ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO 3

Semester 2: 2021-22
B. ARCH YEAR 3

HOUSING PRESENTATION NO 1
DESIGN CRITERIA FOR MULTI-UNIT HOUSING
INTRODUCTION

A successful city has streets that people feel connected

with. The way a street looks and feels is determined by
everything from the front of its buildings forwards.
The perceived quality of an apartment development is
strongly influenced by the design of the approach or
transition between a public street and private building.
The term ‘apartment building’ refers to a multi-storey
building that is primarily residential in use and that has
individual residential units (apartments), on all or most
floors.
In certain locations, such as town centres, apartment
buildings may have commercial uses on the ground and
lower floors.
Apartments can share outdoor space and car parking.
Car parking associated with the building is often located
in a basement, and/or behind other uses on the ground
floor, or on levels above the ground floor.

Timberyard – O’Donnell Tuomey

INTRODUCTION

To create a quality apartment development, the site

design and placement of the apartment building should
be completed together.
This approach will lead to a coherent residential place
with good quality buildings and open spaces, and with a
consistent character and dis nc ve iden ty.
A well-designed apartment development responds and
contributes positively to its natural and built
environment.
To achieve this, Architects should have a detailed
understanding of the existing site conditions and wider
area in order to respond to the existing site conditions
and context.

Ely Court – Alison Brooks

BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The building and basic organisation of the development
should demonstrate an understanding of the immediate
street and wider neighbourhood .
The development should support and enhance route,
street and open space connections.

Alison Brooks – Severn Place

BUILT ENVIRONMENT / SITE ANALYSIS
The context of the surrounding built environment is a key
driver for apartment site planning.
Therefore it is important to understand and analyse the
elements that make up this context.
Factors such site topography, natural features, sun
penetration, prevailing wind, access, existing structures
on adjacent sites and views will help determine the most
appropriate form and massing for an apartment
development.
It is also important to understand the needs and
expectations of the community, to ensure opportunities
are not missed.

Reddy Architecture - Abbey Creative Quarter Kilkenny

BUILT ENVIRONMENT / BUILT FORM
Analyse the existing and historical development patterns Marmalade Lane MOLE Architects
and surrounding architecture to determine whether
there are appropriate cues or narratives for the new
development
Ensure that the main bulk of the development is
carefully located to integrate with open spaces, views
and outlook.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT / MOVEMENT FRAMEWORK
Reinforce existing movement patterns, such as
pedestrian desire lines and direct and convenient vehicle
routes, and introduce new connections and route
choices.
Increase the degree of connectivity and number of route
choices for all users (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians)
both to the site and within it, as development density
increases.
Use the development to enhance the legibility of the
streets and public spaces.
The building and basic organisation of the development
demonstrate an understanding of the immediate street
and wider neighbourhood – future or existing
The development supports and enhances route, street
and open space connection

Alison Brooks Unity Place

BUILT ENVIRONMENT / TOPOGRAPHY
The building works to maximise views, privacy and other
site opportunities

Stockholm Apartments – BIG Architects Marmalade Lane – MOLE Architects

BUILT ENVIRONMENT / TOPOGRAPHY
The building works with the existing topography to
maximise views, privacy and other site opportunities

Paradise Fields – MOLE Architects

BUILT ENVIRONMENT / TOPOGRAPHY
The building works with the existing topography to
maximise other site opportunities such as car park
provision.

The slope allows the provision of undercroft parking with

limited cut and fill
BUILT ENVIRONMENT / OPEN SPACE
Consider the type of open space and recreational
activities that will benefit future residents the most.

Mole – Marmalade Lane Studio Wok Milan

PLACING THE BUILDING
The placement of the building can impact on so many
issues, that inevitably a trade-off will need to be made.
So what issues should be considered and how can they
be prioritised?

Early investigations and analysis of the site and its

surrounding neighbourhood should reveal any
significant issues, and help inform the choice of building
type and apartment types.
PLACING THE BUILDING – DESIGN CHECKLIST
• The project has a clear network of routes and spaces
through the site that are shaped by clearly defined
private and communal space
• The buildings are located to contribute to a positive
streetscape character, with building frontages and
entries onto the street
• The design responds positively to the existing site
conditions, such as views, orientation, natural features
and surrounding buildings
• The building placement demonstrates a clear public
front and private back
The building layout re-instates a pedestrian link that adds to the network of routes in
the neighbourhood
LOCATION Barking, London
Consideration of building placement can produce ARCHITECT S333
multiple environmental benefits such as enhanced solar
access.
PLACING THE BUILDING – DESIGN CHECKLIST
CLEAR NETWORK OF ROUTES AND SPACES
The building placement should enhance or establish a clear
hierarchy of roads and paths through the site by:
• ensuring buildings address the street
• introducing new roads or lanes to increase connectivity
through larger sites
• creating 'through' links to improve connectivity within the
block and overall street network; it should be clear
whether these links are public or private and they should
be clearly signposted, overlooked and well-lit
• ensuring the site has a clear layout and internal way-
finding for all routes of movement.
The design and layout of buildings should make it clear
what space around the building is intended for.
Routes for movement should also be clear from the design
and layout; well-designed developments do not need
multiple signs to tell visitors how to move around the site.
The Building is deliberately raised up at its edge to create a generous through site link
The placement of the building should allow for open LOCATION Barking, London
spaces to be integrated into the overall development to ARCHITECT Alford Hall Monaghan Morris
meet the needs of its occupants.
PLACING THE BUILDING – DESIGN CHECKLIST
POSITIVE STREETSCAPE CHARACTER
Where streets are to be edged and defined by buildings,
design solutions could include:
• aligning buildings to the street on streets that run east-
west;
• using courtyards on streets that run north-south, and
using L-shaped configurations with increased setbacks
on north-facing side boundaries.

