Infill housing involves the subdivision of existing housing on larger urban sections into smaller “infill” allotments and the construction of new residential housing.  Typically these sites vary in size from 250m² to 500m² and involve compact housing.

Generally most Councils have established policies that encourage the use of such development and make use of existing infrastructure and help to reduce unnecessary urban sprawl.

Given the compact nature of these sites it is often necessary to obtain neighbours’ permission for encroachments of the performance conditions in the District Plan or to use innovative and creative solutions to obtain design functionality – often the concept design of a small home can exceed that required for something larger.  Frequently the purchasers of these properties are either a burgeoning elderly population or recently separated professional individuals looking for a low maintenance property – and good properties are always sought after.

Plans.co.nz has significant experience both in the design and construction of these properties and has completed over 100 designs ranging from a small apartment block to stand-alone townhouses.

Recently we completed a project for local Palmerston North builders on a 350m² rear site in Featherston Street.  The site was not without its challenges, rapid processing of the Building Consent was required, so delays in Resource Consent had to be avoided and the brief had to allow for 3 double bedrooms, double garage, open plan living, two toilets and had to be low maintenance.

The resulting plan allowed for this and incorporated a tilt panel wall to the garage boundary wall, separate WC with 2nd toilet located in a dual access bathroom with a door off the master bedroom.  The design was orientated with the living area facing north, cladding was in Linea weatherboard with Coloursteel roof and the property was sold to a cash buyer within 10 minutes of the first open home.