Architectural Design Edited

ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY.
LITERATURE REVIEW
ON APARTMENT/MULTIUNIT HOUSING
NAME: BEIMNET ESKINDER

ID NO: UGR/2OO39/12
SECTION 1
MARCH 18, 2022

ASTU
ARCHITECTURE
LITERATURE REVIEW 2022
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1. DEFINITION .................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................................................... 2
2. TYPES OF APARTMENT BUILDING ................................................................................................................. 3
2.1. BASED ON SIZE OF THE BUILDING ............................................................................................................ 3
2.2 BASED ON NUMBER OF FLOORS ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 BASED ON THE OWNERSHIP………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
OTHER CLASSIFICATION................................................................................................................................... 6
3. BUILDING FORMS............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 NARROW INFILL APARTMENTS .................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 ROW APARTMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.3 COURTYARD APARTMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 PERIMETER BLOCK APARTMENTS ............................................................................................................. 10
3.5. HYBRID DEVELOPMENTS............................................................................................................................ 11
3.6 TOWER APARTMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 11
3.7 SHOP TOP APARTMENTS.............................................................................................................................. 12
4. SITE SELECTION ............................................................................................................................................. 13
SITE SELECTION CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................ 13
5. DESIGN STANDARDS...................................................................................................................................... 16
6. CIRCULATION ................................................................................................................................................. 25
7. APARTMENT AMENITIES .............................................................................................................................. 26
8. DISABILITY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS....................................................................................................... 27
9. APARTMENT DESIGN PROBLEMS ................................................................................................................ 31
10. INTERIOR ISSUES……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………..….……35
11. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..36
12. REFFERENCE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..36
ASTU Page 1
APARTMENT BUILDING/Multiunit house/

1. INTRODUCTION
Multiunit housing is a classification of housing where multiple separate housing units for residential
inhabitants are contained within one building. Multiunit or multifamily housing is characterized by
multiple units in a single building or connected by shared walls. It can be developed at a range of heights
and densities, from low-rise duplexes to high-rise apartment complexes, and can be rental or ownership
housing. Each unit in a multi-family or multiunit home has a different address, their own kitchens and
bathrooms and typically their own entrances. Those living in multi-family housing may have less
privacy than those living in single-family homes because of shared walls.
1.1.DEFINITION
The definition of an apartment can be a bit complex, regionally appropriate, and differ greatly
depending on common parlance and the media. An Apartment is building containing more than
one dwelling unit, most of which are designed for domestic use, but sometimes including shops
and other nonresidential features. It is an architectural designation and without regard to legal
ownership issues. The living space may consist of one room or a set of rooms, and it may be one of
a few or several such spaces in the building.
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of an apartment is a residential unit
inside a building. From this image, it may seem logical to say that an apartment is simply a single
living space, among others within a building. An apartment is a self-contained housing unit that
occupies a single section of a common building.
1.2.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Apartments, which were simply personal suites within great houses, the apartment house as it is
known today first appeared in Paris and other large European cities in the 18th century, when tall
blocks of flats for middle-class tenants began appearing. In the typical Parisian apartment
building, the size of the apartments (and the financial means of the tenants) decreased with each
successive story in a four- or five-story building.
By the mid-19th century, these buildings were often incredibly shabby, poorly designed,
unsanitary, and cramped. The typical New York City apartment, or tenement, a type first
constructed in the 1830s, consisted of apartments popularly known as railroad flats because the
narrow rooms were arranged end-to-end in a row like boxcars. Indeed, few low-cost apartment
buildings erected in Europe or America before 1918 was designed for either comfort or style.
ASTU Page 2
The modern large apartment building emerged in the early 20th century with the incorporation
of elevators, central heating, and other conveniences that could be shared in common by a
building’s tenants. Apartments for the well-to-do began to offer other amenities such as leisure
facilities, delivery and laundry services, and communal dining rooms and gardens. The multistory
apartment house continued to grow in importance as crowding and rising land values in cities
made one-family homes less and less practicable in parts of many cities.
2. TYPES OF APARTMENT BUILDING
2.1. BASED ON SIZE OF THE BUILDING

