The Impact Of Incremental Vertical Housing Development On Quality Of Space And Residential Environmental Satisfaction: A Case Study Of Swarna Place, Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

Incremental vertical Housing Development is increasingly common in rapidly urbanizing cities in the Global South. With rising population pressures and insufficient formal housing supply, residents often extend their homes vertically over time. This study examines how such incremental Housing Development influences both the quality of living spaces and residential environmental satisfaction (RES) by focusing on Swarna Place, a low-income settlement in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This research is crucial because while incremental Housing Development enables people to expand housing at their own pace, it may also create challenges in spatial quality, comfort, and social cohesion — aspects vital to sustainable and inclusive urban environments.

2. Research Context and Rationale

2.1 The Global Role of Incremental Housing Development

Incremental Housing Development has long been recognized as an adaptive strategy in regions where formal policies and finance mechanisms fail to provide adequate affordable housing. In many cities of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, houses begin as simple one-story structures and evolve into multi-story units as families invest more resources over time.

However, this form of Housing Development is complex. It changes the physical characteristics of homes, the socio-cultural fabric of neighborhoods, and the way residents experience and value their housing environment. The study bridges critical knowledge gaps by assessing how spatial and social experiences shift as incremental Housing Development transforms resident-built settlements.

2.2 The Case of Swarna Place, Colombo

Swarna Place represents a typical example of bottom-up Housing Development in Colombo. Settled primarily by low-income households, residents originally built horizontal, single-story homes on small plots. Over time, dwellings expanded vertically as families sought more room, privacy, and shelter quality.

This case study provides a valuable lens to observe the lived realities of Housing Development — where residents themselves shape their homes in response to economic capacity, spatial needs, and social aspirations.

3. Conceptual Framework and Key Measures

3.1 Defining Quality of Space (QOS)

The study defines Quality of Space (QOS) as the physical attributes of housing that make it comfortable, functional, and livable. This includes:

• Light and ventilation — the extent to which spaces receive natural light and airflow

• Thermal quality — how warm or cool a space feels

• Acoustic quality — noise control within and between units

• Spatial layout and functionality — how movement and daily activity fit within the home

• Accessibility — ease of access to rooms and facilities

Measuring QOS allows researchers to assess tangible changes brought by incremental vertical Housing Development.

3.2 Residential Environmental Satisfaction (RES)

RES refers to how residents feel about their housing from a psychological and social standpoint. It includes:

• Dwelling satisfaction (DS) — satisfaction with the physical house itself

• Internal neighborhood reputation (INR) — how residents perceive their neighborhood's standing

• Social climate (SC) — strength of social ties, neighborly support, and shared activities

These dimensions reflect deeper social implications of incremental Housing Development on community life, beyond mere physical upgrades.

4. Research Design & Methods

This study uses a mixed-methods approach combining:

• Architectural documentation — mapping and observing physical housing configurations

• Resident surveys — quantifying experiences with QOS and RES

• Semi-structured interviews — exploring personal perspectives held by residents

• Field observations — capturing behavioral and spatial interactions within homes and community spaces

A total of 60 residents were surveyed, providing robust quantitative and qualitative insights into the effects of incremental vertical Housing Development.

5. Incremental Stages of Housing Development

The study identifies seven stages of Housing Development showing how homes evolve vertically:

1. Stage 01 – Single-story homes with complete roof and flexible space

2. Stage 02 – Single-story with partial preparation for future upper floor

3. Stage 03 – Fully completed two-story units

4. Stage 04 – Two stores with partial third level

5. Stage 05 – Three story buildings

6. Stage 06 – Three stores with partial fourth level

7. Stage 07 – Fully built four story homes

These stages illustrate the evolutionary path of residential Housing Development as economic and spatial needs change over time.

6. Key Findings

6.1 Quality of Space Trends

The study finds that ground-floor quality of space declines steadily with each stage of incremental vertical Housing Development. Specifically:

• Natural light and ventilation reduced as additional floors block airflow

• Staircases and walls occupy previously open areas

• Space becomes less adaptable for multifunctional uses (social gatherings, work, Etc.)

Higher floors may offer improved views and privacy, but they often sacrifice the foundational quality of ground-level areas — where daily life primarily unfolds.

6.2 Residential Environmental Satisfaction Patterns

While the Dwelling Satisfaction (DS) tends to increase as homes rise vertically due to perceived improvements (more space, status, and comfort), two other key RES dimensions show stark declines:

• Internal neighborhood reputation (INR) drops as community cohesion weakens

• Social climate (SC) declines because vertical expansion reduces social interaction in shared spaces and common areas

This means that although physical improvements from incremental Housing Development may be appreciated, they simultaneously erode the social foundations that make neighborhoods vibrant and supportive.

6.3 Spatial and Social Trade-offs

A central insight is the inverse relationship between physical upgrades and community wellbeing:

• As homes increase in height and architectural complexity, Housing Development enhances physical dwelling quality

• However, increased privacy comes with reduced collective interaction, affecting social support networks and shared cultural practices

This reveals a complex, sometimes contradictory, impact of Housing Development: while it meets individual aspirations, it can weaken communal bonds.

7. Broader Implications & Policy Lessons

7.1 Urban Housing Policy and Design

The study offers several policy and design considerations:

• Design guidelines should ensure adequate daylight and ventilation in all vertical residential units

• Urban policies must balance private space improvements with community gathering areas

• Regulations and support mechanisms should help residents maintain spatial adaptability even as they expand vertically

Sustainable Housing Development cannot focus solely on physical expansion; it must also preserve social networks and environmental quality.

7.2 Supporting Residents in Incremental Housing Development

Formal support — including technical assistance, spatial planning guidance, and community building initiatives — could help mitigate negative effects of incremental vertical Housing Development, ensuring that homes are not only physically better but socially and environmentally livable.

8. Conclusions

This study challenges the assumption that vertical Housing Development automatically enhances residential wellbeing. It concludes that while physical improvements can increase some aspects of satisfaction, they often come at the expense of:

• Strong neighborly relations

• Spatial flexibility

• Quality of shared living spaces

To promote truly sustainable Housing Development, urban frameworks must integrate design quality, social sustainability, and community cohesion. Only then can incremental housing serve as a platform for dignity, wellbeing, and livable cities. 

Also Read:  Sustainable Housing: Exploring the Innovations and Challenges of Green Architecture