The NSW Government is today launching nine new architect-designed mid-rise apartment building patterns as the next phase of the NSW Housing Pattern Book.
The mid-rise apartment designs unveiled today range from three to six storeys and are in addition to the eight low-rise home patterns released in July offering a suite of new housing options for growing communities. The nine patterns include four designs for small lots, three designs for large lots and two designs for corner lots.
“The new housing patterns are more than designs for beautiful homes. They are a practical way we are delivering more homes for young people and families across NSW,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“We are leading the world with the use of pattern books to drive the delivery of new high-quality and affordable homes faster by cutting approval delays and making quality designs more accessible.
“These changes are another way we’re working deliver more housing, faster with homes now being approved 15% faster than under the former Government and more homes under construction in NSW than anywhere else in the country.”
Designed by architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the new mid-rise patterns support housing needs at every stage of life.
The patterns 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, said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“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,” said Mr 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.”
The mid-rise patterns currently require a DA to be submitted to local councils, however the Government says it has reduced assessment requirements by providing guidance to councils that will allow them to halve the average DA assessment times for the patterns.
It says 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 $1,500 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 apartments strike a balance between compact living and community connection. These designs enhance neighbourhood character while meeting the needs of diverse households,” said Government Architect NSW, Abbie Galvin.
“We have curated designs that are beautiful, functional, and easy to build – helping more people move into homes that suit their lives, sooner.
“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.”
For more information or to purchase a pattern visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/housing-design/nsw-housing-pattern-book.