Apartment buildings are divided into three types based on their size. These are:
 TINY APARTMENT
 MEDIUM APARTMENT
 LARGE APARTMENT
1. TINY APARTMENT
An apartment located within a building that has one to four floors. Depending on location
building code, a low-rise community may or may not have an elevator. Here under tiny apartment
building there are different types of apartment types such like studio, alcove studio, convertible
studio, duplex, and triplex, garden.
a. STUDIO
A studio apartment is a small apartment with an open floor
plan. It consists of a single room that combines the bedroom,
living room and kitchen spaces with a separate room
containing a complete bathroom.
b. ALCOVE STUDIO
Generally, this type has an L partition in the living room. In other

words, there is a nook or alcove for a bed. This makes the area
easier to curtain or wall-off for more privacy.
ASTU Page 3
c. CONVERTIBLE STUDIO
The apartment is big enough where one could build a wall

to create a complete bedroom. Whereas, a convertible
apartment has enough space that an area could be
converted into an additional bedroom or secondary space.
Alternative names for this type of apartment include a
convertible two-bedroom or two-bedroom flex.
d. MICRO APARTMENTS
One-room apartments, roughly less than 350 square feet.

They will include a space for sitting, sleeping, a bathroom
and a kitchenette. This type of apartment is mostly found in
highly populated areas.
2. MEDIUM APARTMENT
These apartments can accommodate individuals and small families:
a. 2-Bedroom
Separate bedrooms, often with at least one common bathroom. They often feature just 1 or 1 ½
bathrooms.
b. 1-Bedroom
A single bedroom space, usually separate from a single bathroom. They can run the gamut from
spacious to cramped, depending on the location and rent level.
c. Flex
A 1-bedroom apartment with enough space to serve as a second bedroom. Surprisingly,
some landlords allow tenants to put up drywall to create the additional sleeping space.
d. Junior 1-Bedroom
On the cusp between medium and tiny apartment this type of apartment has enough space for a
separate small bedroom. Often, the bedroom is ¾ size. This is a slight step up from a studio and
usually includes a separate sleeping room or 3/4 room.
e. Garden
A garden apartment sits on the ground floor or basement and accesses a back yard, lawn or
garden. Apartment with direct access to a private outdoor space.
f. Shotgun Apartment
A multi-room apartment only one or two rooms wide. Each room opens into the next room.
Typically, opens up in the back to outdoor space.
e. Basement Apartment
An apartment below street level, with or without windows. It may have its own entrance.
ASTU Page 4
f. Flat
The “English” synonym for an apartment. San Franciscans define flat as an apartment that takes
up a single story of a large house.
3. LARGE APARTMENT
It’s important to understand that what one considers to be a large apartment is small compared
to house. Nonetheless, we demarcate anything larger than a two-bedroom as a large apartment.
These include:
a. 3+ Bedroom
These apartments offer a lot of space, multiple bathrooms and separate kitchens/dining rooms.
Depending on the particular real estate market these apartments can be rare or plentiful.
b. Penthouse
These are large apartments that sit at the top of an apartment building. Usually, they
are quite luxurious and expensive, and frequently offer spectacular views.
c. Duplex
A duplex is a multi-family home that has two units in one building. Apartments in a duplex will
have their own entrances and often have living spaces upstairs and downstairs. The two units will
be similar in size. Units are either side by side, or occupy the lower and top floor.
d. Triplex
A triplex is a single building with three apartment units. Like a duplex, these apartment units will
have their own entrances and accessed by staircase, be similar in size and have multiple living
spaces.
e. Maisonette
A triplex-apartment with its own private outdoor entry.
f. Loft
One large room with high ceilings. These usually exist in commercial buildings that have been
renovated to residential apartment units. Usually repurposed from industrial space, lofts typically
have open floor plans and might occupy more than one level. Interestingly, some are purpose-built
in new luxury buildings.
2.2 BASED ON NUMBER OF FLOORS

Apartment buildings are divided into three types based on their number of floors.
These are:
 LOW-RISE
 MID-RISE
 HIGH-RISE
1. LOW-RISE
An apartment located within a building that has one to four floors. Depending on location
building code, a low-rise community may or may not have an elevator.
2. MID-RISE
A five- to eleven-story community with at least one elevator. Mid-rise apartment communities
are typically found in urban settings.
ASTU Page 5
3. HIGH-RISE
An apartment community with twelve or more stories. There are typically multiple elevators in a
high-rise.
2.3. BASED ON THE OWNERSHIP
Single-Owner Building: The landlord is an individual or company that owns the entire building. All
tenants sign leases with and rent from the building owner.
Cooperative Apartment Building: A co-op is a type of apartment that makes up a collective

