A Guide to the benefits

of infill

#CustomHomeEssentials #Inf illBenef its #UrbanRevitalization

EDMB – Laurier Heights Rendering Posted by Amy Vuong

What does infill mean? Infill is the development or redevelopment of a vacant, underused, or abandoned land or properties within an existing urban area. It typically occurs in already developed neighborhoods or cities, where new construction fills in the gaps between existing buildings or revitalizes old or vacant structures. Infill can involve various types of development, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects.

The goal of infill is to make better use of land that is already served by infrastructure, like roads, utilities, and public services, rather than expanding into undeveloped or rural areas. It helps to reduce urban sprawl, improve walkability, and make cities more sustainable by optimizing existing resources.

Infill projects can also involve adaptive reuse, where old buildings are renovated or repurposed for new uses, preserving the historic fabric of a community while meeting modern needs.

Infill building, which refers to the development or redevelopment of vacant or underutilized land within an existing urban area, offers several significant benefits:

1. Efficient Use of Land

   
   

   Maximizes Space: Infill building utilizes land that is already within developed areas, reducing urban sprawl and preserving Greenfields or agricultural land.

   Reduces Infrastructure Costs: Since infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer systems are already in place, the cost of developing these services is significantly lower compared to developing new areas.

   
   

2. Environmental Benefits

   
   

   Decreases Urban Sprawl: By focusing on vacant or underused properties within existing cities or towns, infill development helps reduce urban sprawl and preserves natural areas.

   Sustainable Development: Reusing existing buildings or infrastructure minimizes waste and energy consumption compared to building from scratch.

   
   

3. Economic Growth

   
   

   Revitalization of Communities: Infill projects can help revitalize declining neighborhoods by introducing new housing, businesses, and services, which can stimulate the local economy.

   Increase in Property Values: The improvement of vacant or underused land can enhance property values in the surrounding areas, benefiting both homeowners and businesses.

   
   

4. Improved Walkability and Connectivity

   
   

   Better Public Transportation Access: Infill development typically occurs in areas with established transportation networks, improving accessibility to public transportation and reducing reliance on private cars.

   Promotes Walkable Communities: By focusing on areas with existing amenities, infill projects can

   make neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing carbon footprints.

   
   

5. Enhanced Social Cohesion

   
   

   Diverse Housing Options: Infill development can introduce affordable housing options in well- established areas, providing diverse living spaces that cater to different income levels and demographics.

   Stronger Community Networks: With a higher density of people and businesses, infill development can foster stronger community interactions and create a sense of place.

   
   

6. Shorter Development Timelines

   
   

   Faster Approvals and Permits: Infill projects often face fewer challenges in terms of land acquisition and zoning compared to developing undeveloped land, which can speed up the approval process and lead to faster construction timelines.

   
   

7. Resilience and Adaptability

Adaptive Reuse: Infill development can involve repurposing old or historic buildings, preserving cultural heritage while giving them new life for modern use.

Support for Climate Change Mitigation: Well-planned infill developments can include green building

practices, such as energy-efficient designs, rainwater harvesting, or renewable energy systems, helping cities mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Parting Words

Infill building is a large scale reuse of land to promote sustainability, economic development, and stronger communities while minimizing the environmental and logistical costs of expanding urban areas.

Thinking about a new build on existing land? Contact us today to discuss your design ideas and get expert advice on making your dream home a reality!