“We like to keep our portfolio diverse, both in scale and in programme. But amongst the variety of projects we work on, housing – in all its forms – features prominently. Shared living is playing an increasingly significant role in this. When different households decide to downsize and share resources, achieving what we call ‘the right distance’ is of great importance.

“This image of a porch from the work of Swiss architects Bearth & Deplazes gradually came to symbolise for us what we mean by ‘the right distance’ in the context of shared living. The porch creates an informal threshold between the collective and the private. It is a small outdoor space that can be appropriated. However, this appropriation is structured and limited, ensuring that the communal space remains protected and intact. On the other hand, the porch prevents the interior of the home from being freely accessible to every other resident, visitor or passer-by. It thus ensures the right distance.