Enhance perceived safety and minimise the potential for

crime and vandalism by orienting apartments and other The apartment block is built up directly next to the public space. This creates a strong
facilities to overlook streets and open spaces. This is streetscape next to the wharf
especially important on routes to and from schools, LOCATION Leeds, UK
ARCHITECT Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
public transport stops and other routes used at night.
PLACING THE BUILDING – DESIGN CHECKLIST
RESPOND TO THE EXISTING CONDITIONS OF THE SITE
The building location should maximise opportunities to
capture important local and strategic views, while mitigating
any negative aspects of the site such as visual intrusions or
noise.
PUBLIC FRONTS AND PRIVATE BACKS:
All buildings should have a public front and a private back.
It is better to align buildings with public streets or open
space and create a defined street edge, and to maximise
back to back distances with other buildings.
This pattern of development allows for ‘perimeter blocks’
which reinforce the street edge and maximise the available
open space within the centre of the block.

On sites with limited road frontage, the accessway or lane

becomes the equivalent of a public street, and this should LOCATION Ely Court, London
be defined as the public front of the building.
ARCHITECT Alison Brooks
On these and any other awkwardly shaped sites, it is
important to make it clear to the public how the building
and spaces around it can be accessed.

Apartment buildings should not expose the ‘back’ of a

building onto the ‘front’ of an adjacent building.
BUILDING SEPARATION AND OUTLOOK– DESIGN
CHECKLIST
There is a good standard of visual and acoustic privacy
within the apartments and their private open spaces
(ground floor courtyards or above-ground balconies)

The building minimises overshadowing of private or

communal outdoor spaces of adjacent properties,
including poten al future development

There is a good standard of visual and acoustic privacy, inside the

apartment and for the private open spaces (ground floor courtyards or
above-ground balconies)
BUILDING SEPARATION AND OUTLOOK– DESIGN
CHECKLIST
The distance between buildings is one of the key factors
in the success of any development, and in how the
development is perceived from the wider environment.
Building separation also has an effect on other outcomes,
including:

• visual and acoustic privacy

• the perception of 'building dominance' from other
developments
• extent and quality of outlook
• admittance of sunlight and daylight
• microclimatic performance, especially shelter from
wind The units directly front the pedestrian route, but they need screening to maintain
adequate privacy
• provision of on-site open space between or behind
buildings LOCATION Beaumont Quarter, Auckland
ARCHITECT Studio Pacific & S333
• support for landscape planting, especially trees.

It also helps to determine the character of an area.

Higher density areas tend to comprise of buildings and
dwellings that are co-joined, while lower density
developments may include more freestanding buildings.
BUILDING SEPARATION AND OUTLOOK– DESIGN
CHECKLIST
The distance between buildings is one of the key factors
in the success of any development, and in how the
development is perceived from the wider environment.
Building separation also has an effect on other outcomes,
including:

• visual and acoustic privacy

• the perception of 'building dominance' from other
developments
• extent and quality of outlook
• admittance of sunlight and daylight
• microclimatic performance, especially shelter from
wind
• provision of on-site open space between or behind Minimum Separation Distances where Living Spaces directly front each
buildings other

• support for landscape planting, especially trees.

It also helps to determine the character of an area.

Higher density areas tend to comprise of buildings and
dwellings that are co-joined, while lower density
developments may include more freestanding buildings.
BUILDING SEPARATION AND OUTLOOK– DESIGN CHECKLIST
A good design requires an understanding of where the building
should be placed on site.

Massing towards the street or public open space, and a site

layout that demonstrates clear ‘public fronts and private backs’
allows the development to build up to public areas. This will also
maximise the amount of private open space behind the building
and separation from any neighbours.

Ensure the building separation allows the admittance of

sunlight and daylight, as well as providing a good standard of
outlook. A wider separation distance is always better than a
smaller one.

Designs should allow for sunlight onto the outdoor spaces of the
majority of ground floor units during the winter solstice.

The appearance of separation on a large wide building can be Ensure adequate building separation to allow sunlight
achieved with generous recesses to a party wall at the street access into ground floor apartments
front. This situation may occur where side setbacks are an
important part of streetscape character.

Taller buildings will require greater separation to achieve private

amenity outcomes where windows directly face the windows of
another development across the boundary.
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY – DESIGN CHECKLIST

• All habitable rooms have a good level of privacy in relation

to the street, public spaces and neighbouring properties
• The building arrangement enhances privacy for the
residents and neighbours
• The views from principal rooms and private open space are
maximised without compromising visual privacy

Selecting the best location for pedestrian, car and cycle

access into the site is an important site planning decision.

Pedestrian and vehicle access may need to be separated All habitable rooms have a good level of privacy in relation to the street, public
spaces and neighbouring properties
depending on the site, scale and type of apartment
development; however pedestrian access should always be
safe and pleasant for residents and visitors.
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY – DESIGN CHECKLIST

• All habitable rooms have a good level of privacy in relation

to the street, public spaces and neighbouring properties
• The building arrangement enhances privacy for the
residents and neighbours
• The views from principal rooms and private open space are
maximised without compromising visual privacy

Selecting the best location for pedestrian, car and cycle

access into the site is an important site planning decision.

Pedestrian and vehicle access may need to be separated All habitable rooms have a good level of privacy in relation to the street, public
spaces and neighbouring properties
depending on the site, scale and type of apartment
development; however pedestrian access should always be
safe and pleasant for residents and visitors.
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY – DESIGN CHECKLIST

• Consider the position and aspect of habitable rooms. Avoid

directly facing windows, gardens and balconies in dwellings
that stand opposite one another.
• Arranging building layouts to minimise the direct
overlooking of neighbouring properties (on the same or
adjacent sites) and their private open spaces.

Maximising the separation distance is always the best

response, and the following can also help:

• Screening balconies and ground level private open spaces. Solid balustrades provide screening for these balconies

• Introducing a change in level between ground floor private LOCATION Beaumont Quarter, Auckland
space (both indoor and outdoor) and the public domain or ARCHITECT Studio Pacific & S333

communal open space.

