Essential Design Features of Modern Multi Family Housing
The notion of renting an apartment, duplex, condominium, etc. no longer appeals primarily to the fresh-from-college crowd. Today, multi family housing is fast becoming an attractive residential option for all. Easy maintenance, livability, and close proximity to action are just a few reasons multi family dwellings draw in millions of tenants from across all generations and income brackets; however, with so many multi family homes on the market, tenants naturally gravitate towards those that boast the most accommodating design features.
A well-built multi family home design accomplishes a dual purpose. Its units’ architectural qualities entice potential renters with the kind of tasteful allure among which they feel comfortable creating a living space, while the facility’s collective layout smartly incorporates amenities, recreational space, and creative flexibility, facilitating a balance between individual freedom and community involvement. To produce the utility and aesthetic which tenants expect of their rental space, designers are incorporating into new multi family projects the following features.
Ease of Connectivity
Designers looking to create a space for all ages find ways to consider the aspects of connectivity which resonate with particular generations. Millennials favor connectivity in the form of adaptable floor plans which allow communal, wifi enabled places, with electrical outlets within easy reach. Many Boomers, on the other hand, are at a stage in life where they can prioritize forming new social connections. Incorporating socialization-friendly amenities, such as fitness areas, grocery stops, or premium laundry services will engage the older generation, especially if the immediate locale lacks such features.
Flexible Spaces
Like our technology, we increasingly prefer our living spaces to be customizable and adaptable to multiple purposes. Lobbies, or other wide spaces can be modified to suit a variety of activities. Including lightweight, easily movable furniture, scuff-resistant flooring, and proper paneling for sound control allow for an open area’s transformation from a quiet workspace into a buzzing lounge.
Resilient Materials
Fabrics resistant to water damage and UV fading are an excellent choice, especially in outside areas. Avoid interior and exterior deterioration by selecting durable textiles and stain-protected flooring that can weather the years of hard wear.
Removable Boundaries
Adding retractable walls is a great method for optimizing a room’s potential; this way, renters are able to continually shift surroundings to enact their own ideal space. In individual units, walls can be removed in summer months to create an extended patio, for example, or put back into place for an office space during work hours. Incorporating moveable walls in fitness facilities could enable private training sessions, or free up floor space for large classes.
Sustainability
Weaving sustainability into multi family living isn’t just about ensuring plastic bottle collection; it requires carefully evaluating the materials used throughout a unit’s construction. Designers must paint and finish properties with nontoxic materials, taking care to avoid any substance which could negatively affect residents’ well-being. In addition, the use of locally sourced, environmentally sound materials can be leveraged as a powerful selling point.
