Inside/Out - Future Denser Living

Since the 1950s the suburban ideal of the quarter-acre section has characterised the Kiwi lifestyle. However, as New Zealand's cities develop, this way of life is becoming increasingly inadequate. Standalone homes are creating sprawl throughout cities. In Wellington, the population is increasing, with anticipated growth of up to 80,000 people over the next 30 years. Increased density will likely affect how the city looks, feels, and operates dramatically. In the future medium-density dwellings will make up a larger proportion of new housing.

The nuclear family, which was idealised in western society from the post-second world war period, has since evolved; the population is becoming dramatically more diverse with a range of different age and family profiles, creating demand for a broader range of housing options. While the family unit is still present, the population's ageing, divorce rates, blended families, childless and same-sex couples as well as group and individual family structures have significantly impacted contemporary households. These complexities produce pressures for adaptable housing on a national scale.

This thesis presents an exploration for meeting national density standards requirements while occupying a smaller footprint. The objective is to design a medium-density housing (MDH) residence using design strategies that provide a mix of housing types and allow homes to adapt to residents' changing lifestyles—exploring how medium-density housing can be reinvented to appeal to the Kiwi lifestyle challenging the notions of space and form. Overall, this research suggests how to meet the need for greater density by reconsidering aspects of dwelling design and their spatial disposition