Builders, developers, and investors in LA are scrambling to keep up with the demand for multifamily housing, especially in the rental apartment arena, to fill in the current housing crisis. As a result, apartment buildings are rapidly changing in design and character as renters demand better quality and a host of technology. Fortunately, many architecture trends can be incorporated into an apartment building.
Sustainable Housing
Apartments should be as sustainable in every way as possible, and an excellent place to start is via a passive house design. Some features for sustainability include energy-efficient lighting and appliances, renewable energy, and efficient cooling and heating. Sustainability also covers the use of recycled materials, insulation, and air sealing.
A passive house design concept is centered around high-quality insulation, airtight construction, high performing windows, recovery of expended energy, and solar heat and shading. Such a design helps reduce energy costs as well as the impact the apartment has on the environment. Not only are such buildings modern in aesthetics, but also technologically advanced.
Building materials play a critical role in modern building architecture design. Some alternatives you will find at apartments include fiberglass, concrete, corten steel, and metal insulated panels. A contemporary apartment building doesn’t only mean a modern design but also incorporates advanced construction technology.
The Amenities
While apartment sizes are shrinking, the common areas in the buildings are expanding and being designed to meet the requirements of modern tenants that want to socialize or work at home. Such common areas are now outfitted with Wi-Fi, iCafes, and other Web-access amenities. Further, the spaces now have durable carpeting and furniture.
Common areas in setups such as these downtown Bellevue apartments now resemble resorts and hotels in their look, feel and services provided. The demand for better and more amenities is also driving the rise for some more esoteric amenities such as private elevators in multifamily building units. The modern terraces now feature comfortable seating, big-screen TVs and sonic sound systems.
Another common area that has received a significant architectural transformation is the fitness center. Today’s centers are not only for exercising, but also for areas where tenants go for socialization.
Smart Layouts
People find apartments with clean, open plan layouts more interactive, such as those at these San Pedro apartments. Another growing trend is the open kitchen design that makes the room feel much bigger than it is by utilizing beautiful countertops, cabinets, and devices.
Smart Devices and Automated Components
No discussion on the 21st apartment architecture can go without mentioning the use of smart home technology. Millennials, the largest market for rental apartments, is on the lookout for properties with intelligent devices. However, you don’t have to be a millennial to enjoy all the conveniences that a smart home can offer you.
You have a choice of several smart home devices that make modern life that much easier. Such devices include Nest Learning Thermostat, Philips Hue Light bulbs, Amazon Echo, Google Homes, smart locks and even intelligent beds!
Automated components mean moving parts in the apartment, which is an excellent solution to the modern space. Apartment buildings with many moving parts can be mechanically operated with a motion sensor, touch of a button or even programmed. Some options include automatic doors, motorized shades and blinds, operable walls, and sliding exterior wall panels that lead to the terrace.
Conclusion
While the construction market in LA seems a bit frothy, construction experts, engineers, owners, and architects believe that apartment living is in high-demand. At the same time, it’s time that the different players implement the architectural trends above to retain tenants.
