Planning
Planning

Small Lot Apartments 03 by MHN Design Union

Residential flat building at 4–6 storeys with dwellings ranging from studios to 4 bedrooms.

Street view of 4 storey apartment with two apartment blocks on left and right.

A sophisticated apartment building with a dynamic facade, modular layout and a range of 1- and 2-storey house-like dwellings.

Small Lot Apartments 03 by MHN Design Union is a 4- to 6-storey apartment building designed for compact infill sites. Inspired by 1970s modernist apartments, it's distinguished by its contemporary approach with a rational layout, spacious homes, and generous private and communal open spaces.

This pattern includes the most diverse mix of all mid-rise pattern designs, from studios up to 4-bedroom apartments. The dwellings range between one and 2 storeys. The 2-storey homes feature living and sleeping areas on separate levels, each with its own balcony or courtyard. Communal spaces are distributed throughout the building on alternating floors, including the rooftop terrace.

The building layout is functional and adaptable. The pattern can be configured from 4 to 6 storeys, with options for basement, or on-grade parking. The design suits a variety of site conditions, accommodating gentle slopes of up to 2.25 m upslope and 0.65 m downslope, and minimum lot widths between 16 m and 19.8 m and lengths from 40–65 m.

Download to preview Small Lot Apartments 03 (ZIP, 83.4 MB).

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Key metrics

Each pattern provides a design for low- and mid-rise (LMR) housing areas with some of the designs providing options to suit non-LMR housing areas. The key metrics reflect the compact designs for low-rise patterns and the range of options for mid-rise patterns.
  • Number of dwellings 9-24
  • Bedrooms per dwellingStudio-4
  • Gross Floor Area (GFA) 840-3050 m2
  • Efficiency (NSA:GFA)73-86%
  • Parking spaces per building 4-10
  • zoom_in_map Minimum lot area 640-1287 m²
  • Minimum lot width 16-19.8 m
  • Number of storeys 4-6
  • Floor-Space Ratio (FSR) 1.31:1-2.38:1
  • Livability rating (ABCB)Standard
  • Site gradient front to back0-2.25 m

Key metrics

Each pattern provides a design for low- and mid-rise (LMR) housing areas with some of the designs providing options to suit non-LMR housing areas. The key metrics reflect the compact designs for low-rise patterns and the range of options for mid-rise patterns.
  • Angled street view of 4 storey apartment with two apartment blocks on left and right.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative street view, designed to maximise daylight and enhance cross-ventilation.
  • View into living room and kitchen of apartment with two people talking in the background and a dining table in the foreground.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative interior view, gardens on the ground floor extend living spaces for bright and comfortable interiors.
  • View of sheltered communal area with people interacting and plants in foreground.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative communal view, a rooftop terrace designed for social interaction and mixed-use.
  • View of neighbours eating a meal at a large shared table surrounded by garden.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative communal view, communal space for shared activities with residents.
  • View of the back garden of a two storey apartment, with open doors and barbecue.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative garden view, private garden connecting a ground floor apartment to the outside.
  • View of hanging plants and vines on the side of a building with open balconies and roof canopy.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative facade view, integrated landscape suitable for some pattern adaptations.
  • Street view of 4 storey apartment with two apartment blocks on left and right.
     
    Credit: Choi Render
    Illustrative front view, a contemporary approach to a 1970s modernist apartment.

Floor plans

Explore the floor plan layouts. Refer to the pattern pack for more floor plan variations to suit your preferences.

  • Architectural drawing of the ground floor plan including driveway and bike store.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Ground floor plan (not to scale), each ground floor apartment has access to a generous private outdoor space.
  • Architectural drawing of the basement plan.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Basement floor plan (not to scale), ample storage is provided for all tenants on the basement level.
  • Architectural drawing of the first floor plan with highlight over the different bedroom types.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    First floor plan (not to scale), the double storey apartments feature living spaces and sleeping areas on separate levels.
  • Architectural drawing of the second floor plan with highlight over the different bedroom types.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Second floor plan (not to scale), flexible communal spaces are featured on alternating levels.
  • Architectural drawing of the third floor plan with highlight over the different bedroom types.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Third floor plan (not to scale), diverse mix of studios up to 4 bedrooms.
  • Architectural drawing of the fourth floor plan with highlight over the different bedroom types.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Fourth floor plan (not to scale), contemporary and rational layout provides all bedrooms with natural light.
  • Architectural drawing of the fifth floor plan with highlight over the different bedroom types.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Fifth floor plan (not to scale), apartments have access to private balconies or courtyards on each level.
  • Architectural drawing of the sixth floor plan with communal areas.
     
