The Impacts of Spatial Parameters on Space Efficiency in Hybrid Villa-Apartments in Greater Khartoum, Sudan

With the recent increase in hybrid villa-apartments (HVAs), which combine owner-occupier and renters in one building, in Greater Khartoum in response to high housing demand, there is a need to understand the main determinants of their layouts. The need for efficient designs of such a complex housing type raises questions about the impact of spatial parameters on their space efficiency. This study aims to contribute to developing HVA design guidelines by focusing on the impact of key spatial parameters - namely, plot location and dimensions, and location of vertical circulation, yards and entrances - on their space efficiency. Quantitative analysis of a sample of sixty HVAs was performed to show the relationship between spatial parameters and space efficiency. Interviews with practicing architects were conducted to ascertain the determining factors of HVA layouts and the optimum location of identified spatial parameters. The results revealed that the most efficient location for the plot is the corner location; the center-edge for vertical circulation; the back location for yards; and for plot dimensions, it is where the width is longer than the depth. These results can assist designers, owners and developers during the design stage to maximize the space efficiency, hence the feasibility, of HVAs.

Automated summary

This study aims to provide guidelines for the design of hybrid villa-apartments (HVAs) by analyzing the relationship between spatial parameters and space efficiency. The results show that the most efficient plot location is the corner position; center-edge is the optimum location for vertical circulation; back location is the best choice for yards; and for plot dimensions, a longer width than depth is preferred. These findings can assist designers, owners, and developers in maximizing the space efficiency and feasibility of HVAs during the design stage.