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CMHC for Housing Industry Professionals and Community Groups November 2006

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2005 Canadian Housing Observer
Home to Canadians for the past 60 years.
 
Housing Industry Professionals and Community Groups > Improving Housing Affordability > Affordable Housing Ideas > Community and Housing Design 

Community and Housing Design

This group of strategies examines how community and residential design decisions can reduce housing costs.

Building Housing Incrementally
Housing can be built incrementally to meets changing spatial needs.
 
Cohousing Strategy
Cohousing represents a unique opportunity for residents to participate in design and development. With this demanding yet rewarding form of affordable housing, residents determine communal needs and interests, and agree on the configuration and design of their homes and communities.
 
Designing Flexible Housing
Housing can be designed to be adaptable and provide owners with income from surplus space.
 
Increasing Density Through Lot Size and Design
Smaller lots increase density and reduce land lot size and design costs in development.
 
Modifying Unit Design and Size
Modifying the size or design of a residential unit can reduce costs.
 
Sharing Facilities
Sharing facilities reduces development and/or operating costs.
 
Using Building Form and Design
Higher density building forms and designs can be used to decrease housing costs.