    Credit: MHN Design Union
    Roof floor plan (not to scale), covered lobby opens up to a sheltered communal area.

Fixed and flexible features

Fixed features must be included in your planning application. Flexible features can be modified within agreed parameters.

Axonometric section of the Small Lot Apartments 03 by MHN Design Union
Tap to explore

  • Fixed features
    • Blade walls with window hoods

      The building form is defined by 2 blade walls, in a choice of colours, with expressed window hoods angled to catch light and views. 
    • Articulated balconies

      The balconies facing the street and rear use precise, articulated geometry to create a contemporary feel and light, airy interiors. 
    • 1 and 2 storey apartments

      The combination of 1 and 2 storey apartments creates a house-like feel within an efficient building footprint. 
    • Vibrant communal spaces

      An abundance of quality communal areas on the rooftop and alternative apartment levels provide spill out spaces for social gathering.
    • Services and waste provisions

      Waste rooms sized for weekly kerbside collection and provision for an internal substation and a fire pump room if required.

  • Flexible features
    • Incremental resizing

      Smart grid layout allows the building and apartments to adapt to minimum lot widths between 16 m and 19.8 m and lengths between 40 m and 65 m.
    • Number of storeys

      Can be configured as 4 storeys or 6 storeys, depending on site.
    • Parking

      Two parking options provided including basement, or on-grade parking. 
    • Adaptable interiors

      Selected apartments can meet Australian Standard 4299-1995 – Adaptable housing.
    • Slope

      Slope between zero and 2.25 m upslope and zero and 0.65 m downslope can be accommodated at ground level.

Materials and character

The building uses a modular design with repeatable elements, including distinctive blade walls, angled window hoods to capture light and views, and articulated balconies. Regular bay sizes and a smart grid layout make it easy to adapt the design to different site sizes and support prefabricated construction or other modern building methods. A range of materials allows the building to suit a variety of NSW settings. The design balances flexibility, durability, and visual quality to ensure it fits comfortably within its context.

Street view of 4 storey apartment with bricks.
 
Credit: MHN Design Union
Naturally finished aluminium cladding

The primary material is vertically seamed aluminium cladding.

Street view of 4 storey apartment with compressed fibre cement sheeting.
 
Credit: MHN Design Union
Naturally finished concrete

The primary material is vertically ribbed concrete panels with metal details.

Close up image of the metal balustrades, screens and awnings.
 
Credit: MHN Design Union
Red brick

The primary material is red clay brickwork with concrete structure and metal details.

Close up image of concrete core, slabs and retaining walls in similar tones to the primary material.
 
Credit: MHN Design Union
Naturally finished metals

Metal balustrades, screens, awnings and window frames are naturally finished for all options.

About the architect

MHN Design Union is a Sydney architecture practice with a portfolio of over 100 works, specialising in developments ranging from bespoke houses and small- to medium-sized multi-residential projects to large-scale urban renewal projects. The practice has established a strong reputation in our industry based on our unique blend of technical excellence, commercial acumen and forward-thinking design sensibility. Their projects are characterised by their confident, modernist statements tempered with an intimate knowledge of local climate, lifestyle and culture.

For more of MHN Design Union’s work, visit MHN Design Union.

Meet the pattern book design team

Getting into the detail

Learn more about turning your pattern book project into reality with  guidance for designing your landscape and gaining fast-track planning approval.

Illustration of landscape design. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of landscape design. 
Credit: Felix Saw

Complement your proposal with beautiful, resilient, landscape designs.

Illustration of approvals process. Credit: Felix Saw
Illustration of approvals process. 
Credit: Felix Saw

All patterns are eligible for a fast-tracked planning assessment pathway.

Preview or purchase this pattern

View the pattern drawings at no cost to help you select the most suitable pattern for your project.

To use the pattern for your planning application, you must purchase the full suite of documents, accept the terms and conditions and reference your unique identification number. When you pay the fee, you will receive technical drawings in PDF and DWG formats, an editable design verification statement and your unique identification number.

Purchase the pattern design