HAPPY TOGETHER

How to make high-density living more livable...and attractive

THE CALL TO LIMIT urban sprawl and build denser communities is sounding louder these days. But for any residential development to be feasible, it must appeal to potential homebuyers. In other words, be it a low- or highdensity development, the design must be attractive and livable. Therefore, the introduction and success of higher density housing prototypes will depend on design factors that are carefully thought out to create livable places. The advantageous aspects of single-family homes, such as privacy and open space, must be incorporated into these designs.

In general, urban density is a subjective term that relates to local culture. For example, an Asian neighbourhood is likely to be much denser than its North American counterpart. But what should the common yardsticks be of such neighbourhoods?

Combining planning features from low-density and high-density designs can introduce urban forms with unique character. Such designs can average 25 units per acre, with rear private parking and yards for each unit. Minimal, though acceptable, widths separate the houses. Moreover, open greenspace at the centre of the cluster can be made accessible from each unit.

Considering and incorporating the effects of the sun on buildings into a design may reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%. Maximizing natural light and energy gains is important year-round, while orienting the house for passive solar gain can assist during winter. Houses should be sited in an east-west direction, such that one of the main facades faces south. Since winter heating is a bigger concern than summer cooling, orientations as close as possible to due south are recommended, ideally within 10° west of south.

What may such communities look like? Dujardin Mews was designed by Karakusevic Carson Architects in collaboration with Maccreanor Lavington Architects in Enfield, United Kingdom. The project consists of one- to fourbedroom homes and apartments aimed at individuals and families of different sizes. It’s located on remediated brownfield land that was previously inaccessible, but has now been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood.

The development provides a central pedestrian path within the site, with the houses’ main entrances all facing inward toward each other.

The townhouse typology used for most of the project maximizes density on the site without sacrificing an intimate scale. Doing so maintains a feeling of community by promoting passive surveillance for safety, while facilitating social activities among neighbours. Most parking is located below ground to also promote social encounters.

The material palette is primarily brick, referencing typical London streets. The homes all have large floor-to-ceiling heights with substantial windows providing plenty of natural light and ventilation. The design has the benefit of reducing construction and energy costs due to the shared wall between units. Further, a portion of the roofs are topped with courtyard gardens, while others have solar panels, contributing to a greener community.

Different roof profiles, meanwhile, provide diversity to the street facades, while allowing more daylight onto the central community axis.

The homes bordering the school have enclosed backyards for more privacy, while first-level terraces make up for the lack of connectivity with the surrounding area.

In the search for dense but livable communities, Dujardin Mews might just provide the blueprint OHB

Avi Friedman IS AN ARCHITECT, PROFESSOR, AUTHOR AND SOCIAL OBSERVER. AVI.FRIEDMAN@MCGILL.CA