In Search of the Missing Middle Housing Type

Here's is a peek at a project that is currently on the boards. For this exercise, we concentrated on utilizing triplex homes to provide an affordable alternative to the single family home, otherwise known as the missing middle.

The concept of missing middle housing types revolves around the need to bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-density apartment buildings. In neighborhoods that predominantly consist of detached houses, incorporating duplex and triplex homes can offer a valuable solution. These housing types provide a middle ground by offering multiple units within a single building while maintaining a sense of individuality and scale that aligns with the character of a neighborhood. Duplexes and triplexes can be designed to blend seamlessly with existing homes, ensuring architectural coherence. By introducing such housing options, neighborhoods can accommodate a greater diversity of residents, including families, young professionals, and older adults, fostering a sense of community and promoting socio-economic integration.  Here's a great resource by CNU to learn more.

Generally, it would be ideal to be able to infill existing neighborhoods with multi-unit buildings that reflect the nature of the single family homes around them. For this exercise we are starting from scratch, looking at ways to create an entire neighborhood focused on this higher density product.

​This study looks at triplexes, each having 3 units of different sizes: 1,000sf 2 bedroom/2 bath + study, 600sf 1 bedroom/1 bath + study, and a 400sf studio. The small size is intentional since affordability is key. 

​What isn't reflected in our study yet is creating a diverse look & size. To make this successful, we need to look at multiple building types (2-story, single family, and duplexes). Below is the first pass at a modern style as well as a traditional style triplex. What do you think?

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