Sustainable housing for ordinary households : a design study for Auckland's shortage of affordable housing, Geddes Terrace, Avondale

Abstract

This research project explores the issue of housing affordability and living quality for median range income households as it is this demographic which has the most potential for home ownership. The aspect of ‘affordability’ is identified, creating a model for housing affordability for ordinary households. The history and impacts of Auckland’s urban growth are discussed, including urban sprawl and the effects it has had on current infrastructure, in addition to projected infrastructure developments for the metropolitan region. The project explores housing in relation to the kiwi lifestyle and residential requirements in Auckland at medium urban densities and looks at the sustainability of Auckland’s future through the introduction of environmental sustainable principles and green construction in the residential sector, in addition to the importance in the development of efficient public transport for Auckland’s overall urban sustainability. The final design aims to introduce the accustomed suburban ideologies to a more urban environment with the intension to minimise the downfalls and reconceptions of typical higher density housing developments in Auckland, by maintaining pre-established values of individuality, privacy, security, belonging, and the freedom to wholly inhabit a dwelling. It challenges existing medium density housing developments in Auckland, other new developments on the current urban fringe of the metropolis, and some aspects of the Auckland Plan in an effort to acquire functional housing realistic and suitable for Aucklanders and the kiwi lifestyle at a medium urban density. It provides a design study and architectural response considering all researched elements, which aims to present Aucklanders with a good quality of living that correlates to the kiwi lifestyle and housing desires and attempts to ensure social acceptance of medium density housing in Auckland. SITE: Geddes Terrace. Avondale, Auckland.