Apartment building types Print

​There are three key elements to any apartment building:
  • the overall form of the building
  • the type of access
  • the types of unit.
Understanding the relationships between these elements and testing different options for the site are crucial to a successful design.

Good apartment developments will successfully combine form, access and unit types, however, different combinations have different advantages and disadvantages, so there will be trade-offs between different objectives to get the best outcome.

The building will also be informed by a context analysis at a site and neighbourhood scale.  Factors such site topography, natural features, sun penetration, prevailing wind, access, existing structures on adjacent sites and views will help determine the most appropriate form and massing for an apartment development. For more on site and neighbourhood context analysis, see the Site Design and Design Statement sections of the Auckland Design Manual. For statutory building and planning controls, refer to the Unitary Plan.

Better Design Practice

Provide Feedback Next Page   Previous Page