• Orientating and angling adjacent blocks so that they do not
directly face each other.
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY – DESIGN CHECKLIST
Introducing a change in level between ground floor private
space (both indoor and outdoor) and the public domain or
communal open space increases privacy

Solid balustrades provide screening for these balconies

LOCATION Beaumont Quarter, Auckland

ARCHITECT Studio Pacific & S333
DESIGNING FOR PRIVACY – DESIGN CHECKLIST
The elements of the raised ground floor, planter boxes and
the balustrade help to provide privacy to the apartment and
provide a good impression to the street

The gates are a mixture of solid and open panels to provide privacy without being
oppressive. The rhythm of the vertical bars picks up the design of the balconies above

The gates are a mixture of solid and open panels to provide privacy without being
oppressive. The rhythm of the vertical bars picks up the design of the balconies above
DESIGNING FOR LIGHT & SUN – DESIGN CHECKLIST

The building is located and orientated to make the best use

of sunlight to apartments and open spaces, and provides a
good balance between maximising winter sun, and providing
shade from summer sun

Daylight access is always provided in all habitable rooms and

is provided wherever possible in all other areas of apartment
buildings

Plan the site to optimise solar access by:

• Orientating buildings to maximise south-facing walls. Ensure no single aspect apartments face north
• Providing adequate building separation within the
development and from adjacent buildings.
• Using dual aspect apartments when the long elevation of
the building faces east and west.
• Avoiding single aspect apartments with a northern aspect.
DESIGNING FOR LIGHT & SUN – DESIGN CHECKLIST

• Ensure daylight access to habitable rooms and private open

space, particularly in winter.
• Use skylights, clerestory windows and fanlights to
supplement daylight access.
• Consider two-storey (duplex) and mezzanine arrangements
to increase daylight access to the living rooms and private
open spaces of apartments with limited daylight (e.g.
ground floor apartments).
• Limit the depth of single aspect apartments

Design for summer shading and glare control by:

• Using shading devices, such as eaves, awnings, colonnades,
balconies, pergolas, external louvres and plan ng
• Providing external horizontal shading to south-facing
windows
• Providing vertical shading to east and west windows.
UNIT TYPOLOGY – BLOCK LAYOUT
Hashim Sarkis
STREET TO FRONT DOOR
A successful city has streets that people feel connected with.
The way a street looks and feels is determined by everything
from the front of its buildings forwards.
First impressions count, and the perceived quality of an
apartment development is strongly influenced by the design of
the approach or transition between a public street and private
building. A well-designed approach can enhance the safety of
users, reduce management costs and create long-term success.
In urban centres, apartments may have commercial uses at the
ground floor. In such cases, the clarity of a residential entrance
at ground floor is important.

This section provides advice on the elements of the apartment

building and site design that contribute to creating a successful
street, including:

• an interface to a public street

• boundary treatments to edges
• safety, activity and overlooking Alison Brooks- Ely Court
• shared driveways or accessways
STREET TO FRONT DOOR
RELATING THE BUILDING TO THE STREET - DESIGN
CHECKLIST

• The design of the apartment frontage responds to the

context of the wider street
• The apartment building and any associated private spaces
on the street front (e.g. a privacy strip or setback) are
located next to the street boundary
• The building entrance is safe, welcoming and clearly
visible from the street
• The space or spaces between the building and the street
are designed as an integral part of the overall design
STREET TO FRONT DOOR
BOUNDARY TREATMENTS - DESIGN CHECKLIST
Front boundary elements such as fences and walls generally
separate privately owned land from the public realm, often
streets.

Boundary treatment considers those elements which delineate

the site boundary or which serve to differentiate between
public, communal and private spaces.

This includes planting, fences, screening devices and/ or There is a defined edge between public, communal and private open space
changes in level.

• The design of any street or public boundary contributes to a

positive, attractive and safe public realm
• The boundary treatment balances appropriate views into any
adjacent public realm, while maintaining privacy for building
occupant
• There is a defined edge between public, communal and
private open space
• There are defined transitions between areas within the
development that have different func ons or owners The boundary treatment balances appropriate views into any adjacent
public realm, while maintaining privacy for the building occupant
STREET TO FRONT DOOR
BOUNDARY TREATMENTS - DESIGN CHECKLIST
The boundary treatment should add to the positive identity
of the development.
• Consider the choice of materials and the height and
depth of the boundary (the distance from the building to
the edge of the street).
• The positioning, location and frequency (the vertical and
horizontal rhythm) of street facing details
• Design the development’s boundary to strengthen the
distinction between public and private spaces. There needs to be a balance between blank walls facing the street and the
privacy in ground floor apartments
• Avoid continuous and monotonous lengths of blank walls
at street level.
• Limit the length and height of retaining walls along street
frontages, and locate street-facing entries so that there is
a clear view from the street.
• Design fences and walls with added func onality to
contribute to the amenity of private or communal spaces.
On ground floor apartments, maintain occupant privacy
while allowing surveillance of communal outdoor spaces
and the street.
STREET TO FRONT DOOR
SAFETY, ACTIVITY AND OVERLOOKING - DESIGN CHECKLIST
Design the building to maximise passive surveillance by
locating windows and balconies to provide views onto the
street and entrance areas or other open spaces.

Orientate living areas and apartment units that are designed

for families to overlook over public or communal open
spaces.
Use corner windows, bay windows and balconies that The apartment development is safe and secure for residents and visitors,
and is perceived as such
project beyond the main facade to enable a wider angle of
vision to the street.
Create clear sightlines into the development
The apartment development
contributes to the safety of the
surrounding public space
OUTDOOR SPACES
The design of the outdoor space is as important as the
building. It helps to meet people’s fundamental
expectation to be able to enjoy the outside environment.
The arrangement and quality of the spaces will have a
significant impact on residents and neighbours.
Good design is about getting the maximum value and
enjoyment from these spaces, and designing them for a
wide range of uses.
Well designed outdoor spaces significantly enhance
apartment developments, are highly valued by residents and
should be provided for all dwellings.
Outdoor spaces are designed to be accessible, useable and attractive for all
residents
Outdoor space mitigates the effects of living in smaller
dwellings and improves the overall liveability of a
development.
Outdoor spaces provide areas for children and young people
to play, and help to foster a sense of identity amongst
residents.
Outdoor space may be public (accessible to members of
the general public), communal (shared by residents) or
private (associated with a single apartment for the
exclusive use of the occupants).
OUTDOOR SPACES
COMMUNAL OUTDOOR SPACE
Communal outdoor space refers to the spaces that can be
shared by more than one apartment within the
development.
Design communal outdoor spaces as ‘outdoor rooms’ that
require the same amount of careful design and furnishing as
any other room in a development.
Communal outdoor space may be accommodated above the
ground floor level (eg roof level) provided that adequate
amenity and universal access can be achieved.
Consider providing both communal and private outdoor
spaces depending on the type of development and nature of Outdoor spaces provide a pleasant outlook and visual amenity for all users

