The State Government has launched nine new architect-designed mid-rise apartment building patterns as the next phase of the NSW Housing Pattern Book, which is helping to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the state. The mid-rise apartment designs range from three to six storeys and are in addition to the eight low-rise home patterns released in July. The nine patterns include four designs for small lots, three designs for large lots and two designs for corner lots.
Designed by leading architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the new mid-rise patterns are designed to support housing needs at every stage of life. They are light-filled and cross-ventilated, maximise solar access and have been designed to Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard
They have been designed to enable ease of construction, while also offering architect designs that are modern, adaptable, cost effective and energy-efficient.
The mid-rise patterns currently require a DA to be submitted to local councils, but the Government has reduced assessment requirements by providing guidance to councils that will allow them to halve the average DA assessment times for these patterns. New planning laws just passed by the Parliament will enable an even faster and simpler planning pathway in the new year, with the mid-rise pattern book to be prioritised for access to the Government’s newly created targeted assessment pathway.
The patterns will be available at a subsidised introductory price of $1500 for small lot and corner lot designs and $2500 for large lot designs for the first six months, which is only one per cent of the typical costs for architect designs.
“Mid-rise housing is built into our state’s story – from Art Deco apartments to the red brick walk ups that are a much-loved part of many communities,” says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully. “These new patterns will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW, that not only have character but are affordable and sustainable. By streamlining approvals and offering ready-to-build designs, we’re removing barriers and helping more people access quality housing sooner.”
Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin adds: “Mid-rise apartments strike a balance between compact living and community connection. These designs enhance neighbourhood character while meeting the needs of diverse households. We have curated designs that are beautiful, functional, and easy to build – helping more people move into homes that suit their lives, sooner.
Related: Podcast interview on the first Pattern Book designs
“Architecture plays a vital role in shaping places people want to live. These designs offer a clear pathway to delivering quality homes that contribute positively to the urban fabric.”
