Engineering Homes That Work for the Future
When people think about new housing, they often focus on the homes themselves. What’s less visible, but just as important, is the engineering and planning that make those neighborhoods functional, affordable, and sustainable over the long term. The Oaks of Jackson Housing Development, located in the Village of Jackson, Wisconsin, is a strong example of how thoughtful engineering can help communities address housing needs without sacrificing quality or character.
Developed as part of Washington County’s Next Generation Housing Initiative (NGHI), the 20 acre subdivision was designed to deliver high quality, attainable homes on smaller lots – responding to a growing demand for affordable, owner occupied housing in suburban communities.
From the outset, the focus was on using thoughtful design and strong partnerships to make affordability achievable through efficiency, not compromise.
Intentional Design That Supports Affordability
One of the project’s primary challenges for the Oaks of Jackson Housing Development was balancing cost with long term performance. Engineers addressed this by taking a highly intentional approach to layout and infrastructure design.
Roadways and utilities were configured to be efficient and compact, reducing overall roadway length and minimizing infrastructure costs while still meeting municipal standards. These decisions helped streamline construction and reduce future maintenance needs, creating benefits that extend well beyond the initial development phase.
Stormwater management offered another opportunity for innovation. By using natural drainage patterns and limiting reliance on traditional storm sewer systems, the design improved sustainability while reducing construction costs by an estimated 10 percent. These solutions demonstrate how environmental responsibility and affordability can work hand in hand.
Additional savings came from reusing basement excavation material during home construction. Repurposing this material reduced grading and hauling needs, resulting in an estimated 25 percent savings on initial grading and approximately $2,000 per home.
Aligning Engineering with Community Goals
Affordability was also supported through proactive planning and coordination. Rather than relying on a private developer whose vision might conflict with local priorities, municipal and county leaders partnered early with SEH and Vandewalle & Associates to establish a unified approach.
The Village revised portions of its zoning code to allow for greater density and the type of development it aimed to achieve. By aligning policy, planning, and engineering from the start, the project avoided costly redesigns, reduced pre development expenses, and moved forward more efficiently – illustrating how thoughtful governance can directly support housing goals.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Open communication was a priority throughout planning and development. Public meetings and forums gave residents opportunities to provide input, ask questions, and better understand how the neighborhood would take shape.
This transparent, participatory approach helped residents better understand the project’s goals and how development would fit within the existing community. By keeping residents informed and involved, the project team addressed concerns early and set a positive precedent for future development efforts.
A Lasting Impact
Beyond delivering new homes, the development addresses a clear gap in the local housing market by expanding access to attainable, owner occupied housing. Its design promotes responsible land use, efficient infrastructure, and long term community value in support of the Village’s housing goals.
The project’s success demonstrates how strategic partnerships and thoughtful engineering can help communities meet housing needs in a practical, sustainable way.
As southeastern Wisconsin’s first NGHI project, it also establishes an important model for future efforts. The initiative aims to deliver 1,000 owner occupied homes by 2032, with pricing targets that emphasize affordability while maintaining quality.
About the Guest Blogger
Robbie Malzahn, PE, is a project engineer at SEH and project manager for the Oaks of Jackson Housing Development project. Robbie has nearly 15 years of experience in design and construction of public infrastructure. SEH, a long-time ACEC member, is an employee-owned engineering, architectural, environmental, and planning company dedicated to helping clients find answers to complex challenges.