the apartments.
Design communal spaces so there is a clear distinction
between any areas designated for servicing (bin collection,
outdoor) and communal amenity spaces.
Use both soft landscaping (trees, shrubs, grass, planted beds
etc.) and hard landscaping (paving, furniture, fixtures etc.) to
define areas.
Locate outdoor spaces to ensure direct solar access
between March and September, and to provide appropriate
shading in summer. Communal outdoor spaces are overlooked by adjacent
apartments and provide for residents’ recreation
OUTDOOR SPACES
BALCONIES & PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES
For ground level apartments, the private outdoor space
should be provided as a garden, paved terrace (patio) or
courtyard area.

For apartments located above the ground floor the private

outdoor space can be provided as a balcony or terrace.
Private outdoor spaces should be considered and designed
as an extension of the apartment with careful attention paid Balconies and terraces are integrated into the overall architectural
form and detail of the building
to the design detail of this space.

Ensuring that a good standard of privacy is achieved, both

for the residents and for any neighbours, is an important
considera on when designing private open space.

Balconies and terraces contribute to the safety and liveliness of the

street by crea ng opportuni es for natural surveillance
OUTDOOR SPACES
BALCONIES & PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES

All apartments should have a ground level patio, terrace, or

balcony.

Ensure the size of the private outdoor space corresponds to

the size of the apartment (minimum standards apply).
Provide enough space (dining tables / drying racks /
barbeques etc) to accommodate the number of residents
and allow adequate access and circulation around furniture
(dining tables, drying racks, barbeques etc).

Private outdoor spaces should be located adjacent the

main living and dining space of the apartment, and
generous access should be provided from the apartment to
the outdoor space.
The balconies have been designed to be the full width of the
apartments this allows adequate space for dining and circulation

LOCATION Docklands, Dublin,

OUTDOOR SPACES
BALCONIES & PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES

Balcony design
Respond to the local climate and context by locating
balconies on south, east or west facing façades, to provide
solar access.
Consider the most appropriate balcony type
• recessed,
• cantilevered or
The choice of balcony can impact on the internal space of the apartment and the
• partially cantilevered need for shading. As these elements are usually repeated these can have a
significant impact on the elevation of the building
according to available daylight, wind, acoustic privacy and
visual privacy.
Ensure balconies are not so deep that they prevent sunlight
entering the apartment below.
OUTDOOR SPACES
BALCONIES & PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES
Balcony design
Respond to the local climate and context by locating
balconies on south, east or west facing façades, to provide
solar access.
Consider the most appropriate balcony type (recessed,
cantilevered or partially cantilevered) according to available
daylight, wind, acoustic privacy and visual privacy.
Ensure balconies are not so deep that they prevent sunlight
entering the apartment below.
This development contains a mixture of transparent and solid balconies to offer
different levels of privacy for the residents
LOCATION Islington, London, UK ARCHITECT Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects

The balconies are staggered and this means that each apartment
balcony overhangs and provides shading for the unit underneath
OUTDOOR SPACES
BALCONIES & PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES

Balustrade materials vary to provide a balance between amenity The rhythm of solid and transparent balconies adds visual These sawtooth balconies positively add to the building
for private outdoor space, privacy and surveillance of common interest to the façade. Downpipes are placed internally to form, with the solid timber cladding providing good privacy
areas prevent them interrupting the main elevation for the residents
LOCATION Hackney, London, UK
LOCATION Islington, London, UK ARCHITECT Munkenbeck & Marshall Architects
ARCHITECT Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects
OUTDOOR SPACES
SERVICE AREAS
‘Service area' refers to an area that is external to the
apartment building and used for the storage and collection
of waste and recycling from individual apartments.
Locate storage areas for rubbish bins away from the front of
the development where they can have a significant negative
impact on the streetscape, the visual presentation of the
building entry and on the amenity of residents, building
users and the general public.
The communal bin store has been designed to complement the
Bins should be located in places that are convenient for overall building in terms of its materials and detailing
LOCATION Southwark, London,UK
residents, but far enough away from access points and open ARCHITECT BPTW Partnership / Pollard Thomas Edwards
space so that they are not a nuisance.
An important consideration is vehicular access for bin
collection.

Bin stores are designed to a high standard

to match the quality of the overall
development
LOCATION Southwark, London, UK
ARCHITECT Haworth Tompkins
ACCOMMODATING CARS
The arrangement and accessibility of parking, as well as
its impact on the street and public spaces, are major
considerations when designing an apartment building.
As such, parking should be one of the first aspects of a
development to be considered.
Vehicle access should be integrated with site planning
early in the design process to avoid conflicts with
streetscape requirements and traffic patterns, and to
minimise potential conflicts between pedestrians, cars
and cyclists.

The car park entrance is incorporated into the building facade

Vehicle access must address vehicles of all types, LOCATION Los Angeles, CA
ARCHITECT Lorcan O'Herilhy Architects
including cars, service, and emergency vehicles.
ACCOMMODATING CARS
The arrangement and accessibility of parking, as well as
its impact on the street and public spaces, are major
considerations when designing an apartment building.
As such, parking should be one of the first aspects of a
development to be considered.
Parking requires careful consideration to ensure it is
integrated into the overall design of the building, has a
good relationship with the street, and is functional,
attractive and safe.

