WHAT MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING WILL LOOK LIKE IN 2021 & BEYOND

The phrase “social distancing” is a part of our common language now, but I bristle at the idea of being socially distanced. As human beings, we want to be connected socially, but for now, we’re physically distancing ourselves for the greater good. There’s a difference.

At Kieffer Design Group, we’re working with our multi-family housing clients to come up with innovative design solutions to allow for maximum physical distancing and well-being at their existing properties, as well as new builds.

With projects that are being designed and planned right now, many developers are asking what needs to be done from a design perspective. Our response is to provide as many wellness-oriented solutions and amenities as possible that still provide the best net operating income and return on investment. Because who wouldn’t want all those great amenities and special considerations? But will you get the rent out of them? Does your community or focused market demand them, and have the income to afford them? These are all important questions to answer.

Many of these solutions (and problems) are short-term, but these are the multi-family residential design trends I see right now and for 2021 that will likely stick around, even when things return to “normal.” 

With Gen Z the largest renter market and Millennials a runner up, their opinions and expectations matter. They value experiences with friends, technology, and sustainability over things.

EXTREMELY SOCIAL CLUBHOUSES AND LOBBIES

We’re moving forward on a variety of residential clubhouses both in the design and construction phase, and are still focusing on café-like common spaces where individuals can gather, or simply sit and see and be seen. We’re incorporating vignettes, or “Posse Pods”  where people can work and be physically distant while still maintaining a sense of “togetherness” and welcome random encounters.

Charging stations and strong internet connectivity remain paramount in these venues, especially as we expect individuals to continue the “work from anywhere” ethos and many businesses opt to keep employees working remotely due to cost. And regarding tours and viewing, research shows over 43% of the renter’s request in-person viewing and less online…they are a social generation!

In these common spaces, we’re also seeing a surge in interest for touchless elevator systems and doors, separate entries for deliveries, smart lockers, antimicrobial surfaces, and upgraded air filtration systems, in addition to nice looking and readily available hand washing or sanitizing stations (not the ugly ones on rollers), recycling centers and other sustainability features. And, of course, natural light and windows are a huge selling point in common areas that blur the boundaries of indoor and outdoors.