NSW Boosts Housing Diversity with Nine New Mid-Rise Designs

The New South Wales government has introduced nine new mid-rise apartment building designs to its housing pattern book, aiming to significantly increase housing diversity across the state. This initiative complements the eight low-rise designs released earlier, collectively supporting the state’s ambitious goal of delivering 112,000 homes over the next five years.

• Nine new mid-rise apartment designs, ranging from three to six storeys, have been added to the NSW housing pattern book.
• These designs cater to small lots, large lots, and corner lots, developed by a mix of Australian and New Zealand architectural firms.
• The initiative supports the state’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, aiming to provide 112,000 homes in five years.
• Designs prioritise liveability, cross-ventilation, solar access, ease of construction, adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency.
• Subsidised costs and streamlined planning pathways are in place to encourage uptake.

The newly released mid-rise designs, developed by prominent architectural firms including Collins and Turner, Nguluway Design Inc, MHN Design Union, Neeson Murcutt Neille, Silvester Fuller, Bennett and Trimble, Andrew Burges Architects, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, and Spacecraft Architects, offer a range of solutions for different lot sizes. Four patterns are designed for small lots, three for large lots, and two for corner lots, providing a broad suite of options to meet the growing demand for terraces, townhouses, and mid-rise apartment buildings in well-located areas.

Government Architect NSW, Abbie Galvin, highlighted that these designs "strike a balance between compact living and community connection" and "enhance neighbourhood character while meeting the needs of diverse households." She emphasised the vital role of architecture in shaping desirable living spaces and contributing positively to the urban fabric.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, stated that the new patterns "will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW," building on the legacy of beloved Art Deco apartments and red brick walk-ups. The designs are intended to offer homes with character that are also affordable and sustainable.

Each design adheres to the Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard, maximising cross-ventilation and solar access. They are also engineered for ease of construction, adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. While the low-rise patterns can be applied broadly, the mid-rise designs currently require a development application. However, councils have been advised to halve assessment times, with new planning laws in the new year promising even faster and simpler pathways.

To further encourage adoption, the mid-rise patterns are available at a subsidised cost for the next six months: $1,500 for small lot and corner designs, and $2,500 for large lot designs. This represents a fraction of typical architectural design costs, reflecting the government’s commitment to building a fairer NSW with more accessible housing options for young people, families, and downsizers.

Premier Chris Minns described the housing patterns as a "practical way we are delivering more homes for young people and families," positioning NSW as a global leader in using pattern books to accelerate the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes by reducing approval delays and increasing design accessibility.

• Nine mid-rise designs added to NSW pattern book, ArchitectureAu.