The New South Wales government has added nine mid-rise apartment building designs to its housing pattern book, with the intention of fast-tracking apartment development approval.

And it is yet another effort in the ongoing war on Nimbys, with attractive designs by recognised architects countering fears of developers cluttering suburbs with cheap and cheerless ‘egg-box’ designs.

The new designs, ranging from three to six storeys, join eight low-rise patterns released in July as part of the state’s strategy to deliver 112,000 homes over the next five years through its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

Unlike the low-rise patterns, which can be applied anywhere such housing is permitted, mid-rise patterns currently require development applications to local councils.

However, councils have been told to halve average assessment times, and new planning laws expected in the new year are intended to speed up approvals for these designs.

According to Architecture AU, Australian and New Zealand architectural firms have contributed designs tailored to different site conditions. Four patterns for small lots come from Collins and Turner, Nguluway Design Inc, MHN Design Union and Neeson Murcutt Neille.

Three large lot designs were created by Silvester Fuller, Bennett and Trimble, and Andrew Burges Architects, while Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Spacecraft Architects developed two corner lot options.

Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin said the mid-rise apartments balance compact living with community connection while enhancing neighbourhood character and meeting diverse household needs.

“Architecture plays a vital role in shaping places people want to live,” Galvin noted, adding that the designs offer a pathway to quality homes that contribute positively to urban environments.

All patterns meet the Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard, with features maximizing cross-ventilation and solar access. The designs prioritize ease of construction while delivering adaptable, cost-effective and energy-efficient homes.

For the next six months, the patterns are available at subsidized rates of $1,500 for small lot and corner designs and $2,500 for large lot designs—approximately one percent of typical architectural design costs.

Premier Chris Minns described the patterns as more than beautiful home designs, calling them “a practical way we are delivering more homes for young people and families across New South Wales.”

The complete NSW Housing Pattern Book is available on the government’s planning website. You can see the low-to-mid-rise concepts HERE.