribute their own ideas. Join the search for hidden homes and discover where space can be found – and how it can make the neighbourhood a better place to live!