As urban areas become increasingly crowded, contractors and developers must innovate to create ways to maximize space without sacrificing style or comfort. Modern-day renters and home buyers are looking for spacious, modern, and comfortable living spaces, even in multi-family buildings. ETI Construction offers multi-family residential construction services. We specialize in designing innovative layouts in multi-family buildings to maximize space and efficiency. In this blog, we will share some of our favorite tips for creating innovative layouts in multi-family building designs, including designing open floor plans, utilizing natural light, using outdoor areas, incorporating smart storage solutions, and more. We are experts in creating modern layouts in multi-family residential construction.
Tips for Innovative Layouts in a Multi-Family Building
Multifamily units face the challenge of limited space. The options are endless when it comes to building a multi-family home. Below are our best tips for innovative layouts in multi-family projects to maximize space.
Create Open Floor Plans
If you want to maximize space while keeping costs low, utilize open floor plans for your multifamily property. The open floor plan concept is still popular. Open floor plans create a sense of openness in both individual units and communal areas. Consider installing sliding doors or pocket doors to give residents opportunities to separate rooms without taking up much space. You can also incorporate built-in furniture and storage solutions to make the most of usable space. Keep in mind that open floor plans also apply to common area designs.
Utilize Natural Light
Natural light is ideal for creating a comfortable and welcoming living space in multi-family buildings. There are several benefits of bringing natural light into homes. It helps rooms appear larger, reduces energy costs, and improves the overall mood of the residents. Consider installing large windows or skylights to maximize natural light in your multi-family building. Here are some more tips for creating natural light in your design:
- Use light to enhance architectural details.
- Install solar shades or blinds to reduce heat and glare from the sun.
- Add mirror and reflective sources to help light bounce through the room.
- Understand how light interacts with the architecture of your multi-family building and design the space accordingly.
Incorporate Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor living areas are growing in popularity in multi-family building designs. They offer a great way to maximize your property’s space and create a sense of openness in your community. Plus, they give residents a place to enjoy the outdoors and get outside without leaving their home. Outdoor living spaces also foster a sense of community among residents.
Here are some ideas for your development’s patios, decks, and balconies:
- Choose comfortable seating options like sofas and lounge chairs.
- Install outdoor lighting solutions to enjoy the outside area on warm spring and summer evenings.
- Add greenery to the outdoor space with planters, gardens, and hanging baskets.
- Create vertical space by installing wall-mounted planters or trellises.
- Consider building a fire pit or outdoor kitchen to make the space even more inviting.
Create Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is an important factor to consider in any multi-family housing complex. It helps to maximize space and keeps residents’ living areas organized. But many traditional storage options can take up a lot of space and make smaller living spaces feel claustrophobic and cluttered. The key is to build innovative storage solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Here are some creative tips to design storage spaces in multi-family housing that residents will love:
- Utilize furniture with built-in storage like ottomans and beds with drawers underneath.
- Install sliding doors to create closets and other small areas.
- Choose multi-functional pieces like coffee tables that also have storage beneath.
- Create hidden storage solutions underneath stairs or behind walls.
Add Flexible Furniture
Creating a multi-family structure is more than just walls and ceilings. Adding furniture can also help you maximize the use of space. Add flexible furniture that doubles as storage and other flexible furniture options.
Add Spaces for Work
Remote work is increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, all multi-family projects need to have spaces for residents to work, whether it’s within individual units or a communal space.
Consider the Ductwork
If you are renovating an existing multi-family building, there might be ways to create additional space. Older HVAC models take up a lot of space, so if you are remodeling an existing multi-family housing complex, redoing the ductwork can help you optimize your square footage.
Optimize Parking Efficiency
Parking lots command a lot of space. However, there are ways to maximize parking spaces. Consider alternative options like tuck-under parking, cantilever parking systems, and other creative parking structures that might be right for your build.
Consider which Amenities are Right for Your Building
While amenities are a necessity for attracting residents, consider which amenities are the most important for your ideal tenants. If your building is pet-friendly, consider a dog area. Or if your building caters to younger adults who need space for work, consider a business space.
Think About Floor to Floor Heights
If you are looking for ways to increase space in your multi-family projects, then consider the floor-to-floor height. Reducing the floor to floor height in your complex, even by less than a foot, can add an extra floor on top of the building without having to increase the construction height.
ETI Construction Specializes in Multi-Family Residential Construction
When you are looking for a multi-family contractor to get construction done, choose ETI to help you. We are experts at building multi-family homes, maximizing space, and coming up with innovative layout solutions.
ETI Construction is the Best Partner for Multi-Family Construction Projects
Density in multi-family construction projects demands innovative solutions that balance personal and community values in the closer quarters of modern multi-family housing. If you are building a multi-family home, consider partnering with ETI Construction. Contact us today at (773) 299-6574 or email info@eticonstruction.net.