Car parking and service vehicle access does not compromise street
character, landscaping or pedestrian activity and safety in this plan
ACCOMMODATING CARS
Locate vehicle entries away from main pedestrian entries
and on secondary frontages.
Improve the appearance of car parking and service
vehicle entries by:
• visually screening rubbish collec on areas and loading
and servicing areas from the street.
• Avoiding ‘black holes’ in the facade by providing
security doors to car park entries; car park doors are
an important part of the façade and, if visible, should
be integrated into the overall design Permeable paving is used to bland the car parking with the adjacent outdoor
space
APARTMENTS v TERRACES
One of the most important characteristics defining an
apartment building is that the different floors of
residential units are separated horizontally.
This distinguishes apartment buildings from terraced
houses where individual residential units are separated
by vertical party walls.
While apartments are separated horizontally, it is
possible for an individual apartment to be arranged over
more than one level.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES
There are three key elements to any apartment building:
• the overall form of the building
• the type of access
• the types of unit

Understanding the relationships between these

elements and testing different options for the site are
crucial to a successful design.
Good apartment developments will successfully combine
form, access and unit types, however, different
combinations have different advantages and
disadvantages, so there will be trade-offs between
different objectives to get the best outcome.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: BASIC FORMS
While many apartment buildings are a mix or hybrid of
types, three of the most often-used basic building forms
are:
• The Block
• The Tower
• The Courtyard A building form that has an elevation that
is wider than tall is usually referred to as a
"block"
The Block
A block apartment type is usually wider than it is tall. The
apartments are arranged off a corridor which can be
single, or double-loaded.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: BASIC FORMS
THE BLOCK
A block apartment type is usually wider than it is tall. The
apartments are arranged off a corridor which can be single,
or double-loaded.
This type of building is best used:
• to create or continue a perimeter block development.
Individual block buildings can contribute to a wider A building form that has an elevation that
perimeter block development when they are built up to is wider than tall is usually referred to as a
"block"
the street
• when the placement of the building will not block views,
outlook or daylight access for adjacent sites
• when a strong urban form is desired, such as defining the
edge of a street
• in town centre areas where apartments are located above
retail or commercial uses
• on wide sites with good frontage to a street or open
space. Problems can occur when this type is used on
narrow sites with limited road frontage as it can lead to
overlooking problems with neighbours. Ensure that
buildings relate well to the street, and that there is a
separation from neighbours and buildings within the site
to protect privacy and achieve good sunlight admission.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: BASIC FORMS
THE TOWER
A tower apartment building has a vertical form and is generally free
standing, and often has slimmer, more elegant proportions. This
building type generally has a single centralised core and a limited
number of apartments per floor.
The tower may have a base of two or more floors which can be
arranged as a podium.
The roof of the podium can be landscaped and used as open space
for the apartment residents. A building form that is more than
A tower form, if well designed, can increase outdoor space on the twice as tall as it is wide is generally
site, maximizing the permeable area, and can increase levels of referred to as a "tower"
solar access and ventilation.
The (taller) tower apartment type is best used when:

• the existing context has taller buildings, such as a central

business district or town centre
• a strategy suggests or promotes the use of taller buildings such
as towers
• the building is also a landmark, such as to signal a town centre A tower form can be combined with a base of one
or more storeys that form a "podium". A podium is
• mixed use is desired. Lower levels are generally suited to retail, often used where the building is required to form
commercial or community uses the street edge (e.g. retail street).
• site constraints, such as trees, or slope, mean a good outcome is
to minimise the building footprint
• a taller, thinner building would allow better views around the
building than a lower wider one.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: BASIC FORMS
COURTYARD APARTMENTS
A courtyard apartment building provides the ‘sides’ that enclose
one or more open spaces (courtyards) on the site. The open spaces
are generally communal and should provide a high quality
landscaped environment and outlook.
Depending on the size and orientation of the courtyard, the height
of the building form may need to be limited to ensure adequate
daylight access to the enclosed open space and the apartments. Where an apartment building encloses
This building type is best used when: exterior space it can be referred to as a
courtyard building
• the courtyard form can be oriented to ensure good sun and light
access, and is wide enough to maintain a good standard of
privacy
• the site is large enough to accommodate a courtyard building
where the different sides of the courtyard are likely to face on to
each other
• the site lends itself to an interior space or spaces surrounded by
built form
• the building fronts onto a street, even a busy one, but there is
adequate space to provide a courtyard behind the street
frontage the site is a corner site, a wide shallow site or a site
with two or more frontages which require built definition with
open space behind
• the site is a corner site, a wide shallow site or a site with two or
more frontages which require built definition with open space
behind there will be adequate building separation between the
site and any adjacent development.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: BASIC FORMS / MASSING
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS &
ARRANGEMENT
The type of access provided to apartments will have a
large influence on the design and configuration of the
building.
The types of access are:
• Individual - apartments having their own front door
which leads directly outdoors
• Vertical - apartments are accessed directly via a shared
lift or stair core
• Horizontal - apartments are accessed from a shared
corridor, which connects to a lift or stair core
Horizontal Access – shared corridor that connects
apartments to a vertical access point

The access type is a primary consideration when

designing an apartment building
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS &
ARRANGEMENT
Individual 'own front door' access
This type of access arrangement is for a dwelling that is
entered into directly from the street, courtyard or private
stair.
There is no communal circulation.
This type of access is generally limited to one or two
levels above ground.
In some instances a penthouse dwelling on a taller
building may have its own access but the cost and space
requirements of this are limiting factors.
The benefits of individual access are:
• enhanced street activity through greater frequency of
entrances
• more privacy and individuality for occupants. The ground level apartments of this development
have individual or "own front door" access
LOCATION Hackney,London
ARCHITECT Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS & ARRANGEMENT
Vertical Shared Access
Vertical access allows for a building that is organised around
a vertical core of stairs, lifts or both.
Apartments are accessed directly off the core or from an
extended circulation area around the core that allows for
additional apartments per floor.

The benefits of vertical access arrangements are:

The single vertical circulation core is clearly
• a greater degree of dwelling individuality (than horizontal expressed on the exterior of this building
access)
• vertical cores can be placed internally or externally
• vertical cores can contribute to building façade and
rhythm (if paired or multiple) , and can bring light and air
into communal areas
• they can potentially increase the amount of usable floor
space, compared to a building with a long double loaded
corridor
• greater potential for social interaction with neighbours,
while limiting the number of apartments to a manageable
size
• a mix of apartment types can be achieved Vertical shared access; this double height glazing
provides a good quality of natural light and passive
surveillance in this communal stair.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS & ARRANGEMENT
Vertical Shared Access
Vertical access allows for a building that is organised around
a vertical core of stairs, lifts or both.
Apartments are accessed directly off the core or from an
extended circulation area around the core that allows for
additional apartments per floor.

