Urban developments are rising to the challenge by balancing functionality with livability, creating spaces that meet diverse needs without sacrificing quality. Smart planning and thoughtful design make it possible to create homes that balance efficiency with style while building vibrant communities.
Bringing the Outside In
Maximizing natural light and views is a cornerstone of great high-density design. Features like large windows, corner sliders and angular building edges allow light to flow through homes while creating a strong connection to the outdoors. At Ocean 17, a narrow coastal site inspired the use of a sawtooth façade that brings light into every unit and offers views of both the Pacific Ocean and the lagoon. Similarly, expansive glass at The Remi ensures that compact units feel open and bright, helping residents feel more connected to their surroundings.
Density in Transit-Oriented Developments
The need for high-density housing is particularly critical in transit-oriented developments (TODs), where communities are built around access to multi-modal transportation. Novus, located within the Sky Ridge Station TOD in Lone Tree, CO, exemplifies how density can support urban growth without sacrificing quality. By integrating efficient modular construction with dynamic design features like varied building heights and rooftop amenities, Novus creates a vibrant, high-density community that complements its surroundings while providing unmatched access to transit options.
Designing Spaces That Build Community
Shared spaces are just as important as private ones in high-density developments. Thoughtfully designed courtyards, rooftop pools and community rooms create opportunities for interaction and connection. At Aspen College Park, public art and vibrant amenity spaces bring residents together while unifying two buildings separated by a roadway.
Balancing Efficiency With Comfort
In high-density housing, space is always at a premium, making efficient layouts essential. Projects like The Remi and The Iris use compact floor plans with open layouts that maximize every square foot. Flexibility is also key in other high-density developments, with features like live-work spaces providing adaptable options for diverse needs. These thoughtful details ensure that even smaller units feel functional, comfortable and tailored to modern lifestyles.
High-Density Living Done Right
From maximizing light and outdoor connections to creating spaces where people can gather and thrive, high-density housing can achieve so much more than simply increasing the number of homes on a site. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, projects like luxury condos, affordable senior housing, student housing and TOD communities prove that density can feel just as comfortable and inspiring as any other type of living.
These projects were featured in Volume 14 of our inspire magazine. Check it out here!
