In an era where affordable and sustainable housing is a pressing concern, cluster housing emerges as a viable solution that offers both affordability and sustainability.
As the population in Zimbabwe's capital Harare grows, the city strives to meet the soaring housing demand. With a population of over 2.4 million, about 16 percent of Zimbabwe's population, the Harare metropolitan area is sprawling outwards, of which authorities say that the growth model is not sustainable since land is a finite resource.
Compact living is becoming more popular today, contrary to earlier times when there was a preference for larger land areas, according to Ken Sharpe, CEO of West Properties, a Harare-based property development company, which is constructing a thousand multi-story apartments in Harare's upmarket Borrowdale suburb. "For a long time in the past, we have not densified the city, so the time has come to build up," Sharpe told Xinhua.
Younger home-seekers now prefer modern facilities including security, convenience and home automation, he noted. "We have a young population – almost 70 percent of Zimbabwe is youth under 30 and these young people want to see modern features, modern designs," he added.
Cluster housing offers numerous benefits that contribute to affordability and sustainability:
Cost Efficiency:
By sharing common infrastructure and amenities, cluster housing reduces construction and maintenance costs, making it a more affordable option for homeownership.
Land Optimization:
Cluster housing optimizes land use by efficiently utilizing space, enabling more units to be built on the same plot of land without compromising privacy or living standards.
Community Engagement:
The shared open spaces and communal facilities in cluster housing developments foster a sense of community, encouraging residents to engage and interact with their neighbors, resulting in a more inclusive and cohesive neighborhood.
Environmental Sustainability:
Cluster housing promotes sustainable living through the incorporation of green building practices, energy-efficient design, and the preservation of open spaces, contributing to reduced environmental impact and a more sustainable lifestyle.
Water Conservation and Sustainable Water Management:
Water conservation is another crucial aspect of sustainable cluster housing. These developments employ water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart irrigation techniques to minimize water wastage. Sustainable water management practices ensure responsible water usage and contribute to environmental preservation.
By incorporating sustainable features, promoting community and social interaction, and preserving open spaces, cluster housing developments create vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods.ip.
