dwell design studio, llc reposted this
THE CASE FOR MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some huge successes we have been having at Dwell Design Studio to reduce the costs of housing for our customers. We have seen major reductions in costs through creative design that is saving developers between 12-22% over comparable communities. As an industry we have designed our way out of efficient structures by chasing the hottest markets and designing to beat out the latest competition through elaborate amenities and grossly over designed facades. This has led to a glut of inefficient projects and to a reduction in affordable housing as a Nation. There is a significant missing middle. A middle that has more fixed incomes and that needs designers to really focus on finding creative ways to still provide Class A buildings but more effectively so that overall costs for developers can be reduced to meet the rental income needs of these missing middle communities. The following are a list of design factors that need to change to reduce costs and create better affordability: Repetition is Key Reduce Unit Types Consistency in Baths and Kitchens Maximize Allowable Building Area Minimize Circulation and Egressing Simplify Facade Materiality Smart Balconies Maximize your Parkable Area Follow me on LinkedIn as I discuss each of the above subjects in the coming week and show you solutions to save money and build affordable housing with Class A finishes and look.