The benefits of vertical access arrangements are:

• a greater degree of dwelling individuality (than horizontal
access)
• vertical cores can be placed internally or externally
• vertical cores can contribute to building façade and
rhythm (if paired or multiple) , and can bring light and air
into communal areas
• they can potentially increase the amount of usable floor
space, compared to a building with a long double loaded Vertical shared access; Vertical access can be
corridor perceived by occupants as more exclusive than
entry off a corridor
• greater potential for social interaction with neighbours,
while limiting the number of apartments to a manageable
size
• a mix of apartment types can be achieved
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS & ARRANGEMENT
Horizontal Shared Access
Horizontal (corridor) access results in buildings that may be
wider than they are tall.
The corridor can be placed internally, externally or around
an atrium.

Single-loaded corridor access

A single loaded corridor runs along an external (or atrium)
face of the building. The associated dwellings are accessed
off one side only and may be on one or more levels if the
corridor access occurs on alternate levels. Single and
double-aspect dwellings are possible
The benefits of a single-loaded arrangement are:
• overall building depth is shallower than double-loaded,
which is better for constrained sites
• the orientation of all apartments is towards a preferred The corridor can be enclosed or external (called an
aspect access deck)

• external corridors allow for a naturally lit and ventilated

corridor
• there is potential for double aspect dwellings with cross
ventilation if the corridor is external
• they may be used in combination with double-loaded
arrangements.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS &
ARRANGEMENT

Single-loaded corridor access

External corridor access can often look un-attractive and
feel uncomfortable or unsafe on tall buildings.
It needs careful design to ensure it is integrated into the
overall form of the building, does not look 'stuck on', has
good weather protection and feels safe.

Include extra space around stairs and lifts to form a

The corridor can be enclosed or external (called an access deck)
protected lobby space. A single-loaded corridor apartment block tends to be one apartment deep with
apartments accessed from a one side of a corridor
This should be large enough to be a social space where
people can stop and interact.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS & ARRANGEMENT

Double-loaded corridor access

The double-loaded arrangement locates the corridor within
the building.
Apartments are accessed off both sides of the corridor and
are therefore predominantly single aspect.
Corner and multi-level apartments are generally double
aspect and require corridors on alternate levels.
The overall building depth is deeper than a single-loaded
arrangement and solutions for a dual-fronted building will
be required.

The benefits of a double-loaded corridor are:

• greater efficiency of circulation space compared to a
single loaded corridor
• higher overall density of residential units, which may be
required in city or district centre locations where good
public transport links and amenities
• the potential for double-fronted buildings on sites where
this is appropriate
• opportunity for more variety in apartment mix due to
greater building depth.
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPES: ACCESS &
ARRANGEMENT

Double-loaded corridor access

It is better to limit the number of apartments off one
double loaded corridor.
Other things to consider include:
• windows at the end of the corridor to let in light and
air, and allow views out
• extra space around lifts and circulation areas, to form
lobbies where people can meet
• extra width and height in the corridor, particularly
around doorways, to give a feeling of spaciousness
• using an atrium in a building with a deep plan. This can
let in light to the middle of the building.
INDIVIDUAL APARTMENT TYPES
There are three key elements that can be used to
describe an individual apartment type:
• the number of bedrooms
• the number of storeys (single storey, mezzanine or
two-storey)
• the number of external walls that have views to the
outside (single aspect, double aspect, or triple/corner
aspect).

These three elements can be combined to give a more

comprehensive description of an apartment, for example
a two-bedroom, two-storey apartment that has a double
aspect on the upper level. An apartment can be single storey, mezzanine, or multi-storey
INDIVIDUAL APARTMENT TYPES
APARTMENT ASPECT

Whether an apartment is single aspect, double aspect, or corner aspect is one of

the defining attributes of apartment type
INDIVIDUAL APARTMENT TYPES
SINGLE ASPECT APARTMENT
Single aspect apartments have three closed sides (except
for the entrance) and are typically used with a double-
loaded (central) corridor access arrangement.
They can be a good option for hillside housing or when
there is an undesirable site condition to one side.
They can also be used for a double-loaded corridor
building that runs north-south, so that all apartments
receive either morning or afternoon sun.

Single aspect apartments - such apartments are

typically used with a double-loaded (central)
corridor access arrangement
The preferred depth of rooms in single aspect
apartments is less than 6-8 metres in order to
achieve adequate natural light
INDIVIDUAL APARTMENT TYPES
DOUBLE ASPECT APARTMENT
Placing double aspect (open-ended) units side by side is
a common form of arranging individual apartments
within a building. It has the advantage of being able to
repeat apartments while also maintaining the maximum
Double aspect apartments are 'open-ended',
amount of external facade. with enclosing side walls

There are many organisational options but if the

apartment is too deep, achieving adequate natural light If the apartment is too deep, achieving adequate
natural light to the centre of the apartment can be
to the centre of the apartment can be difficult. difficult

Double aspect apartments can be accessed off an

external access way, from an internal atrium, from
vertical shared access or a combination of these.
INDIVIDUAL APARTMENT TYPES
CORNER ASPECT APARTMENTS
Corner aspect apartments have two sides that are
exterior walls.
They can be considered as a variation of single aspect
apartment with one extra wall opened up.
This type is often used in tower buildings or at the ends
of linear buildings.
Corner apartments should take advantage of their
potential for dual aspect and increased views, sunlight
and daylight.

Corner aspect apartments have at least two

perpendicular sides that are exterior walls
BUILDING HEIGHT AND MASSING
The height and massing of the apartment development contribute to
a built form of a high standard that is designed to respond to its
context.
HEIGHT
The height of a building in relation to its overall configuration or
massing is one of the more significant factors in determining the
impact a building will have on its surrounding environment.
From a design perspective, it is important to ensure that height and
massing are considered together to arrive at a high quality, well
proportioned building form.

