An apartment is a self-contained living unit within a larger building or complex, usually

consisting of one or more rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Apartments are typically rented out
to tenants as a place to live, and can range in size from small studios to large multi-bedroom
units. They are often located in urban areas and offer a convenient and affordable housing option
for many people.

Apartments Building Type

1 Big House Apartments
Big house apartments are large apartments that typically have several bedrooms and bathrooms,
as well as spacious living areas, kitchens, and dining rooms. They are often located in multi-story
buildings or large houses that have been converted into apartments. Big house apartments are
ideal for families or groups of roommates who need more space than a typical apartment
provides. They may also offer amenities such as on-site laundry facilities, parking, and outdoor
spaces like patios or balconies.

2 Courtyard Apartment
A courtyard apartment is an apartment complex that is designed around a central courtyard or
garden area. The apartments typically surround the courtyard, which may be landscaped with
trees, plants, and seating areas. Courtyard apartments are often found in urban areas and offer a
peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. They may also provide a sense of
community, as residents can gather in the courtyard to socialize or relax. Some courtyard
apartments may offer amenities such as a pool, gym, or outdoor grilling area in the courtyard
space.
3 Slab Apartment
A slab type apartment is a type of construction in which the floors of the building are made of
reinforced concrete slabs. These slabs are typically supported by columns or walls, and they
provide a solid, durable base for the building. Slab type apartments are popular in high-rise
buildings and other multi-story structures because they are efficient to construct and can support
heavy loads. They also offer good sound insulation and fire resistance. However, slab type
apartments may have limited flexibility in terms of layout changes and may be more prone to
moisture problems if not properly waterproofed.
4 Tower Apartment
A tower apartment is a type of residential building that is characterized by its height and
verticality. Tower apartments are typically high-rise buildings that feature multiple floors, with
each floor containing one or more apartments or units. These buildings often have a distinctive
design, with a narrow base that gradually widens as it rises, creating a tower-like appearance.
Tower apartments are popular in urban areas where space is limited, as they allow for a large
number of people to live in a relatively small area. They also offer stunning views of the
surrounding area and can be equipped with amenities such as gyms, pools, and rooftop gardens.
However, tower apartments can be expensive to build and maintain, and may not be suitable for
those who prefer a more traditional or low-rise living environment.

5 Live/work Apartments
Live/work apartments are a type of residential building that combines living spaces with
workspaces. These apartments are designed to allow residents to both live and work in the same
unit, with separate areas for each activity. Live/work apartments are often used by artists,
entrepreneurs, and other professionals who work from home and need a dedicated workspace.
They can also be used as a way to reduce commuting time and expenses. Live/work apartments
typically have larger living spaces than traditional apartments, with features such as high
ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans. The workspaces may include areas for storage,
equipment, and workstations. Live/work apartments are often located in urban areas, where there
is a demand for both residential and commercial space. They can be found in a variety of
architectural styles, from modern lofts to historic buildings that have been converted into
live/work spaces.
6 Shop-top Apartment
A shop-top apartment is a type of mixed-use building that combines commercial or retail space
on the ground floor with residential living space on the upper floors. The ground floor is
typically used as a storefront or office space, while the upper floors are designed as apartments
or condos. Shop-top apartments are popular in urban areas where space is limited and there is a
demand for both commercial and residential properties. They offer convenience and accessibility
for residents who can live above their workplace or near shops and services. Shop-top
apartments can also be beneficial for small business owners who can operate their business on
the ground floor while living upstairs, reducing their commute time and expenses. These types of
buildings can be found in a variety of architectural styles, from historic buildings that have been
converted to modern developments that are purpose-built for mixed-use.
Apartment typologies
1 Studio Apartment
A studio apartment is a small living space that typically consists of one room that serves as a
bedroom, living room, and kitchen. The bathroom is usually separate. Studio apartments are
designed to be compact and efficient, making them a popular choice for single people or couples
who want to live in a central location without spending too much on rent. They are also popular
among students and young professionals who are just starting out and need an affordable living
space. Despite their small size, studio apartments can be stylish and functional, with clever
design solutions that maximize the use of space. They are often found in urban areas, where
space is at a premium and there is a high demand for affordable housing options.

2 One-bedroom Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment is a type of living space that typically consists of a bedroom, a living
room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The bedroom is usually separate from the living room,
providing some privacy and separation between the sleeping and living areas. One-bedroom
apartments are designed to be more spacious than studio apartments, making them a popular
choice for couples or individuals who want more room to move around. They are also ideal for
small families with one child. One-bedroom apartments can be found in a variety of settings,
from urban high-rises to suburban complexes, and they offer a range of amenities, such as on-site
laundry facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools. They are generally more expensive than
studio apartments but offer more space and privacy.
3 Two-bedroom apartments
Two-bedroom apartments are apartments that have two separate bedrooms, a living room, a
kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. They are typically designed to accommodate small families
or roommates who want to share living expenses. These apartments are usually larger than one-
bedroom apartments and offer more privacy and space for residents. They are popular among
young professionals, couples, and small families who need extra space for their children or
guests. Two-bedroom apartments can be found in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional
to modern, and can be rented or purchased depending on the preferences of the resident.

