The Rise of Multi-residential Architecture in Australia – Navigating Increasing Densification

The architectural landscape offers a tangible reflection of our broader socioeconomic and cultural conditions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the parallel issues of environmental sustainability and Australia’s ever-growing population, which together mean increased housing density has never been more necessary. However, in a land where the dream of the proverbial ‘quarter-acre block’ still looms large in the national psyche, multi-residential housing has tended to come off second-best. Nevertheless, change is afoot as architects rise to the challenge, designing buildings that offer a valuable contribution to the urban landscape by retaining vital cohesion and community.

In essence, increasing densification requires a nuanced comprehension of the urban fabric, historical context and the evolving needs of our society. Such complexity means challenges are inherent in the equation, and yet it also provides a range of opportunities for those who care to see them. As Ilana Freadman, Director at Freadman White, reflects, “we view densification not as a mere numerical increase in built form but as a context-driven response.”

“We view densification not as a mere numerical increase in built form but as a context-driven response.”

Historically, Australia has taken a dim view of multi-residential living. Director at Austin Maynard Architects Andrew Maynard describes how “in Australia, it is less of a design problem to be solved than a cultural one that design can help shift. We tend to think that density means compromise, but that’s because we have suffered from a lack of exemplary projects that illustrate how great apartment living can be.” Ilana agrees – “if multi-residential projects are not properly considered for their context, increased density can lead to traffic and parking congestion, lack of green spaces, noise disturbances and privacy issues, and while revitalisation is positive, it can lead to gentrification, pushing out existing residents due to rising costs.” Moreover, there may be a lack of cohesion between a multi-residential building and the surrounding urban fabric.

But all such issues only arise when multi-residential developments don’t consider context. Andrew argues, “there are no downfalls to good-quality multi-residential housing.” He believes that problems only occur “when apartments are delivered as ‘product’ instead of housing, where amenity, connection to the community and the natural environment are compromised.”

“In Australia, it is less of a design problem to be solved than a cultural one that design can help shift. We tend to think that density means compromise, but that’s because we have suffered from a lack of exemplary projects that illustrate how great apartment living can be.”

To ensure positive outcomes and that multi-residential housing fulfils its potential, the main factors to navigate include access, private open space and balancing complex regulations with yield. Architect at Refresh Design Llewellyn Griggs says, “we need to ask ourselves, ‘how does the generally larger volume of the medium-density project fit into an ensemble comprising often of detached housing with avoiding overpowering them?’” This reveals itself at Habitat On Terrace (H.O.T.), in Brisbane, where a 760-square-metre site with one dwelling was turned into a medium-density project featuring five terrace houses without compromising the streetscape.

Respect for both built heritage and the existing tree canopy is also essential. “Too often, we see multi-residential apartment buildings that look like spaceships that have just landed from outer space,” Andrew says. “I think it’s really important to do a thorough audit of a place and its context before designing a building.” Ilana suggests that ways to do this include “considering existing heights, the replacement of any removed trees with more than were there to begin with and paying homage to existing materials and detailing.”

Not only does an increase in housing density provide more dwelling diversity but it also allows for affordability, amenities and security.

For example, ParkLife at Nightingale Village by Austin Maynard Architects connects with the immediate built heritage but also with the lower-scale Victorian housing on the other side of the train line. In terms of vegetation, ParkLife saw the preservation of three trees on the northern boundary by generously setting the building a few metres back from them. Similarly, Napier Street for Milieu by Freadman White beautifully befits its heritage-rich Fitzroy locale, bridging the contemporary and the heritage with elements of the neighbouring historical details brought together through a refined lens.

Clearly, multi-residential living has the power to offer numerous benefits while addressing urgent social and environmental crises. Not only does an increase in housing density provide more dwelling diversity but it also allows for affordability, amenities and security. Sustainability is also a huge factor, as infrastructure and services can be shared, which has a direct impact on the cost of living and environmental sustainability outcomes. Llewellyn describes, “multi-residential generally achieves a better use of existing infrastructure, thus leading to a more sustainable use of land and resources. It also often promotes residents to walk or use public transport.” A sense of community also arises when multi-residential dwellings are well-executed. “You live in a connected way with others, as you have your own beautiful place but with shared infrastructure,” says Andrew.

“When urban planning, architecture and community engagement are thoughtfully combined, cities can achieve a harmonious balance between density and liveability.”

‘Density done well’ is an oft-used phrase in architecture, referring to the idea that increased urban density can converge with increased liveability. Llewellyn explains, ‘density done well’ “is an exercise insensitively increasing the density without compromising the quality of lower-density areas.” As Ilana says, “when urban planning, architecture and community engagement are thoughtfully combined, cities can achieve a harmonious balance between density and liveability, creating thriving and inclusive urban environments for both current and future generations.”

As such, navigating increasing densification through the means of multi-residential architecture relies on taking fundamental ideas about community, sustainability, heritage and place and responding to each of these within their own context. Architecture achieving beautiful multi-residential outcomes in the context of increasing densification encompasses creativity, problem-solving and design thinking that extends well beyond the built form, ultimately contributing towards enabling greater access to sustainable, quality housing.