Best multigenerational housing design for Global Awards shortlisted
LOS ANGELES: The shortlist for the best multigenerational housing design has been declared.
Over 250 programmes have been considered by the awards secretariat. One of the finalists in this category is shown above.
A national housing report indicates three-quarters of renters (75 percent) are dissatisfied with the housing choices available to them with more than half (53 percent) unable to afford to buy a home.
The Urban Advisory report indicates New Zealanders wanted more housing options and housing mobility, with co-housing a top choice, according to a peer-reviewed, cross-section of more than 2587 survey respondents over the age of 16.
Older adults were seeking to downsize, while financially stretched households, and those seeking culturally grounded housing had few options.
The following types of structures were supported by respondents:
- Co-housing (59 percent)
- Community land trusts (29 percent)
- Residential co-operatives (32 percent)
- Shared Ownership (23 percent)
- Rent to buy (34 percent)
- Built to rent (19 percent)
“There’s a big gap between what people want and what sort of housing is being delivered,” Urban Advisory managing director Dr Natalie Allen said.
“The gap is between the public housing sector and the private market, and to bridge it will require flexible support and more housing options.”
She said the housing continuum encompassed public housing to market ownership, with an under supply of options for those in stuck in the middle with fewer options.
“This gap is a critical issue because secure tenure is foundational to positive social and economic outcomes for people.
“The lack of options poorly serves this ‘missing middle’ and they are key segments of the population that include our rapidly ageing population, Māori and Pacific Island peoples and the key workers that keep our towns and cities going.”
The supply of quality townhouses close to amenities had not kept pace with the rapid increase in their popularity, with 59 percent of respondents willing to consider living in a townhouse though only 36 percent did, Allen said.
Neighbourhood features were also a key consideration for more than 40 percent, with the highest priorities being safety from crime and near services and amenities such as schools and public transport.
The Global Award winner will be announced in December in London. (Globals)