4 Three-bedroom apartments
Three-bedroom apartments are apartments that have three separate bedrooms, a living room, a
kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. These apartments are typically designed to accommodate
larger families or groups of roommates who want to share living expenses. They are larger than
two-bedroom apartments and offer more space for residents. Three-bedroom apartments are
popular among families with children, roommates, or individuals who need extra space for a
home office or guest room. They can be found in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional
to modern, and can be rented or purchased depending on the preferences of the resident.
Basic Principal Of Apartment Building
1 Apartment Layout
Guidance
A variety of apartment types could include a range of the following:
• Unit sizes, including studio apartments, 1,2,3+ bedroom apartments; and
• Including additional living areas such as studies; and
• Apartment design and internal layout, including dual aspect, loft and mezzanine and cross-over
apartments (with two opposite aspects and a change in level between one side of the apartment
and the other),
Studio apartments 40sqm
1 bedroom apartments 50sqm
2 bedroom apartments 70sqm
3+ bedroom apartments 95sqm
2 Internal Circulation
Common circulation areas should achieve the following minimum
dimensions:
a) A common lobby area with a dimension of 2 m in any direction
outside a lift or main staircase (not applicable to a fire stair which
is in addition to a lift or a main stair access);

b) Up to 4 m corridor length from common lobby = 1.5 m width;

Figure : Minimum dimensions of common circulation areas up to 4m long

c) Up to 8 m corridor length from common lobby = 1.8 m width;

Figure : Minimum dimensions of common circulation areas from 4m to 8m long

d) Greater than 8 m corridor length from common lobby = 2.0 m
width.

Figure : Minimum dimensions of common circulation areas over 8m long

3 Building Appearance And Envelopes

To provide visual interest to the built form, articulate the building facade of development and
provide an appropriate street address. Articulation of building facades shall respond to and
enhance the street character, aspects of building function and configuration.
Building articulation refers to the three-dimensional detailing of the external walls of the
building. Building articulation can be achieved through a variety of measures such as variations
in construction materials, detailing, colour, floor to ceiling heights, window size, entry features,
projections, roof design and, where appropriate, setting back the top level of taller buildings.
Building articulation can include vertical and horizontal articulation e.g. buildings with a
discernible base, middle and top.

4 Visual And Acoustic Privacy

The objectives of visual privacy are

 To site and design buildings and associated open spaces to provide visual privacy, and protect the
visual privacy of neighbours.
 To avoid overlooking through the effective location of windows and balconies.
A screening zone between different apartments:
(a) is determined by a 9 m horizontal distance from the outer edge of a window to a
habitable room or balcony within a 45 degree angle. Any windows to habitable
rooms/balconies within this zone shall be designed to prevent direct views between the
two areas.

(b) applies to any window to a habitable room/balcony either

adjacent.

The objectives of acoustic privacy

 To site and design apartment buildings and associated open spaces
 To provide acoustic privacy, and to protect the privacy of neighbours. To ensure building
and apartment layouts are designed to maximize acoustic privacy from airborne and
 impact noise generated outside the building, within other apartments and within each
apartment.
 To ensure building construction techniques and materials minimize the transmission of
airborne and impact noise generated outside the building, within other apartments and
within each apartment.
Environmental noise standards, specified in the Environmental Protection Regulations, vary for
different land use policy areas with higher values applicable within and on the boundaries of
commercial land use areas than in residential land use areas.
The ACT Draft Noise Management Guidelines apply to apartment developments near busy
roads. Achieving the guidelines standards may require locating noise sensitive sleeping and
living areas and private open spaces away from the traffic, incorporating appropriate noise
reduction in the external walls of the building and/or including noise barriers around the block.
Windows and doors are usually the main pathways for noise transmission from outside. With the
doors and windows closed, the internal noise levels should not exceed those listed in the current
version of AS/NZS 2107, namely 35 dB(A) in bedrooms or 40 dB(A) in other rooms. Achieving
these standards may require particular attention to windows and door construction, such as
including laminated glass or double-glazing. To be effective in reducing sound, these windows
and doors need to be closed and alternative ventilation provided.

