[ketzo]

“maximize the available land”

Part of the author’s point is that single-stair buildings can be built economically on much smaller pieces of land. This increases the number of plots — especially in urban environments — on which you can build MFH, plots which developers today wouldn’t even think of.

Legalizing single-stair buildings would not really change the viability of big apartment complexes, you’re right. But it would allow for smaller ones.

[Pxtl]

Yes. Especially since a big problem for Western cities is not "how do I build new megalopoli" but "how do I fill in density without acquiring a whole city block of houses in one go". For a single-stair walk-up you don't need a massive amount of property, you can plonk a pretty danged nice mid-rise building on the same acreage as one large detached house.

[ajmurmann]

With a single stair you can also get windows in opposite ends of the building for the same unit which makes a huge quality of life difference. Getting a real cross-breeze!