Design Guidelines: Village Housing

Village and Land Patterns Planning a Healthy Community Neighborhood Scale Residential Cluster

Residential Cluster

Design for long-term: Construction of physical space uses tremendous quantities of natural resources, mechanical force, and human energy. These embodied energy fields are held in stasis for long periods of time before either collapsing through age or by destruction. Design for longevity to ensure the energy being held in place is physically and emotionally healthy.

Be creative with use of space: Consider the particulars of the spaces needed; think about how one inhabits and uses space—not all places need be cookbook designs. Develop a design response to the micro-climate, regional identify, and family characteristics which fits the particular place that is being inhabited.

Build healthy living environments: Consider healthy interior finishes to minimize out-gasing from construction materials; choose interior furniture and appliances carefully. Include permeable driveways for rainwater penetration and landscaping with minimal lawn area, native species use, edible plants, and wildlife enhancing species for healthy surroundings. User education on living with and maintaining a healthy green home is important.

Include high levels of energy-efficiency: Design homes to be net-zero energy and net-zero carbon emissions; use high performance standards on windows; and try photovoltaic panels on the roof or solar hot water. Buildings can be flexible in their design; they may have adaptable multi-use spaces, and might be earth-sheltered or –bermed. Locate utility spaces and mudroom entrances based on weather and temperature. Building shape (rectilinear, square, round), orientation, window penetrations, overhangs, roof styles, etc. need to vary with the climatic zone (cold, temperate, hot-arid, hot-humid).

Provide public and private zones: Establish zones of public access from the street, semi-private areas for conversations with a neighbor, and private space for family use. Delimit these zones of comfort through landscaping, paving materials, steps and porches, lighting, gardens, dog fences, etc. Creating this sense of place is important whether the setting is urban, suburban, or rural.