When deciding on building height consider: Vertical elements help to visually balance the overall size of a wide building
• the permitted maximum height
• the local area character and the building's position within the town
or city context
• the immediate streetscape character, particularly consistency of On taller or larger buildings different
skyline and the need for punctuation and accent; materials or elements can be utilised
to visually break up building height or
• local street views, strategic views and amenity views mass
• the potential effect of overshadowing adjacent public space and
neighbouring properties
• local micro-climatic factors, particularly wind
• the relationship of height to frontage width and building depth
• the configuration of any taller elements in relation to street edge
and ground level. A podium may be used in conjunction with a
taller element to ensure consistency at ground
BUILDING HEIGHT AND MASSING
BUILDING MASSING
Building massing refers to the overall configuration of the
building.
The way a building is arranged on its site is particularly
important for larger buildings. The following should be
considered in relation to building massing:
• site size,
• geometry,
• topography and
Stepping building volumes assists this building in relation to its lower-height
• configuration in relation to adjacent streets or open neighbours
space.
Think about:
• the orientation of the principal mass of the building
• dividing a large form into several linked smaller forms to
minimize visual impact
• organising the building's mass to express different
vertical elements (e.g. a 'base' and a 'top')
• using horizontal emphasis on a tall building and vertical
emphasis on wide buildings to balance the overall size The expression of different internal functions assists in breaking down a
larger built form
BUILDING HEIGHT AND MASSING
BUILDING MASSING
Considerations for breaking down the mass of the building
to avoid overly large forms (which reduces visual
dominance, creates interest and may help users to
understand how the building is occupied) :

• Recessing and Projecting elements to avoid flat

monotonous facades
• Set backs to upper levels to achieve an appropriate
height-to-width ratio across the street and encourage
sunlight into the street or open space
• Expressing different internal functions such as vertical
circulation or entry
• Expressing individual apartments to achieve identity and
personalisation
• The relationship of the front façade and skyline to the
street edge, to achieve a consistent streetscape
• Using roof form to create visual interest
• Creating variation along the façade of long buildings, Well designed and detached balconies create exciting spaces and interest
accross a large building facade
potentially stepping volumes forwards or backwards, to
create visual rhythm and interest LOCATION Islington, London, UK ARCHITECTS Pollard Thomas Edwards
BLOCK FORMS / MASSING
MASSING / FORM
ECDM Marseilles
MASSING / FORM
Michael Sapko – Hamburg Hybrid Housing Competition
MASSING / FORM
MVRDV Urban Hybrid Emmen
BUILDING DEPTH
The depth of an apartment building can significantly
determine the ability to daylight and ventilate
apartments naturally.
Building depth refers to the dimension measured from
the front to the back of a building's floorplate (as
opposed to frontage width).

Apartment depth refers to the dimension taken from the

glazing line / external wall, to the inner-most parallel
wall. Good natural ventilation is both environmentally
and economically advantageous.
Plan depths of greater than 14-15m can be difficult
Apartment building depth is generally determined by; to naturally ventilate.
• the preferred choice of apartment typology, Internal planning will also influence results
• the site planning in relation to the site's size,
geometry, orientation and topography
BUILDING DEPTH
Select the building typology to avoid deep apartment
depths
Single aspect apartments should have a depth no
greater than 8m to ensure adequate ventilation and
daylighting of the apartments back wall.
An enhanced ceiling height greater than 2.4m may
enable adequate daylighting and ventilation for greater
apartment depths.
Dual aspect apartments benefit from the opportunity
for cross-ventilation through the apartment, increasing
the maximum apartment/building depth up to 14-15
metres, beyond which both become difficult to achieve.
Good natural ventilation is both environmentally
Consider atriums to bring light and air into deeper and economically advantageous.
building plans. In single aspect apartments a maximum depth of
The optimum depth of an apartment building should be 8m also allows natural ventilation to occur
established in conjunction with determining whether
the site, and therefore the building, are best suited to
single or double-aspect apartments, and with the
particular design and layout of the apartments.
BUILDING SETBACKS
Ensure that the building responds positively to the immediate context
and street environment, and the design is informed by the existing or
desired character
STREET SETBACK
The setback of buildings from the back edge of public footpath
influences a range of issues.
These include the perception of the streetscape and the experience of
being in that street, the level of activity conveyed by the building onto
the street, and the relationship of building's occupants to the street
(i.e. the privacy of internal spaces and the potential for occupants to
overlook the street). A building can mediate between different front setbacks on
neighbouring properties
The setback should establish or re-inforce the desired streetscape
character, particularly the general height-to-width ratio of the area, or
where an existing landscape character is to be maintained.
The setback also helps to define the qualities of the street edge. It can
achieve variation or punctuation in the streetscape by altering the
setback at specific locations (e.g. at junctions or open spaces), or
simply to break up a monotonous street edge.
It is important that the setback forms a continuous positive edge to the
street that responds to the buildings on each side.
The space between the building and the street becomes a transitional
space between the public street and the private building. The design
should therefore clearly differentiate between public and private
space.
Street setbacks should match that of existing development,
Setback may also occur at the upper storeys of a building, affecting the or where some variation is desired, offset the building
height-to-width ratio of a street as well as sunlight penetration. frontage by a small amount from its neighbours
BUILDING SETBACKS

COMMERCIAL STREETS
On sites that have commercial ground floors a 'zero' setback is
often prescribed.
This maintains a strong street edge and provides a direct
relationship between the commercial ground floor uses, which
are often shops, and the street.
Where buildings are built up to the street edge, upper level
setbacks should be used to maintain a human scale (three to four
storeys) along the street. This prevents taller buildings appearing
oppressive or dominant.
SIDE AND REAR SETBACKS Buildings with ground floor retail should generally have no
setbacks to create a consistent active "street wall"
Side and rear setbacks provide privacy, daylight and air for
occupants and the residents of adjacent buildings.
They may also provide a space for landscaping between
developments
They can provide a transition space between different buildings,
particularly if they are different heights.
The setback can also continue or create a pattern of development
that positively defines the streetscape. The spaces between
buildings must be designed to be organised and coherent, and not
determined by what is left over around the building form.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING FAÇADES - how these can be articulated and how
individual components can be integrated as part of the whole
to create a positive contribution to the street.

