About the low-rise patterns
The low-rise patterns have been prepared by experienced and award-winning architects to provide high quality house designs for suitable sites in all parts of NSW. The patterns are designed with different sites, budgets and household needs in mind by being affordable, sustainable and compact.
The planning pathway for low-rise pattern developments enables low-rise pattern developments to be assessed as complying development under the Pattern Book Development Code 2025 and relevant amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
Designs for typical lots
Low-rise patterns enable faster delivery of housing by incorporating pattern-specific development standards. Each pattern design has two versions: a compact version for low and mid-rise housing areas, and a version for other sites across NSW.
Two dwellings which are arranged side-by-side and share a common wall.
Three dwellings which are arranged side-by-side and share common walls.
Four apartments in a 2-storey residential flat building.
Four dwellings arranged side-by-side, perpendicular to the street.
Housing types and adaptations
A key objective of the NSW Housing Pattern Book is to promote greater housing diversity and choice across the state. Low-rise patterns are designed to respectfully enhance new and established neighbourhoods. The range of housing types can be adapted to suit varying site conditions and household needs.
The low-rise patterns include designs for the following housing types:
- Semi-detached dwellings
- Terraces
- Manor homes
- Row homes
Each low-rise pattern design incorporates flexible features that can be modified within defined parameters. These adaptable features vary by pattern, and include options for dwelling size adjustments, siting arrangements, additional rooms, alternate ground and first floor layouts, inclusion of a third storey room or roof terrace, attic storage, carparking solutions, or rear lane garages or studios. The pattern designs also provide material and colour palette options, which can be tailored to reflect the existing character of the locality or streetscape. This is described in the technical drawing set available for each pattern.
To ensure more accessible housing choice, all low-rise patterns are designed to meet the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Livable Housing Design Standard. Several patterns include options for one or all the dwellings to achieve the ‘Beyond Minimum’ standard set by the ABCB.
Regulatory and technical information
All low-rise patterns have been developed with advice from a team of technical experts. To assist applicants to adjust a pattern to suit their site and development requirements, technical information has been included in each pattern pack, which considers the following:
- planning information
- development standards
- location requirements
- structural design
- building services provisions
- parking and traffic
- waste
- compliance (NCC, access)
- sustainability, NatHERS and BASIX.
Explore the pattern book
Explore the range of available pattern designs before you commit.
Get to know the award-winning architects behind the pattern designs.