As you cruise down the street in an established neighbourhood in Edmonton, your eyes catch a glimpse of a charming infill home nestled between two traditional houses. The modern design of the infill home stands out against the backdrop of the older structures, its sleek lines and large windows exuding a sense of contemporary elegance. The infill home not only adds a fresh, stylish look to the street but also symbolizes growth, renewal, and a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
Infill homes are more popular than ever and there are many reasons why. Below, we explore some of the benefits of infill homes, as well as some challenges when designing and building this type of house.
Urban Benefits
Infill homes contribute to urban revitalization by filling in gaps within existing neighbourhoods, promoting density, and making more efficient use of land. This can help combat urban sprawl as well as preserve green spaces. Infill homes can also promote walkability, reduce our reliance on cars, and create a more sustainable urban environment.
Sustainable, Modern Design
Incorporating sustainable design features in infill homes, such as energy-efficient systems, can enhance the project’s long-term sustainability. Balancing the integration of modern features with the constraints of the existing site and neighborhood regulations requires careful planning and expertise from expert designers and builders.
Balancing New And Old
Infill homes blend modern design with the character of an established neighbourhood, creating a harmonious mix of old and new.
Community Engagement
Working on infill projects often involves engaging with the local community to address concerns and gain support for the new development. Building good relationships with neighbours can be crucial in ensuring the project’s success and integration into the existing neighborhood.
Challenges
However, there are challenges that come with designing and building infill homes. One major con is the need to navigate through zoning regulations, building codes, and neighborhood restrictions that may limit the design possibilities. Working with a skilled design team that has experience designing infill homes is important to avoid additional headaches down the line.
When designing infill projects, we are careful to balance the desire for innovation with the need to respect the existing neighborhood. Residential designers play a major role in shaping the urban landscape, and creating homes that contribute positively to our communities while meeting the needs of future residents.