As the price of land remains at a premium around the country (despite the prevailing macroeconomic conditions), it seems certain that higher density residential projects will become key to the future livability of our urban areas. In every major Australian city we’ve long seen innovative projects that go far beyond the traditional ‘block of flats’ stereotype, combining innovative new design principles and evolving the industry definition of best practice at every turn.
While it’s still incredibly healthy, the sector undoubtedly faces some of the pressures arising from increased material, labour, and construction costs. As the disruption caused by the pandemic continues to abate, this is expected to ease - and the threat is far from existential. It’s predicted that the sector will return to solid growth over the next five years, and no doubt a slew of unique, innovative, and sustainable projects will follow.
Sustainability lies at the core of the multi-residential sector in this country - perhaps moreso than any other facet of the construction industry - and it’s a rarity to see a new development that does not tout its credentials in that regard. But as the population continues to grow (and land becomes more scarce), sustainability will only become more important in our higher-density urban environments, and there are a few trends we’re expecting to see gain momentum over the next few years.
First Nations informed design
Many architects are turning to the millennia of local knowledge held by First Nations people in order to create designs that are both fit-for-location and culturally respectful. Organisations like Yerrabingin are increasingly advising on facets of multi-residential and public projects - from gardens to detailed structural considerations. Many architects are taking the opportunity to learn a little more about their practice, and create design that works more harmoniously with the environment in the process.
Vertical Greening Projects like the multi-award winning, and now iconic, One Central Park building in Sydney really set the standard for what vertical and rooftop gardens can bring to a design. The technology underpinning this urban greenery continues to advance in leaps and bounds - as does the ability to integrate them seamlessly into a design. Apropos our first trend, we’re also seeing native gardens full of locally-sourced and environmentally suitable plants becoming a mainstay in many projects - further boosting their sustainability profiles.
Smart use of shared space
While not specifically a sustainability trend, this one bears mentioning because of its huge and varied ability to impact sustainability outcomes. The key here is that the sustainability benefits are not exclusive to the project; they enable residents to be more sustainable, and have better quality of life in the process. The combination of commercial and residential spaces can drastically reduce the need for
people to drive. A convenient supermarket within a residential precinct decreases the need for single-use plastic bags. A shared native garden embracing WSUD principles improves stormwater quality while providing a place of respite for weary city-dwellers. Right across the sector, we’re seeing architects embrace ideas and principles that improve the sustainability profiles of their projects, while promoting more sustainable habits in residents.
The phrase ‘watch this space’ comes to mind when we think of how sustainability will continue to emerge and be further embedded in the multiple residential sector. And whether it’s arising from a more First Nations informed approach, or merely the sensible implementation of sound urban design principles, we’re excited to see what innovative new leaps await.
The approaches of architects and designers in crafting high-end, sustainable multi-residential dwellings will no doubt be surveyed considerably by our jury when selecting the winner of the Multi-Residential Dwelling category at the 2023 Sustainability Awards. For more information, click here.
