Innovative answers to city housing
In April, Beacon led a study tour to North America looking at successful examples of medium-density development. Some of the approaches they saw have potential here.
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In April, Beacon led a study tour to North America looking at successful examples of medium-density development. Some of the approaches they saw have potential here.
We can no longer afford to ignore the need for quality medium density multi-storey residential developments in our main centres.
New research suggests installing photovoltaics on roofs and driving electric cars could transform low-density suburbia from a high-energy consumer to an energy provider for the city.
Research has assessed the plans to step back upper storeys of buildings and break up city blocks in Christchurch with courtyards and lanes to improve environmental and energy performance.
The Christchurch City Council has drafted the Central City Plan to guide the redevelopment of Christchurch urban core. The process highlighted the community’s passion to make Christchurch a great city once again – perhaps even better.
Land-use planning decisions are informed by science-based policy, preference-based politics and a free-market based economy. In New Zealand, this seems to have done more to stagnate land-use planning than guide it.
Resident involvement was valuable in making the Talbot Park community renewal project a success, but more could have been done to ensure people understood the implications of low-impact design.
Heavier windows and drained and vented wall cavities mean loadings from windows are often offset from the timber framing. Recent BRANZ research checked that a modified support bar system can transfer the load back to the framing to prevent problems.
The length of coastline and exposed location in the South Pacific places New Zealand at risk from several coastal hazards, but good urban design can protect coastal communities and minimise the risk.
The development of the former Hobsonville Air Base in northwest Auckland into a sustainable coastal community highlights the benefits of a comprehensively planned urban development that takes a partnership approach.