There’s been an explosion of amenities in the U.S. and Canadian multifamily construction sector. Package delivery centers have tripled in size. Simple bicycle “racks” have become bicycle “kitchens,” where residents can not only safely store, but also maintain and repair their $10,500 Bianchi Oltre XR4s.
Some properties now have dedicated rideshare areas for tenants to wait for their Uber or Lyft rides.
Multifamily residents are demanding high-end security systems, the latest smart home technology, “green” energy and water efficiency, and lightning fast WiFi. On the horizon: co-working and “maker” spaces.
Developers and designers are bending over backwards to provide more—and more elaborate—services and facilities for pets. Dogs, mostly. As for amenities for children, not so much. You’re more likely to find a doggie wash station than a children’s playroom in most multifamily complexes.
Anything that spells “wellness” is in high demand, thanks to the spike in asthma and allergies. Renters and condo buyers want to know about any “Red List” chemicals in the materials, building products, and finishes you’re using. Developers and their design teams are using fitness and nature amenities to
get tenants and condo owners out of their living units and into the outdoors.
All these must-have extras add to the burden designers and contractors must contend with to meet the needs—and budgets—of multifamily developers and their customers—renters and condominium purchasers. Multifamily residential real estate is no longer just about location, location, location. There’s a new mantra: amenities, amenities, and more amenities.
These amenities trends and more are highlighted in Multifamily Design+Construction’s Multifamily Amenities 2017 survey. Download the free 16-page survey summary at: http://bit.ly/2eZMluw
Related Stories
| Jun 12, 2014
Austrian university develops 'inflatable' concrete dome method
Constructing a concrete dome is a costly process, but this may change soon. A team from the Vienna University of Technology has developed a method that allows concrete domes to form with the use of air and steel cables instead of expensive, timber supporting structures.
| Jun 11, 2014
David Adjaye’s housing project in Sugar Hill nears completion
A new development in New York's historic Sugar Hill district nears completion, designed to be an icon for the neighborhood's rich history.
| Jun 11, 2014
Koolhaas’ OMA teams with chemical company to study link between color and economy
Dutch company AkzoNobel is partnering with Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA to study how the application of colorful paints and coatings can affect a city's economic development.
| Jun 10, 2014
Built-in balcony: New skylight windows can fold out to create a patio
Roof window manufacturer Fakro offers a skylight window system that quickly converts into an open-air balcony.
| Jun 9, 2014
Green Building Initiative launches Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors program
The new program focuses exclusively on the sustainable design and construction of interior spaces in nonresidential buildings and can be pursued by both building owners and individual lessees of commercial spaces.
Sponsored | | Jun 4, 2014
Fiber cement panels bridge historic and modern at Minneapolis apartment complex
The design team for the Third North apartment complex specified Nichiha’s Illumination Series architectural panels in a blend of six colors—divided into swaths of reds and swaths of grays—that combine with a rectilinear shape to complement nearby brick.
| Jun 3, 2014
Libeskind's latest skyscraper breaks ground in the Philippines
The Century Spire, Daniel Libeskind's latest project, has just broken ground in Century City, southwest of Manila. It is meant to accommodate apartments and offices.
| Jun 2, 2014
Parking structures group launches LEED-type program for parking garages
The Green Parking Council, an affiliate of the International Parking Institute, has launched the Green Garage Certification program, the parking industry equivalent of LEED certification.
| May 30, 2014
MIT researchers create 'home in a box' transformable wall system for micro apartments
Dubbed CityHome, the system integrates furniture, storage, exercise equipment, lighting, office equipment, and entertainment systems into a compact wall unit.
| May 30, 2014
Developer will convert Dallas' storied LTV Building into mixed-use residential tower
New Orleans-based HRI Properties recently completed the purchase of one of the most storied buildings in downtown Dallas. The developer will convert the LTV Building into a mixed-use complex, with 171 hotel rooms and 186 luxury apartments.
