Raising the bar in affordable housing
Buying a home is a major aspiration for many, yet it hinges on governments and real estate developers to make it possible. They must not only supply sufficient housing stock, but also ensure that homes are safe, healthy, and affordable.
Achieving this, however, requires that they cost and quality, which isn’t easy especially since community needs differ widely according to each country’s economic context. There are, however, some successful residential developments that meet high standards in terms of safety, livability, and health, while being offered at prices that are more affordable compared to their national housing market averages. Here are some of them.
Sardinia, Italy
Elmas Social Housing is recognized as one of the best examples of socialized housing. Built by Italian Architects 2+1 Officina Architettura, the property was made of affordably priced and long lasting materials.
It also incorporated Mediterranean architecture and style through its white exterior and bright yellow windows that are differently spaced and sized. Completed in 2010, Elmas Social Housing has a walkway balcony, courtyard, and ground floor duplexes. The balcony also serves as a form of climate control against the chilly winds.
Brussels, Belgium
Belgium offers a lot of quality social housing projects. One of the most prominent developments is the Sint-Agatha-Berchem Housing Project, located in an area allocated for social housing since the early 1920s.
Architect Victor Bourgeois created the original district, and Belgian architectural firm Buro II & Archi+I designed the new units in the current housing project. These units were completed in 2012 and they are notable for having a Bourgeois’ cubist style. These units are also incorporated with solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and sustainable materials.
Another prominent housing project in Brussels is the Savonnerie Heymans Public Housing. This property is a 100 percent public housing project scheme.
It was a former soap factory that was transformed for residential use. The property now houses 42 units of low-energy public housing consisting of studios, duplexes, apartments, lofts, and maisonettes. It also has various communal facilities such as a mini-forest garden, playground, 3D-landscaped park, and a lot more. Also installed were solar panels and a rainwater collection system.
Melbourne, Australia
The Pearcedale Parade property in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows easily catches attention for its bright, cheerful colors and quirky architecture.
It was designed by the Victoria-based branch of CH Architects and was funded by the Brumby Labor government and Yarra Community Housing, a non-profit body dedicated to providing affordable accommodation to Victorians who need it. Completed in 2010, Pearcedale Parade comprises 88 cross-ventilated units and boasts of solar-powered hot water and heating.
Sources: iproperty.com.my, bestmswprograms.com, comerica.com
