Residential Clustering Design Strategies

Residential Clustering design strategies for residential developments achieve increased opportunity for interaction through effective densification adjacent to community amenities and greenways. Quality design with density is an essential element of community civility. Without reaching a reasonable density in urban areas, it is difficult to justify the efficient utilization of urban resources and services. The more people share community facilities, the more amenities and services can be provided in an economically and socially justifiable way. Increasing density to 12-18 dwellings per acre also creates pedestrianization and makes public transit more viable.

Existing and Proposed Internal and peripheral block densification.
Existing and Proposed Densification of cluster using peripheral infill units.
Existing and Proposed Densification by peripheral infill of greenhouses, expansion of existing and / or new housing units.

The critical clustering design strategies for densification can occur in the following ways:

1. Peripheral infill is achieved in areas where larger side yard setbacks occur between the dwellings. In many suburban areas, setback and side yard regulations consume 30-40% of the street frontage. To increase the efficiency on such underdeveloped lots, greenhouses are designed between and in front of the existing units. The greenhouse could be commonly shared by the two families or owned by one. This arrangement increases the land use and energy efficiency and creates a well-defined internal semi-private back garden space to be used either collectively or subdivided individually.
2. Internal and external block densification is applicable to larger blocks where the combined backyards can internally accommodate new townhouses, apartment units, greenhouses and parking. Careful considerations are given to preserve family privacy and territoriality as well as provide spaces for social interaction in the clustered grouping of families.
3. External expanded block and communal greenhouses can also occur by utilizing wide or redundant streets between two blocks. This densification can increase efficiency and enriches the communication and social interactions between the clusters. Additional developments could be built between these blocks, including communal playgrounds, gardens and greenhouse structures.
4. Internal unit densification can also accommodate many of the changing domestic needs of the family. In this situation, the house is subdivided internally or expanded to accommodate new members of the family. This is not a new practice. In many regions across the world, families have comfortably lived in one house for generations. Also auxiliary apartments within units are very common in most countries and provide for viable alternatives to increase the efficient utilization of the residential area.

Increase density housing in Boulder, Colorado. Solar response units along river-greenway park. Density naturally increases adjacent to urban amenities.	Densification within Vancouver, B.C. Historic units are subdivided into apartments and the space in the back is used for new infill multi-story apartments.

• Also reference:
  • Regional Strategies
  • City
  • Districts and Neighborhoods
  • Dwelling Units

This web site was developed with the authors and Michael Mahaffy, Computer Systems Professional, School of Architecture, Washington State University