Building a Community in apartment complexes:
"If you build it, they will come”
A vital but intangible element of the very best high-end apartment experiences is “community”.
But what is community, and how do influence it from design stage and post completion?
A great example of this can be found in 2 of our more established sites. Saltus in Stonefields and Elm in Remuera.
When looking at the commonalities of these sites, and the elements that contribute to building community the obvious ones are:
1. Functional communal spaces where residents can interact.
2. Similar demographic (age, race, wealth and life stage)
3. Well designed and spacious apartments – happy people = happy community.
4. Great building managers to keep residents informed and supported.
5. Competent and responsive Body Corporate Managers – it takes a village to make a great village.
What is less obvious, and something I have observed that also has an impact on the success of building apartment communities is:
1. The level of customisation those sites have and how connected the residents are.
2. Biophilic design and quality of green spaces not just the quantity.
3. A very low number of on-sales (this tells us they enjoy their apartments and the building) Low turnover means deeper relationships, longer-term neighbours.
4. Regular and informative communications from the building managers.
5. Similar apartment prices throughout the building so there is no sub-class.
With the exception of #3, all of the above points can be incorporated at design stage. #3 is the result of success in all of these.
The team behind Elm: Clearwater Construction, Cooper & Associates, MAP architects.
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