What is a residential block?
A residential block (housing block) is a building in which several homes are stacked above and beside each other and reached through shared circulation. The Dutch term is woonblok.
Background
Building homes in blocks is cheaper than building separate houses and fits more homes on each square metre of land. That is why stacked housing has been common since the early twentieth century. The term can sound negative because it is associated with monotonous estates.
Access types
- Stairwell access: a few flats per floor open off a shared staircase.
- Gallery access: an open walkway along the facade.
- Corridor access: an internal corridor with flats on both sides.
When a lift is required depends on the national or local building regulations.
Renovating in a block: points to watch
- Owners’ association or freeholder: shared parts such as facade, roof, windows and load-bearing walls need permission.
- Sound insulation: hard floor finishes often have to meet impact-sound rules in the lease or house rules.
- Fire safety: do not break through walls between flats or to the common stair without approved fire-stopping.
- Load-bearing walls: always have a structural engineer check before removing anything.
Related terms
- Fire-and-smoke-free escape route
- Flat
- Stairwell
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