organization known as a cooperative (co-op). A co-op or cooperative housing is a type of
apartment where one buys in to become a part-owner of that entire piece of property. The part-
owner will then have the right to live on the premises in an available apartment but will shoulder
some financial responsibility, Tenants own a corporation that owns the building. A tenant can
sublet an apartment with the corporation’s approval. To no one’s surprise, these tend to be luxury
buildings and are especially prevalent.
Condominium Apartment Building: is a complex of units that are individually owned. Residents
own their own apartments but share the common areas. Therefore, owners can sublet their
apartments without seeking permission. Sometimes, apartment buildings convert to
condominium ownership. Condos are the most like apartments from an amenity standpoint.
OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Studio Apartments
Regardless of the physical structure of the exterior building, a studio apartment is designed to be
a single one room in which the bedroom, the kitchen, and any dining or living room space has been
engineered to fit into one open space. The only separate room in the unit would be a bathroom.
Some studios have an area that can be or has been sectioned or separated for sleeping.
2. Multi-Bedroom Apartments
The apartment units that fall into this category can range from a single, one-bedroom apartment
all the way up to a four-bedroom apartment home. Aside from the bedrooms, these units come
complete with separate living rooms, dining rooms, kitchen space, and one or more bathrooms.
These multi-bedroom apartments are typically leased out to renters for a monthly fee, security
deposit, and other miscellaneous terms. These buildings can be built to be several stories high and
can be made up of several buildings that are then considered an apartment complex.
3. Live and Work Style Apartment
ASTU Page 6
Like the shop houses in Asia, a live and work style apartment are actually considered a mixed use
building in which the property has been zoned to be both commercial and residential approved.
For the most part, these apartment buildings have storage, office, or retail space on the ground
level and the living space on the second floor.
4. Townhouse
A townhouse has been designed to be single-family residences that can stand several stories tall
and can be detached or connected in rows of four or more homes. Regardless, these properties
have been built close enough together to maximize the use of the land in which they are built,
while still offering the dwelling added features like private yards, garages, and interior amenities
that would normally only be available in larger homes like fireplaces and basements. Townhomes
typically have multiple floors and share a common wall with one or more neighbors. Some
townhomes may have a front yard or backyard, or a rooftop deck.
5. Luxury Hi-Rise
This type of ultra-modern building is typically designed to stand at least twenty stories high and
tend to offer its residence additional services that include on-site staff and concierge services as
well as other on-site amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and valet services.
6. Apartment complex: A community of apartment buildings owned by a single entity. It may have
community amenities shared by tenants.
7. Five over one: A midrise apartment building with special facilities on the ground floor.
8. Mixed use: An apartment building with commercial space on the lower floors.
9. Walk up: A low-rise building that lacks an elevator. A walk-up apartment is an apartment
located in a building accessible by stairs only. Buildings with this type of apartment are usually
smaller and have fewer tenants.
10. Railroad apartment: These are found in smaller and older buildings and are named for their
straight floor plan. There are usually three or four rooms that are all connected without a hallway,
forming a long and thin rectangle. Bedrooms can be on either side or in the center.
3. BUILDING FORMS
Apartment development occurs in a variety of arrangements, configurations and types.
Apartments can occupy different sized lots from large redevelopment areas to small infill sites, can
consist of a mix of building types or uses and be situated in suburban, transitional or inner city
locations.
ASTU Page 7
Building types can be adapted to fit specific urban contexts. A particular site configuration may
be suited to accommodate a mix of types or uses. In larger developments multiple building types
may apply and provide more housing choice and design variety. The apartment building types in
this section include:
Narrow Infill Apartments
Row Apartments
Shop Top Apartments
Courtyard Apartments
Perimeter Block Apartments
Tower Apartments
Hybrid Developments.
3.1 NARROW INFILL APARTMENTS

Typically, two to three storeys walk-up apartments (stairs only) or buildings with three to five
levels and a lift. They are a response to the dimension of traditional residential lot sizes in
suburban areas, which are narrow and deep, and are often surrounded by a combination of
detached houses and flat buildings from previous eras. Privacy impacts alongside and rear
boundaries to neighboring properties need to be carefully managed as achieving minimum
building separation can be a challenge.
This building type is best used when:
 a narrow lot width or frontage results in a building envelope oriented perpendicular to the
street frontage
 Amalgamation opportunities of properties in the area are constrained.
ASTU Page 8
3.2 ROW APARTMENTS

Generally, well suited to both urban and suburban contexts. They are characterized by a limited
number of units arranged around an access core and can be single buildings or a series of building
modules.
This building type is best used when:
 smaller building footprints are desirable

 live and work apartments or commercial/retail uses are encouraged at the ground floor
level
 continuation of the street edge is desirable
 a vertical rhythm reinforcing existing subdivision or building patterns is desirable
 rear landscape areas are desired including keeping existing significant trees
 built form needs to step down the street to respond to a slope.
3.4 COURTYARD APARTMENTS

