What is the impact of salutogenic design elements on human well-being in microhousing? A systematic review protocol

Rapid urbanisation, increasing housing density and rising costs have intensified pressure on urban housing systems, limiting access to health-promoting residential environments. Microhousing (compact units typically ranging from 15 to 40 m²) has emerged as a strategy to address these challenges. While microhousing improves affordability and spatial efficiency, it may also pose psychological and well-being challenges for residents. Salutogenic design, grounded in the sense of coherence framework, emphasises environmental resources that promote mental health and resilience. However, evidence on the operationalisation of salutogenic principles in compact residential environments remains fragmented. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise empirical studies, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research, examining salutogenic design strategies in microhousing and their potential impact on human well-being.

This systematic review protocol is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies published in English from 2005 onward will be included. Title and abstract screening, full-text assessment and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion and, if necessary, by consultation with a third reviewer. Data will be synthesised using a narrative approach to identify key salutogenic design elements, outcome measures and contextual factors.

This review will be based exclusively on previously published studies and will not involve the collection of primary data from human participants; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The findings of this review will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Any amendments to the protocol will be documented and reported in the final publication.

CRD420261281219.