Montgomery County Small Scale By-Right Housing for the R-60 Zone

Abstract

Montgomery County Housing Study This study evaluated opportunities to introduce small-scale, by-right housing in Montgomery County’s R-60 zone through a streamlined approval process for duplex and triplex development on individual residential lots. The work focused on expanding housing choice while maintaining compatibility with existing neighborhood character. The study developed market-responsive duplex and triplex prototypes for three representative R-60 lots. Seven representative lots were selected that represented a variety of common lot typologies within the study area: corner lots, mid-block lots standard (rectangular shaped) , and mid-block non standard (non- rectangular shaped lots). A further sub typology characteristic for each primary type included lots that were either narrow street frontage/ deep lots, and wide street frontage/ narrow lots. Pairs of students were matched with each lot type. Each parcel was analyzed through the lens of duplex and triplex typologies, generating 14 specific architectural inquiries. Design concepts included site plans, floor plans, building elevations, architectural style options, and street-level renderings illustrating how these housing types could fit within established neighborhoods. The initial studio design explorations provided Montgomery County with a set of solutions for enabling small-scale residential infill and increasing housing options through predictable, by-right development. Project Goals: • Explore Duplex and Triplex housing typologies across a range of Montgomery County R-60 lot types. • Integrate new housing within existing urban neighborhoods. • Enhance resident well-being through high-quality, livable design. Attainable Mass Timber Housing Competition During the final phase of the term, fourteen students worked in pairs to develop seven architectural submissions for the ACSA 2026 Timber in the City: Urban Habitats Competition. These designs investigated advanced timber residential systems to address the requirement for accessible, transit-oriented urban living through ecological and low-carbon construction methodologies. Building upon the R-60 duplex and triplex research, this study increased density by prototyping larger multifamily structures consistent with missing-middle housing principles. The resulting proposals explored various missing-middle scales and typologies, employing mass timber and other wood-based systems to create replicable, context-sensitive, and environmentally responsible housing. Through rigorous site analysis and design development, students produced visionary concepts demonstrating how sustainable materials can support resilient, inclusive communities and the future of urban living. Project Goals: • Increase attainable urban housing opportunities. • Explore higher-density Missing Middle housing typologies. • Integrate new housing within existing urban neighborhoods. • Advance sustainable, wood-based construction strategies. • Enhance resident well-being through high-quality, livable design.