The housing crisis we face is not a logistical one—it is a cultural problem.
How can we build homes that are affordable and functional while also contributing positively to our neighborhoods?
The answer often lies in Missing Middle housing, a term that describes a range of housing types between small single-family homes and big apartments.
Allison Ramsey Architects is proud to be a part of this growing conversation, and our award-winning Washington Duplex in Beaufort, SC, is a great example of how Missing Middle housing can work.
This project was designed to be a test patch for a larger neighborhood, and it proved so successful that it has been replicated in several other parts of the country. It is an excellent example of how small-scale builders can get involved and make a difference.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
Missing Middle housing is a collection of housing types between small single-family homes and big apartments: duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts, and so on.
This type of housing:
- Is perfectly scaled for existing neighborhoods and allows them to support more people at a smaller scale.
- Creates walkable neighborhoods that foster a sense of community.
- Is suitable for a wide range of people, from young professionals to retirees.
- Is a much more human scale than suburban sprawl or big apartments.
Award-Winning Example of Middle Missing Housing: The Washington Duplex
In the heart of historic Beaufort, SC, the Washington Duplex is a design success story.
This corner lot infill is a great example of how to handle a small lot and how to relate a new home to the streets in a neighborhood setting.
The home is divided into two small units:
- A 500-square-foot ground-floor apartment
- A 452 square foot upstairs unit.
That’s only 952 square feet in total!
This charming design is a great example of how to make it work while paying homage to the past and addressing the need for contemporary housing solutions in our historic districts.
What sets this project apart is its adaptability. Designed to accommodate a variety of uses, the duplex can be used as owner-occupied housing, rentals, or even short-term vacation stays. Its versatile design has already inspired similar developments across the Southeast, proving its value as a replicable model for urban housing.
Our team worked hard to make this project a success. It is a beautiful home that fills a much-needed niche in providing affordable and workforce housing. It’s a win for Beaufort’s neighborhoods and a great example of how to develop in our older towns.
The Washington Duplex is not just a duplex; it is a game-changing example of how to provide great housing in urban centers.
This innovative design was recently honored with the 2024 Urban Guild Merit Award for Design Excellence.
You can find the Washington Duplex plan here.
Missing Middle Housing is a Way to Build Deeper into Neighborhoods
Missing Middle housing isn’t just about building more homes—it’s about fostering stronger, more connected communities. Take the Washington Duplex, for example. It shows how well-designed, smaller-scale housing can fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods, bringing lasting benefits to everyone.
Here’s why it matters:
- Walkability: More people is a great way to support your local coffee shop.
- Diversity: More people means a neighborhood that is alive and can support a variety of businesses and services.
- Character: More people can be supported in existing neighborhoods while maintaining the character that makes your town unique.
4 Reasons Why Missing Middle Housing is a Good Fit for Small-Scale Builders
- The Need is Real: We are facing a housing shortage, and Missing Middle housing can help house middle-income folks.
- Scale: Missing Middle housing is much more manageable for small-scale builders than giant subdivisions, but it still allows them to stretch their wings and try something new.
- Variety: There are many types of Missing Middle housing, and once you get started, you can experiment with different types to find what works best in your area.
- Flexibility: Building units that can be used as rentals, vacation homes, or long-term owner-occupied means you can tailor your product to your market.
Let us help you get started!
At Allison Ramsey Architects, we believe that housing can be functional and beautiful. The Washington Duplex is just one example of how a small project can be a big solution.
Whether you are a builder looking to make the most of a tough lot, or a town leader looking for a housing solution, we would love to work with you. Let’s build homes that support your community.
