Not Just a Home: Building Transformative Townhouses that Enrich Urban Communities

This plan shows an optimized townhouse for a 50’x100’ lot.

Imagine the sun's path as it arcs across the sky. This dance of light and shadow influences the layout of our outdoor spaces. Folks love basking in the sunshine, regardless of the weather. So, we can carve out larger yards where the sun shines the most. If the townhouse sits on the north side of the street, it gets a generous front yard, and on the south side a spacious backyard.

Now, let's navigate the side setbacks. They're a common rule here in the US, but we can use them to our advantage as a side entrance, leading to a suite on the first floor. But when these setbacks aren't necessary, why not marry multiple townhouses? It helps banish dead space between buildings, fostering a sense of unity. Isolated buildings echo loneliness. Let's stitch our buildings, and in turn, our communities, back together. Just remember to plan alternate exit routes from the backyard when merging buildings.

Next, picture the front entrance at ground level, sharing space with the garage entry. This design encourages use of the front entrance, particularly in households where cars reign supreme. Without this connection, the front entrance often feels neglected.

Despite the limited space, we've carved out a cozy seating area at the entrance. It's a welcoming spot to shed outer layers before ascending the stairs.

Moving on, let's explore the second level. Here, spaces align with privacy needs. The rooms guests frequent nestle on this floor, while private chambers retreat to the third level. The kitchen sits at the heart, next to both dining and living areas. Countertops anchor the kitchen on either side, subtly defining the dining and living zones. Both these areas spill onto outdoor decks, each offering unique vistas and shifting comforts throughout the day. The outdoor space forms a visual buffer, shielding the living room from people looking up from the street.

The third level has three bedrooms. The two northern rooms are compact yet functional, with a desk, storage, and a bed. For families with young kids, consider knocking down the wall between these rooms to create a central play hub with cozy bed nooks. As the kids grow, re-erect the wall for added privacy. Each room includes a compact closet for everyday items. For long-term storage, consider the attic, other closets, or clever storage furniture. The master bedroom opens onto yet another outdoor deck, creating a private haven for a couple, perfect for outdoor seating or a hot tub.

Zoning rules permitting, we could crown our townhouse with a fourth level tucked under a sloping roof. If allowed, this loft could host a cozy bedroom and bathroom, flanked by semi-finished storage spaces. These areas follow the roof's slope, getting lower towards the ends of the townhouse.

Our plans above show a five-bedroom townhouse, complete with two living rooms and a garage. But lifestyles differ, and so should our homes. Let's explore a few other first-floor configurations.

What if you don't need a garage and could instead park on the street? This opens up a world of possibilities. Picture this: the garage space transformed into a bustling second living room, a stage for simultaneous activities. Imagine the room flowing seamlessly into the front yard, its heart a cozy porch. Without a driveway, the front yard transforms into a fun-filled playground. This setup is great for families with kids, the living room doubling as a playroom that spills onto a semi-private yard.

Now, let's re-imagine this space for people working from home in an office or workshop. The office unfurls onto the front yard, merging indoors with the outdoors. Clients can access this airy workshop straight from the street, creating a professional space distinct from the living area above. This blend of residential and commercial functions breathes life into the community, making it more vibrant and walkable. However, it is important to have an understanding of local zoning rules regarding building use, especially if you plan to interact with customers in the space. Many areas will not allow commercial use of primarily residential buildings.

When the kids grow up and leave the house, the house might feel a tad too large. So we can split the townhouse into two units, using the building setback as an entry to the first-floor unit, offering complete isolation from the rest of the house. The garage can either remain as it is or transform into a second bedroom. These rental sizes align with other rentals on the market, and come with the added bonus of backyard access. This setup offers flexibility to either rent out the first floor or upper floors, or even accommodate extended family under one roof.