5 Daylight access And Natural Ventilation

Habitable rooms, not including kitchens, should achieve the following proportions:
a) Room depth from window is up to 6 m = minimum ceiling height 2.4 m

Figure 21: Ceiling height and room depth between 6m and 9m

b) Room depth from window is between 6 m to 9 m = minimum ceiling height 2.7 m

Figure 21: Ceiling height and room depth between 6m and 9m

c) Room depths from window is greater than 9 m = minimum ceiling height 3.0 m
Tall ceiling heights are most effective in improving amenity when used in conjunction with
window design that includes taller windows, highlight windows and light shelves. The effect of
balcony location and design on daylighting to apartments should also be considered.
The following maximum apartment depths are generally considered to provide appropriate
daylight, ventilation and support appropriate internal apartment layouts, when used in
conjunction with appropriate ceiling heights:
• Dual aspect apartments with a maximum total depth of 24 m;
• Single aspect apartments with a maximum depth of 10 m from a window;
Studies or media rooms additional to living spaces provide additional space and flexibility for
residents. If these rooms do not meet S 3.3.1, then the design needs to demonstrate how
nonpermanent habitable uses are to be built-in to the room i.e. so that it cannot be used as a
bedroom. The following are considered evidence of this:
• Maximum area 9 m2 , and
• Wide double doors with louvres for ventilation, and
• Built-in joinery such as a computer desk
Careful consideration of the amenity of internal layouts where there are angled or tapering rooms
or potentially deep and narrow apartment layouts. To ensure functional internal layouts, living
and dining rooms deeper than 6 m should be a minimum of 4 m wide.
Natural air movement through a building or apartment can be achieved by the ‘stack effect’ and
cross ventilation. Cross-ventilation is achieved by using natural breezes and wind to produce
pressure differences that channel air through openings.
Cross-ventilation occurs where large openings face opposite directions and a free path of airflow
(unobstructed or open able) between openings exist.
The stack effect relies on a convection flow of air based on the principle that warmer air rises
and is displaced by cooler air
6 Open Space
The objectives of open space are
 To ensure common and private open space(s) provided in apartment developments is
clearly defined, useable and meets user requirements for privacy, access, outdoor
activities and landscaping.
 To maximise the environmental performance of open space associated with an apartment
development.
 To enhance residential amenity through design, siting and planting of areas of open
space.
 To visually enhance the buildings and their setting.
 To contribute to the quality and amenity of open space on rooftops and car park
structures.
Common open spaces are to be not less than 20% of the total site area. The calculation of the
common open space is not to include front setbacks or narrow strips of residual land not visually
or physically incorporated into the area, or areas not readily accessible by residents.

7 Balcony

All balconies/terraces are to be integrated into the overall architectural form and detail of the
building. Successful integration of balconies shall not negatively impact on solar access to
apartments.
Balconies should be designed to provide privacy to residents and to screen household items. Use
of fully transparent balustrades to balconies should be avoided on lower level balconies facing
public areas.
The design and detailing of the balcony should integrate drainage pipes with the overall building
design. For example, down pipes are often highly visible in taller buildings and can negatively
impact on the overall façade
Upper level balconies/terraces located adjacent to a main living area are to be a minimum area of
6 m2 and a minimum dimension of 1.8 m Wider balconies are preferred.
• All apartments above ground level should be provided with a private balcony directly
accessible from the principal living area.
• For one and two bedroom apartments, the balcony should have a minimum area of 6m2, with a
minimum horizontal dimension of 2m.
• For apartments with three or more bedrooms, the balcony should have a minimum area
of 9m2, with a minimum horizontal dimension of 2.4m.
• Balconies that are private, sheltered and can be used all year round are encouraged.
• Balconies that are fully recessed within the overall building form are to be preferred
over those that project fully beyond the face of the building. These provide better weather
protection and façade articulation.
• A hose tap should be provided on each apartment’s principal balcony.

8 Material
• Materials on the exterior of buildings should be high quality, durable and easily
maintained, particularly at ground and first floor levels.
• Side or rear walls should be used as an opportunity to introduce creative
architectural design solutions that provide interest in the façade including architectural
modulation, surface relief and/or detailing
9 Service Design
Waste and recycling enclosures, electrical substations and switchboards are to be located within the block
and to be designed and sited to minimise impact on the streetscape.
Waste and recycling facilities are to be accessible for residents. Hinged door access to waste hopper
enclosures must be provided for residents. Siting of waste containers should minimise any negative
impact on resident amenity, in particular when the facilities are being collected, and from odour and
visual impacts.
Reticulation of cabled services shall be underground from the point of connection. A cable reticulation
plan may, as part of any development approval, be required to be submitted to the Authority for further
approval.
Mechanical plant is to be designed as integral to the building and structure. Mechanical plant for
individual apartments (such as air conditioner heat pumps) is to be visually and acoustically screened
from public spaces and neighbouring dwellings. Refer Acoustic Privacy. Any area occupied by
mechanical plant is to be in addition to minimum required private open space areas. Air conditioning
condenser units are to be plumbed.
Mailboxes are to be convenient for residents and delivery services. They should be provided in a safe,
secure, well-lit location.