In growing Australian cities there is an urgent need to build houses on increasingly smaller blocks of land. As an alternative to using land for high-rise buildings such as flats and units, designers are now looking at other ways of increasing residential densities. These buildings, which tend to be low rise (only one or two storey) and linked horizontally, rather than stacked as in a block of flats, are known variously as high or medium density housing.
The challenge of high and medium density housing developments is to use smaller spaces creatively so there is still a garden and a useable outdoor area.
People are responding positively. In some instances this style of living is seen as not only acceptable for small families, but as a preferred choice.
Good design
‘Burke’s Backyard’ visited three medium density housing sites in Melbourne and discovered that a small lot does not necessarily mean no garden.
An important change has come from changes in local planning regulations. Traditional regulations such as having houses set back from the front fence and side boundaries, were making it difficult for designers and architects to make the most of the site. These regulations are changing and a better use of space is being considered as pivotal for successful medium and high density housing.
An important part of making better use of a small space is consideration of where the light comes from and how to fit all the necessary aspects of family living into the confined space without compromising space and comfort.
Some of the space/living solutions were:
Outdoor space as an extension of the main living room. The use of glass in the living room made both the living room and the garden area larger, making the garden an extension of the living room. The garden is minimal maintenance with topiary box hedges. The upkeep would take about half an hour a week.
Utilising space to the boundary. By building right to three of the boundaries a 30 square metre house has been built on a 30 square metre block. Outdoor living space takes the form of an internal courtyard. Each room has a balcony overlooking the courtyard giving more space to the two storey home. The northerly aspect allows light to stream into the courtyard and house. The courtyard shows a Tuscan influence and is paved with terracotta.
Integrated development of a larger block for multiple dwellings. When one architect can design an integrated whole, for example three houses on a 800 square metre block (less than the traditional quarter acre), every bit of the area needs to be carefully planned. In the example we looked at one of the houses was a large family home while the others were smaller. Each included a spacious backyard. One backyard featured a lap pool which abutted the next door neighbour’s wall so maximising the use of space.
Further information
The Victorian Department of Infrastructure has published a guide for medium density housing. It is a guide that sets performance standards for how housing can be designed for higher density living and still meet council guidelines. The Good Design Guide for Medium-Density Housing is available from Department of Infrastructure Bookshop, Upper Plaza, Nauru House, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000. Phone: (03) 9655 8830. Fax: (03) 9655 8847.Cost: $12, plus $2 postage Australia-wide.
Note: It is being reprinted and will be available from the end of August 1997.
The houses we visited are private property but for more information contact the Department of Infrastructure on (03) 9655 6000.
