MULTI-FAMILY DESIGN BASICS
This term refers to a housing unit that shares walls with adjacent units.
What is an attached unit?
The most common wood-framing type used in low- to mid-rise multi-family buildings.
What is Type V construction?
A site that allows access from more than one street is referred to as this.
What is a through-lot or corner lot?
Ground-floor units must often be accessible under this federal law.
What is the Fair Housing Act?
This type of housing is designed to be rented or purchased at below-market rates.
What is affordable housing?
These are the two most common circulation types in multi-family buildings.
What are double-loaded corridors and single-loaded corridors?
This wall assembly is typically required between dwelling units for sound and fire separation.
What is a demising wall?
This type of open space is shared by residents and may include BBQs, seating, or play areas.
What is a common courtyard?
An elevator is typically required in buildings with this many stories of dwelling units.
What is four or more stories?
Cities often require developers to include affordable units in market-rate projects through this kind of policy.
What is inclusionary housing?
This building level often contains parking, mechanical space, or retail under residential floors.
What is the podium?
This material is often used to improve acoustic performance between floors.
What is resilient channel or underlayment?
Locating this near the front of the property promotes walkability and urban activity.
What is the building entrance or lobby?
This space allows a wheelchair to turn around in a room.
What is a 5-foot turning radius?
This type of public funding helps lower the cost of construction for affordable housing projects.
What is a government subsidy or grant?
A two-story unit in a multi-family building is commonly referred to as this.
What is a townhouse or a maisonette?
The standard number of gyp board layers required on each side of a 1-hour fire-rated wall.
What is one layer (in most assemblies)?
The area required for trash/recycling access by trucks is called this.
What is the service yard or trash enclosure?
Accessible entries must include this feature if there’s more than a ½-inch threshold.
What is a ramp or beveled transition?
These kinds of units are reserved for people based on their income level.
What are income-restricted units?
This design strategy ensures every bedroom and living space has a window or access to daylight.
What is daylighting or access to natural light?
A TPO membrane is commonly used in this type of roof.
What is a low-slope roof?
A landscape buffer between windows and pedestrian walkways enhances this aspect of resident experience.
What is privacy?
In kitchens, this design element allows seated users to roll underneath.
What is a knee space (typically at the sink or cooktop)?
A common way architects reduce construction costs for affordable housing is by using this type of material or construction method.
What is wood framing or modular construction?