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Multi-unit/retirement
housing: A matter of sociology
When
it comes to the design of multi-unit and retirement
housing, understanding sociology is critical
– i.e. people, lifestyles and culture. Designing
for this sector is vastly different, because the ultimate
clients are ‘somewhere in the future’. So
to know just what will ‘sell’ these apartments,
it’s important to both understand the marketplace
and utilise sociological housing research.
So what makes us different?
Peter Dalton is one of the few practising architects
in Australia with a degree in sociology, and who has
carried out ground breaking housing research. He is
also one of few architects to have chaired a Housing
Industry Association Committee whose members were the
leading developers of multi-unit housing in Sydney.
The firm understands the different social and market
influences which shape profitable design. And our experience
in research and the housing industry ensures we are
able to contribute significantly to the development
of effective strategies, such as:
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Project
briefs which respond actively and positively
to consumer needs and preferences |
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Development
strategies which are both financially profitable
and take into account local and state government
planning agendas and community concerns |
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Project
team management to effectively negotiate development
approvals and construction programmes consistent
with the development strategies |
Knowing
the market
Social influences – people, lifestyles and
culture – greatly influence our designs. And we
are focused on understanding the changing market and
trends. To this end, our Principal Architect, Peter
Dalton, studied for a Masters in Sociology in the United
States after graduating in Architecture. "I’m
fascinated by the impact of social influences on design,
and the way in which design can improve people’s
lives," he admits.
His social research, working through the Housing Industry
Association, resulted in Commonwealth approval of Satellite
Retirement/Hostel Housing and Services in 1987,
which was subsequently adopted by the New South Wales
Government in its 1993 revision of SEPP 5*.
What do we offer?
We provide a range of services, including:
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Development
feasibilities |
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Design
and planning preparation of DAs and negotiation
of development consents |
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Construction
certificate documentation |
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Management
of engineering, landscape, building cost and all
other consultants |
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Tendering |
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Negotiating
building contracts |
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Administration
of building contracts |
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Selection
and management of furnishing and fit out contracts
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Since
the 1980s we have assisted property developers and institutions
involved in large-scale multi-unit and retirement housing,
with projects ranging from $1 million to $20 million.
For examples of projects view the Architectural
Showcase of multi-unit/retirement housing
* State Environmental Policy No 5
– Housing for Older People and People with Disabilities
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