As the housing crisis in Australia continues to intensify, the build-to-rent (BTR) sector has been identified as a housing option that may relieve the rental market. With BTR set to become the most significant asset class in new property development by 2030, this growing sector offers an exciting opportunity to redefine the rental lifestyle as we know it. At the forefront of this transformation are two key principles: community-centric design and sustainable living.
BTR developers prioritise longevity. They seek to create buildings with enduring appeal and sustainability credentials, often retaining them for upwards of 30 years. Understanding sustainable design now means more than simply considering energy efficiency and carbon footprints. It means designing precincts that foster vibrant communities – essential for the long-term success of BTR developments.
Designing for Community Interaction
At the heart of community-centric design lies the goal of creating purpose-built spaces that nurture a sense of belonging among residents. This is crucial for tenant retention and the long-term success of BTR projects. One of the challenges most designers, developers and operators will face is how to establish a sense of community in high-density BTR precincts, where residents ranges from students and retirees to young professionals and families.
I believe transitional spaces that support incidental interactions are just as important as the purpose build spaces for community use and social activities in BTR. The mailroom, the lift lobby, and the waiting lounges could be spaces where neighbours greet and check in on one another, establishing rapport and kinship. These moments not only improve their BTR experience but could also encourage them to stay longer and renew leases, reducing tenant turnover.
Community-centric design extends beyond the confines of the development itself. Good BTR precincts should seamlessly integrate with surrounding neighbourhoods, inviting the wider community to enjoy the amenities and spaces that come with these projects, such as parks, cafes, and retail offerings, with easy pedestrian and road links and networks.
Incorporating intentional placemaking design elements that encourage interaction is key to achieving a community-centric BTR development. This of course includes communal spaces like lounges, co-working areas, outdoor recreation spaces, fitness gyms and community gardens.
But great BTR developments will also include programmed social events and workshops within these spaces. For example, when I moved interstate, BTR accommodation alleviated a significant proportion of the stress for me as I knew the rental would be fully equipped with the white goods I’d need and furnished for maximum comfort. However, I was completely new to the area and the city. My particular BTR accommodation arranged events such as cat parties, which (had I managed to convince my cat to attend) would have been a great ice-breaker event for me. We are now seeing leading BTR operators maintain this social connectedness through apps to keep residents engaged with an ongoing program of community events.
You can’t force a neighbourhood, but I believe moments of social interaction could foster one. Our LIV Aston BTR project in Melbourne exemplifies this approach with amenities such as a dog park, bookable dining rooms, theatre rooms, lounge rooms and shared terraces.
By meticulously incorporating these elements into the design of the building, moments of social interaction can be fostered, enabling residents to build bonds with their neighbours and the broader community.
Sustainable Living for a Greener Future
Sustainability is not just at the forefront for architects and designers, there is a growing awareness among renters about their environmental impact, demanding for homes to be more efficient and support an eco-lifestyle.
The location of BTR sites is fundamental in supporting more sustainable living. Developments that offer easy access to public transportation, safe pedestrian routes, and cycle paths enable residents to live without dependence on a car.
Energy efficiency is another cornerstone of BTR sustainability. Installing five-star energy-rated appliances across large-scale projects delivers significant cumulative energy savings.
The industry-wide sustainability rating tool Green Star is seen now as the benchmark in the commercial sector, we’re noticing the importance of these accreditations within the BTR market as operators aim to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable performance.
FK designed Hamilton BTR development in Brisbane targets carbon-neutral operations with features like car share schemes, electric vehicle charging facilities, and dedicated solar panel zones on the rooftops to supply common areas with power.
As the BTR sector continues to evolve, so too will the standards for excellence in sustainable design. By prioritising community-centric design and sustainable principles, BTR developments can redefine the rental experience — putting people and human connection at the forefront.
In a time where the demand for sustainable and community-centric living is on the rise, BTR developments that embrace these principles will be well-positioned to attract and retain discerning residents. It will set the benchmark for Australian rentals, built with longevity at the very core.
Jessica Lee is a Principal at the multi-disciplinary international design firm FK and studio lead of FK’s Brisbane team.