Did you know that the density of California cities is increasing? What will this increased density look like?

We think there could be different approaches to these developments. If there is an existing single family home on a lot, there could be a duplex added to the backyard, or if the lot is empty, we could develop something as large as a fourplex.

But what would we really like the future to look like? How would we want to shape our lives?

First, let’s start with thinking what features of a single-family home we would really like to keep. Is it the extra rooms? The garage where we can store things we need? The outdoor space for the kids and gardening types?

Second, what do we like about multifamily city living? High quality shared amenities, corner coffee shops and restaurants, and possibly less expensive rents or mortgages.

We think that with a little compromise, it is possible to keep the best of both worlds. Here’s how:

Ground Floor

Use for parking initially, and as more people switch to using public transit or biking, the garage can be completely converted to a shared common space for extra storage, group gatherings and perhaps even turn into local bakeries or coffee shops.

Upper Floors

The upper floors filled by housing units. Lower floors with more space could be used for bigger families, upper floors could have smaller units with less expensive rent for young adults.

The key to keeping dwelling units more affordable is removing expensive elevators(*) and enclosed staircases, in addition to efficient space layouts.

The key to making them appealing is to have higher quality construction and design, as well as keeping ample storage and space, similar to single family homes.

Now that we’ve discussed what goes into this small development, let’s talk about the aesthetics of this housing type. We want to use this as an opportunity to bring more sophisticated contemporary designs to our neighborhoods. There are a lot of gingerbread-style cookie cutters on the market. Let’s dilute it with cleaner lines and more open floor plans, but keep the warmth of the traditional residential construction materials such us wood.

Below is one of our early prototypes(**) for a small multifamily development. The design and materials elevate quality, and increased density lowers costs and offers a more sustainable way of using the land. In this prototype, we have ground floor parking and shared space, three residential units stocked one on top of the other, and a roof garden/patio. Every unit has two private outdoor spaces that can be used as a backyard or infilled with another room, keeping pace with the tenant’s family changes. Such a development can be rented out or split into condominiums for sale. Best of all, even though the design is city-friendly, there is still space for a traditional shared backyard and for parking.

(*) Elevators are often required…but not always. Would you trade access to an elevator for lower rents?

(**) This is just one configuration that would be possible in more urban areas. In the suburbs, the duplex configurations are supposed to be easily approved by the cities.