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Many Queensland communities are already dealing with rapid change in their suburbs, and phrases like ‘low, high and medium density’ are often thrown around. But one term, “gentle density” has been described as the golden formula to solving housing supply issues.

But what does ‘gentle’ mean in the context of density?

An urban development term, gentle density focuses on slightly increasing the number and variety of homes in existing single detached-home neighbourhoods. Traditional low density zoning often consists of large lots with a single home leading to underutilisation of valuable land resources.

Gentle density can also be the redevelopment of an existing site to include multiplexes like triplexes, fourplexes, or infill row houses. This optimises land use and offers a variety of housing typologies without changing the neighbourhood’s character and feel.

CIVITY director, town planner and Churchill Fellow, Martin Garred, says that rather than expanding new developments on the outskirts of cities that lack infrastructure, gentle density means building more townhouses, micro-lot houses and triplexes in existing populated areas to accommodate Queensland’s booming population.

‘The concept of gentle density is really about looking at generational change as our communities grow and evolve,’ Martin said.

‘In a perfect world, we want everyone at different stages of their lives to find housing that suits them.  As you retire, you want to be able to stay in the suburb which you’ve lived in your whole life but move into something smaller and more manageable.’

The European way of tackling housing availability

In collaboration with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Martin investigated differing housing approaches in Britain, Denmark and Sweden. So, what can we learn from housing done differently in Europe? Apparently, it all starts with mindset.

‘The way different countries around the world are dealing with the housing affordability crisis really highlights how we need to change our mindset here in Australia,’ he said.

‘As consumers, we haven't necessarily been exposed to housing other than single family homes or really large apartment buildings,’

‘The difference in Europe and other parts of the world, major European cities have been looking at how they can create different types of houses and are actively having conversations about their needs.’

According to Martin, Australia’s land use zoning approach impacts housing choice, restricting supply and increasing prices.

Starting a conversation

It’s often said that change doesn’t happen without growth.

Aside from keeping communities together, ageing in place and housing affordability, gentle density carries a range of social benefits.

Not only is having more neighbours beneficial for building community connections and social cohesion, but it also leads to investment in things like parks, community infrastructure and cultural precincts.

Despite challenges facing many Queenslanders today, Martin says we need to start a conversation with community members first.

‘I think my call to action to the communities, when you go to the next barbecue in your backyard, talk about housing, talk about the different types of housing that you might like to live in, because I think the first issue that we have is we all have to have a collective kind of discussion around what the future of housing looks like in Queensland,’ he said.

‘So the decisions that we make now are really important for our future generations, and it's critical that we make sure that some of the legacies that we're dealing with now in terms of the housing crisis, that we don't leave that for the future as well.’

As Queensland continues to grow and change, the Queensland Government is working with councils and industry to plan for and deliver housing where it is most needed and to create liveable communities for all to enjoy. Find out more: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning/housing

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