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You could save nearly 40% building costs by having 10 adjacent units versus ten free-standing structures nearby. That money could go into more solar or to build

You could save nearly 40% building costs by having 10 adjacent units versus ten free-standing structures nearby. That money could go into more solar or to build more units. You go from 40 exterior walls (10 units x 4 walls) to 4 exterior walls at about 60% of the area. I can't tackle the math mentally to figure out how the roofing situation changes, but I imagine it is drastically cheaper as well. The roof would be two very long sides instead of 20 small sides. The more I think about it, the more I am coming around on the "dignity" argument and I think having a space that is completely "yours," including a porch, some steps, and some garden area, will increase the amount of ownership felt. Want pink flamingos? You've got a hundred square feet of lawn that's yours.

jonlucc 13y ago
I think you can have the best of both worlds with alternating doors. A big long structure where every other door is on the same side of the building, such that each person gets a small porch, small "yard" and their own door. This still limits the natural light.
- Crito 13y ago
  That would certainly provide some isolation from your direct neighbors. Not really sure if that would be a good or a bad thing.
  - saraid216 13y ago
    That can be mitigated by having a common space outside, as well as having similar setups next door so that, while you might not see others in your own building, you'll be able to wave at people next door. And if enough people do that, and then go down to meet them in person, you'll start bumping into your own building-mates. I'm not actually describing theory; I have a friend in Sweden who has made friends this way.
vacri 13y ago
You could save nearly 40% building costs by having 10 adjacent units versus ten free-standing structures nearby. There's more to construction costs than just walls and roofing. Plumbing, electrical, kitchen fixtures, heating...

jonlucc 13y ago

I think you can have the best of both worlds with alternating doors. A big long structure where every other door is on the same side of the building, such that each person gets a small porch, small "yard" and their own door. This still limits the natural light.

Crito 13y ago
That would certainly provide some isolation from your direct neighbors. Not really sure if that would be a good or a bad thing.
- saraid216 13y ago
  That can be mitigated by having a common space outside, as well as having similar setups next door so that, while you might not see others in your own building, you'll be able to wave at people next door. And if enough people do that, and then go down to meet them in person, you'll start bumping into your own building-mates. I'm not actually describing theory; I have a friend in Sweden who has made friends this way.

vacri 13y ago

You could save nearly 40% building costs by having 10 adjacent units versus ten free-standing structures nearby. There's more to construction costs than just walls and roofing. Plumbing, electrical, kitchen fixtures, heating...