Design
Patterns and Recommendations
5. Site –
Selecting a lot and planning a development
 A building site can play a tremendous role
in the sustainability of a single home or an entire development. The location of the site will determine how the
occupants interface with the existing community: how
many resources are consumed in extending infrastructure to the site and how the occupants
transport themselves to access services and jobs. Choosing
building sites near public transportation and services helps to minimize both the costs
and environmental impacts of commuting by auto, and helps to prevent urban sprawl. For development of a single home, or a few homes,
infill sites are often the best choice.
When a whole
development of affordable, sustainable homes is planned, there are several larger-scale
considerations for sustainability, such as designing lots to reduce infrastructure costs,
maximize solar potential, preserve open space, and create a sense of community. Very large developments might include commercial
and retail space to connect residents and services, or might merit their own transit
extensions from city systems.
Recommendations:
§
Choose infill sites that use existing infrastructure or require minimal
extensions.
§ Minimize auto dependence and transportation costs by siting close to
services, public transportation, and work centers.
§ Consider building housing in mixed-use areas.
§ Cluster homes in a development to preserve open space and habitat, while
reducing infrastructure costs.
§ Design developments to minimize paved area and provide pedestrian access.
§ Orient lots in a development to provide solar access in cold
climates and
protection from solar gain in hot climates.
Reference:
§ Smart
Communities Network website, Land-Use Planning
section and Green
Development section
§
Urban
Infill Housing: Myth and Fact, (PDF) Urban Land Institute
§
Smart
Growth and Affordable Housing: Making the Connection, Smart Growth
Network
§
Smart
Growth for Neighborhoods: Affordable Housing and Regional Vision, (PDF)
National Neighborhood Coalition
§
Armory
Park del Sol, PATH Demonstration and Field Evaluation site
Applied
in Case Studies:
§
Emeryville
Resourceful Building Project
§
Erie-Ellington
Homes
§
Home Town – Neighborhood Development
§
Northside
Strawbale Project
§
Casas
de Don Juan
§
The
Vista at Kensington Park
Additional Examples:
§
Benedict
Commons
§
Bungalow
Court Condominiums
§
Burnham
Building
§
Parkside
Estates
§
St.
Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County
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