BUILDING ENTRANCE
Entrances establish a desirable and strong residential identity
for the development, which contribute positively to the
streetscape and integrate into the overall building facade
design
A building's entrance fulfils an important role in providing
activity for the street and creating an identity for the building.
Entrances establish a desirable and strong residential identity for the development,
The entry should be designed so that the visitor or resident which contribute positively to the streetscape and integrate into the overall building
facade design
can readily find their way to and around the building.
While there may be more than one entrance, the main
entrance into the building should be clearly distinguishable
through its architectural design and treatment. Car park and
service entries should be suppressed and made secondary to
the main entrance.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING ENTRANCE
• Locate entries so that they relate to the existing street and
subdivision pattern, street tree planting and pedestrian
access network.
• Ensure the entry is a clearly identifiable building element.
• Use multiple entries (i.e. main entry plus private ground
floor apartment entries) where appropriate to animate the
street edge and create a rhythm of openings along the
street.
• Ensure that the size and scale of the entrance space is
appropriate for the building.
• Clearly define transitions between the outside and
common circulation areas, and between common
circulation areas and private apartments.
• Limit the number of apartments accessed off a single entry
point.
• Provide individual access from the street to ground floor
apartments. The boundary wall is used to clearly identify the location and name
of the property in an integrated manner
LOCATION Camden, London, UK
ARCHITECT Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING ENTRANCE
Provide separate entrances, especially from the street, for:

• Pedestrians and vehicles.

• Different uses, e.g. residential and commercial uses in a

mixed-use development.

• Ground floor apartments (where possible).

• Recycling, waste collection and removal.

PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING FAÇADE
An apartment building’s façade is closely linked to its overall
image and environmental performance.
The façade design will arise, in part, from the building
massing.
To achieve visual richness and help viewers ‘read’ the building
and the activity within, the design should reflect the different
parts of the building, which may also express different internal
uses.

The apartment building will usually comprise a principal

façade that addresses the adjacent street.
That façade should be visible and attractive and should
enhance the existing character of the local area or street
context.
However when a building is exposed to public view on all
sides, or is conspicuously taller than its neighbours, all visible
parts of its facades should be carefully designed.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING FAÇADE
Buildings demonstrate a high architectural quality
Break up the building length of linear apartment blocks by
emphasising vertical elements or proportions, stepping
(setting forward or back) parts of the building or varying the
materials in a vertical manner.
Consider articulating a base, middle and top where the
overall building form is predominantly vertical.
Horizontal elements can be emphasised through different
horizontal bands of colour or materials. Techniques such as
positive or negative details can be used to express different
uses and storey heights. This can contribute visual interest up
the height of the façade and to the roofscape, and give an
expression of human scale from the ground.
Balconies are one of the most interesting elements of an
apartment façade and have the potential to enhance its
overall design.
They must be designed to ensure the user will have a good
level of privacy and to provide adequate usable space.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
BUILDING FAÇADE
Positive contribution to the street and public realm
The façade design should respond to any positive
characteristics in the local area and street, and these should
directly inform the design response.
Consider:

• Massing, including 3D modelling of the façade.

• The roof shape and overhang. This complex elevation uses a series of elements, like balconies, to tie
the overall development together
• Verandas, balconies and porches.
• Fenestration and details.
• Subdividing the façade to reflect existing local
patterns, rhythms or dimensions.
Design the façade to optimise its orientation to the street
and to key views
• Frontages should include windows to main habitable rooms.
• The ground level of the façade, particularly if there is no
setback from the street, should be designed and detailed to
be seen from a pedestrian’s level.
The lines of the individual apartment units and the balconies are
expressed on the main building facade
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
INTEGRATED BUILDING FAÇADES
The façade is designed as an integrated part of the building
Ensure the façade displays an appropriate scale, rhythm and
proportion through a hierarchical arrangement of elements.
The façade should achieve this by:
• Avoiding monotonous repetition of the same unit.

• Having dimensions appropriate to the scale of the building

and adjoining development.

• Establishing vertical and horizontal lines and modules with

features such as party walls, setbacks, string courses,
balconies, eaves lines and door or window heads.

• Clearly defining building entries - recesses, projecting bays

etc.
• Incorporating balcony types that respond to the street and This building uses a simple material (brick) but it is used in an
building orientation. innovative manner to add shadow and depth to the facade

• Incorporating a well-proportioned solid-to-void ratio of

openings along the facade.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
INTEGRATED BUILDING FAÇADES
Integrate material selection with the overall façade design
and aim for low maintenance, robust materials that will
weather well.

Materials are an important element to consider in responding

to character and reinforcing or establishing sense of place.
Use a materials board, including colours, to illustrate materials
choice and how they work together.

The elevation of this building is given volume and depth by the recessed
It is important to understand any locally relevant or important balconies, the coloured steel beams and the large wooden pergola
character, and the design will either directly reference or
contrast with this.
The right response will depend on the context and design,
however mimicking, or a pastiche, of character is never a good
design response.
PRIMARY BUILDING ELEMENTS
INTEGRATED BUILDING FAÇADES
Integrate façade depth and shadow casting detail, including
projecting elements, setbacks and expression of window
reveals, to give visual richness and interest.
Incorporate elements such as sun shades, screens, fins and
blades to control the admittance of sunlight where required.
Consider façade arrangements that use a hierarchy, or layers,
of elements.
The movable screens in this building are located on long tracks. This means the
whole facade changes on a regular basis as the residents move their individual
panels as they need them
Display a simple rhythm and coherent logic in the design and
materials of all facades. Ensure the different elevations or
facades respond to their particular orientation for optimal
access to sunlight.

Glass fins are interspersed with the steel balconies to create a distinctive facade
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Universal Design in the context of architecture, space and
design refers to buildings, homes and environments that are
inherently accessible to older people, people without
disabilities and people with disabilities.
• Accessing the Dwelling - carparking, footpaths, ramps,
stairs and entrances
• Getting Around – internal doors and corridors
• Fittings and Fixtures – fixed furniture, electrical outlets etc
• Bedrooms - layouts
• Bathrooms – independent use for occupants and visitors
• Multi-storey Access – lifts and internal stairways
CONCEPT DIAGRAM Studio Wok Milan
CONCEPT DIAGRAM Studio Wok Milan