Attached(!) Castles: True Private Space in Medium-Density (Courtyard) Housing

Abstract

In New Zealand, medium-density housing is a prominent method of intensifying our cities, enabling us to accommodate a growing population efficiency, economically and with reduced impact on the environment. Traditional detached housing, however, is still the preference for most New Zealand home buyers who oppose the loss of outdoor space, privacy and security commonly experienced with modern medium-density housing developments.

This thesis aims to determine whether courtyard housing, a typology characterised by its enclosure of open space by the dwelling itself, can provide private and autonomous exterior space equal to that of detached dwellings, yet at much greater densities, improving its attractiveness to buyers.

To accomplish this, this research examined the open space demands of New Zealanders and their concerns with MDH, then reviewed how various design elements of contemporary courtyard housing could address the demands of buyers. Three housing experiments were then conducted in the New Zealand setting to explore which elements of the typography best met these established demands. The findings from these preliminary designs were then synthesised into a final working model, which demonstrated the potential of courtyard house to meet NZ demand given certain modifications.