Low-Rise, High-Density Housing in Hawaii: An Affordable Housing Alternative for the Families of Hawaii

Abstract

As Hawaii faces a housing crisis, innovative housing designs are needed to meet the demand for more housing. This study attempts to solve the issues of sprawl, land development, and density in Hawaii, by proposing a new housing typology in urban infill lots. The design project, which suggests a redesign of East Kapolei to a more sustainable walkable community, attempts to find the balance between density and the single-family home preference. As majority of Hawaii residents prefer the detached single-family home and its benefits, the project proposes a new dwelling typology that delivers on density and multi-family living without compromising the single-family home experience. The final design is a new residential development in a redesigned East Kapolei community. It sits on a vacant lot with a density of three times that of detached single-family homes. The 3-acre development is comprised of shared spaces and individual lots, similar to the typical R-5 zoning, that house multi-family dwellings. The new dwelling typology consists of separate low-rise structures arranged programmatically. The bedrooms and bathrooms, which necessitate the most privacy are separated from the open, public spaces of kitchen and living rooms. The separate structures, which allow for flexibility in occupying the lot, also utilizes incremental spaces for future growth, indoor/outdoor design for more comfortable living, and rooftop spaces to supplement for loss of yard space. The study proposes a framework to provide Hawaii residents with a housing design to make dense living more comfortable, and thus helping produce more housing in urban cores throughout the islands.