when they're connected, there's less surface area exposed to the elements, improving the thermal efficiency and reducing heating/cooling costs for all the occupants.
I agree, they could be more energy efficient if they are placed together, but ceilings are often the more important part, having four stories and multiple families is more efficient in terms of energy and space than to have two story row homes, even if the former is disconnected. If they are partially connected they would of course even be more efficient. Of course having connected buildings is good in general.
However in states like the US some of the main problem in addition to how to place housing is that they are not well insulated. Well insulated free standing apartment buildings are much more efficient than row homes.
High density low rise (3-4 stories) of the Netherlands aren't too bad in terms of energy efficiency, but I don't mind higher stuff, if we compensate space for it.
when they're connected, there's less surface area exposed to the elements, improving the thermal efficiency and reducing heating/cooling costs for all the occupants.
I agree, they could be more energy efficient if they are placed together, but ceilings are often the more important part, having four stories and multiple families is more efficient in terms of energy and space than to have two story row homes, even if the former is disconnected. If they are partially connected they would of course even be more efficient. Of course having connected buildings is good in general.
However in states like the US some of the main problem in addition to how to place housing is that they are not well insulated. Well insulated free standing apartment buildings are much more efficient than row homes.
High density low rise (3-4 stories) of the Netherlands aren't too bad in terms of energy efficiency, but I don't mind higher stuff, if we compensate space for it.
https://spreefeld.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220904_171823813k-2048x871.jpg.webp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Vienna#Public_housing
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Felleishof.jpg/1920px-Felleishof.jpg