THE MIX-MESH CONCEPT OF LOW-RISE HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING – ADVANTAGES AND POSSIBILITIES OF APPLICATION IN LOCAL CONTEXT

Abstract

The increased demand for residential space is in constant conflict with available spatial resources. Utilization of unbuilt urban land for residential purpose is faced with two opposing extremes – development of single-family housing in peripheral urban areas, on one hand, and the insertion of multi-family housing as infill in central urban zones, on the other. A contemporary approach to housing development turns towards the application of low-rise high-density model – as an alternative solution, that tent to achieve the best of both extremes.
The research deals with the possibilities of applying a modular system, symbolically named Mix-Mesh, which, through various combinations of the basic module (dimensions 4.2x5.0m) would enable the development of a wide range of residential units – grouped within various typological forms: from two or three-story single-family row houses; combined models of single-family and multi-family housing; to multi-family buildings, which can be developed in the form of gallery or corridor solutions (depending on the shape, dimensions and plot orientation). One of the main advantages of low-rise high-density housing, which is reflected in the presence of significant private open areas, is also present in this model. A specific advantage of this modular solution is reflected in its easy adaptability to different urban parameters and conditions present on a plot, which is obtained through various combination types.