At Wolf Industries Inc., we thrive on tackling complex challenges and transforming them into extraordinary results. Our latest venture, the Ogden District cottages, exemplifies our approach to solving problems and creating innovative housing solutions. These cottages are not just a construction project but a reflection of our philosophy on design, community, and functionality.
A Shift in Strategy
The traditional site-built construction market dominated by major builders has reached a saturation point. Competing on price alone is a race to the bottom, so we decided to pivot. Our focus became clear: create something different while staying true to our passion for building. With that in mind, we ventured into the development of small cottage clusters designed for rental, starting with a property we acquired and developed from the ground up.
Philosophy of Design: Simplicity Meets Community
Our design process began with the essentials of living. Housing, at its core, provides a place to sleep, cook, and relax. By distilling these needs, we envisioned compact yet functional spaces that foster a sense of community. The cottages are arranged around a shared courtyard, promoting interaction while preserving individual privacy. This setup draws inspiration from the principles of new urbanism—scaling the built environment to prioritize human interaction rather than automobile convenience.
Historically, communities thrived around walkable town centers. With the advent of cars, this dynamic shifted dramatically, spreading neighborhoods far and wide. Our approach brings back the human scale by centralizing parking and encouraging residents to walk through the community. The proximity of porches invites casual interactions, creating opportunities for meaningful connections.
Challenges and Triumphs
Building the Ogden District cottages was not without its challenges. Aligning the vision with practicalities like city code requirements and coordinating across teams was a significant hurdle. Civil engineers, concrete specialists, and other contractors needed to work in unison to achieve the desired outcome. From resolving parking constraints to designing trash enclosures, every detail required careful attention and collaboration. Despite these obstacles, our team delivered an exceptional result, learning and growing through the process.
Designed for a Range of Needs
The cottages serve diverse purposes, catering to individuals and families at various life stages. They can act as transitional housing for young professionals saving for their next step, or as a downsizing option for aging parents looking to simplify their lives. This flexibility makes the cottages a valuable addition to the housing landscape, addressing needs while maintaining a sense of dignity.
Our mantra, “density with dignity,” encapsulates the philosophy behind these communities. Unlike traditional multi-family units, the cottages offer standalone living spaces without shared walls or ceilings. This unique approach provides the privacy of a single-family home with the communal benefits of a shared courtyard.
Looking Ahead
The Ogden District project is just the beginning. With three more properties in the pipeline—one already under construction—we are committed to expanding this model of thoughtful, community-driven housing. Whether for ourselves or in collaboration with others, we are excited to build more cottage communities that prioritize design, functionality, and human connection.
If you’re interested in creating a cottage community or learning more about the process, we’d love to hear from you. With our experience and passion for innovative housing solutions, we’re eager to help bring similar projects to life.
At Wolf Industries Inc., we don’t just build homes—we build communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of housing with our innovative cottage clusters.