Wellington Row Housing: A Case Study in Suburban Integration

Abstract

Since widespread private car ownership became the norm, low density detached housing has become embedded in a New Zealand culture that reveres the traditional suburban home. However, as the population of New Zealand's major cities continue to grow and experience demographical shifts, it is realised that the current trend in low density detached housing does not provide a sustainable solution to meet our future housing needs. Medium density housing developments are becoming increasingly important as an alternative housing type to intensify existing areas and contain the proliferation of suburban sprawl. Row housing has provided the needs for dense residential habitation across the world for many centuries. Despite this, row housing is a relatively new form of housing to New Zealand, with very few Wellington developments located in suburbia. The main intention of the research is to develop contextually responsive design principles and design options, and apply them to a design case study located in a Wellington suburb. With the majority of Wellingtonians choosing to reside in the suburbs, the comparative nature of increased dwelling density in row housing goes against the tradition and ethos of low density detached home ownership. As a result, there is a strong conflict with the integration of row housing, compounded by public resistance and market aversion to this housing type.

A comprehensive typological study of existing Wellington row houses and a proposed suburban site analysis has identified key aspects for successful integration. The research finds that a wide range of macro and micro characteristics exist throughout the Wellington row houses. While there is a lack of a design tradition favouring one form, the analysis reveals clear patterns.

When considered in context, it is acknowledged that row housing invariably involves a degree of compromise in seeking to identify with local traditions of low density detached housing. Three key interconnected design issues are identified: the accommodation of internal garaging and car access, the relationship between internal living space and outdoor space and the degree of individuality expressed to each house.

In addition to this, the collective size of the row is also a critical element, as it is seen that the row should conform to the built fabric for uniformity with the surrounding site. At the same time, the size of each row house needs to address the internal needs for New Zealand family households. As a result, suburban row housing must mediate between visual integration whilst providing for the household needs and amenities associated to the suburban lifestyle.