From Ideas to Application: Inside WHA’s Design Trends Committee
Last year, WHA established a Design Trends Committee to craft a space for individuals across the firm to meet and discuss emerging trends in our industry. What started as informal conversations quickly evolved into a series of design studies focused on applying these ideas in real-world scenarios. Our goal was to bring together diverse expertise to test ideas that address multiple trends simultaneously.
Our first case study involved the concept of adding density to single-family neighborhoods. We chose a standard lot size as a starting point and tested how two homes could be accommodated, effectively doubling the density of the typical lot. Increasing density might not be a novel concept anymore, but we were exploring the possibility of boosting density without upsetting the typical feel and aesthetic of a new or established neighborhood. To do this, we controlled the massing and plotting. A two-story façade paired with single-story elements fits into a variety of contexts and by shifting garage access to the rear of the lot, this created a more engaging street presence that is not dominated by garage doors. Inspired by our Cotino project, the larger plan lives forward, activating the streetscape with true indoor-outdoor living. We also studied multiple styles of architecture, reinforcing this “plug and play” approach that can be slotted in seamlessly to any community.
We went further in-depth with our second study, which started with an existing footprint of duplexes: a trend we have seen more frequently to keep construction costs and prices down compared to townhomes. The focus here was to create something that appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers, without compromising the qualities people consistently value, like outdoor space, attainability, and adaptability. The three products we settled on were a stacked flat duplex targeting an entry-level buyer with a ground floor ADU, a three-story duplex with flexible options built into the plans, and a two-story SFD aimed at young families. In terms of the amenities we wanted, we chose to forgo a large recreation facility in favor of individualized courtyards focused on community-building.
The key feature of this study was its flexibility. The floor plans offer a wide range of options including a home office, craft room, extra bedroom, outdoor living, an ADU, and a third-floor popup roof deck. The square footage range and program can accommodate everything from a college student to an established family seeking a detached home with a yard. Looking ahead, we plan to continue pushing our creativity beyond our everyday, exploring new trends and crafting responses to them.
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