There are three key elements that define the layout of a terraced house, the:
overall form of the building;
type of access; and
type of terraced house.
Understanding the relationships between these elements and testing different options for the site is crucial to a successful design.
Good developments will successfully combine form, access, and unit types, however, different combinations have different advantages and disadvantages, so there will be trade-offs between different objectives to get the best outcome. The building will also be informed by a context analysis at a site and neighbourhood scale. Factors such as site topography, natural features, sun penetration, prevailing wind, access, existing structures on adjacent sites, and views; will help determine the most appropriate form and massing for a terraced development.
For more on site and neighbourhood context analysis, refer to the
Placing the Building and
Design Statement sections of the Auckland Design Manual. For statutory building and planning controls, refer to the
Unitary Plan. For reference some examples of terraced housing and semi-detached housing layouts are provided below: