Designed for Life: How The Picket Fence Meets Modern Demands

The Picket Fence Idea Home in Pittsburgh, Penn., comprised of a two-level townhome above a street-level accessory dwelling unit (ADU), presents an adaptable, forward-thinking housing solution that suits the lifestyle wants and needs of today’s homebuyers.  Tailored to meet the needs of “Trail Blazers,” a contingent of the millennial cohort derived from insights from the America at Home Study, The Picket Fence nurtures social connectivity and personal well-being. 

The result is an urban infill townhome that not only advances residential livability, but also strengthens the broader community by promoting safety, connection, and a sense of belonging. 

UNDERSTANDING HUMAN-CENTRIC LIVABILITY

The America at Home Study, conducted in three waves between April 2020 and October 2022, revealed significant shifts in consumer behavior due to the pandemic. Wave 3 of the study revealed four lasting insights:

1. Wellness as a Key Purchase Motivator: Among survey respondents, 43% indicated that wellness influences their decisions about housing sustainability, technology, and community attributes. 
    
2. Efficiency: Every inch matters after consumers grew accustomed to spending more time at home during the pandemic.
        
3. Flexibility: Adaptable living spaces are increasingly a “must-have” as more people continue working from home and engaging in home-based activities such as exercising and cooking.
    
4. Acceptance of Smaller Homes and Yards: More than 60% of homebuyers are willing to accept smaller homes and yards in the search for more attainable and wellness-focused housing solutions.