Provide a centralized open space area, generally range between three and six storeys in height
and are suitable in both urban and suburban settings. Their configuration depends on the context
and site orientation. Courtyard apartments are a highly adaptable building type and are best used
when:
 located on corner sites or sites with two or more public frontages

 located on sloping sites
 a landscaped street character is desired (by orienting the courtyard to the street)
 an urban character to the street is desired (by creating a street wall edge and orienting
the courtyard to the rear)
 there is a predominant aspect or outlook.
ASTU Page 9
TYPES OF COURTYARD APARTMENT
3.4 PERIMETER BLOCK APARTMENTS

Suited to urban areas and are often integrated into street blocks. This building type is a key
component of most European cities and its compact form achieves comparably high urban
densities. Typically, perimeter block apartments have elongated plans and apartments are
generally arranged along a corridor, with a single or multiple cores depending on the building
length. They range from four to nine storeys and are best used when:
 an increase in residential density is desired

 a clear definition and continuous street wall edge is desired
 active frontages with commercial and/or retail uses are encouraged at lower levels
(see shop top apartment building type)
 towers and tall buildings are not desired.
ASTU Page 10
3.5 HYBRID DEVELOPMENTS

Combine different uses or building types in one development. They can incorporate community
facilities and larger commercial or retail components, such as offices or a supermarket. Hybrid
developments are particularly relevant for larger sites that need to respond to a change in
building form and scale within the adjacent context.
This approach is best used when:
 located on large and/or irregular shaped sites

 a combination of uses is desired to support active urban areas or centers
 greater diversity of apartment types is desired
 a development needs to address two or more streets with different scales and/or
characters.
3.6 TOWER APARTMENTS

Towers are suited to central business districts, major centers and urban renewal areas. This
building type can be freestanding or combined with block developments (podiums). The location
and siting needs to reflect environmental considerations such as wind, overshadowing and visual
ASTU Page 11
impacts on surrounding properties and the public domain. Tower apartments are typically more
than nine storeys and best used when:
 located in dense urban areas

 other towers exist in the surrounding context
 an area requires greater density than can be delivered by perimeter block buildings
 a strong vertical form or landmark is desired.
The tower may have a base of two or more floors which can be arranged as a podium. The roof of
the podium can be landscape and used as open space for the apartment residents.
3.7 SHOP TOP APARTMENTS

Shop top apartments are best suited to main streets and centers that require active retail or
commercial frontages Shop top apartments are mixed use residential buildings often located in
established centers, along main streets or close to public transport hubs. They can be small infill
or larger developments where the ground floor is occupied by retail or commercial uses. Shop top
apartments typically range between two and six storeys and are best used when:
 increased residential uses are desired in established retail and commercial areas
 the context is a traditional main street
 zero setbacks to side boundary walls are possible or desired
 active frontages such as retail tenancies are desired at street level
 pedestrian activity on the street is desired
 rear lane access is available.
ASTU Page 12
4. SITE SELECTION
Site selection is the process of examining multiple options and assessing their relative
advantages and disadvantages. Site selection comes after the needs assessment is completed. If
you select a site before the needs assessment, you may compromise on key design aspects due to
site limitations.
Site search and selection is a major element of the process of creating a supportive housing project
in which units of housing are being developed. Prior to initiating a site search, it is important to
first develop the project concept, including defining the site and configuration requirements for
the proposed supportive housing project.
SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Location
As with all real estate decisions, location is critical in identifying an appropriate site for a supportive
housing development, and each of the following factors must be evaluated:
 Public transportation
 Employment opportunities
 Neighborhood amenities
 Community-based services
 Day care
 Public schools and related programs
 Security
 Is the site located in the community?
 Is the site accessible to target? Can the site serve as a community hub?
 Is the site accessible by public transportation and convenient for users?
 Are nearby traffic levels acceptable?
 Is the site visible to passersby on foot or in vehicles?
 Are adjacent businesses appropriate?
ASTU Page 13
 Is there a history of crime or vandalism in the area?
 Is the area suitable for evening events?
2. Site/Land
 Is there access to utilities (e.g., electricity, sewer, water, gas, and phone)?
 Will the site require heavy maintenance (e.g., topography, drainage, retaining walls,
or geotechnical issues)?
 Is the proposed use for the project permitted by zoning? (For example, can you
build the type of
 project you want on the site?)
 Is there adequate space for parking?
 Are the soil conditions conducive to the project’s structural needs?
 What is the condition of adjacent and nearby properties?
3. Legal and Timing Issues
 Is the property or site vacant and available immediately?
 Is the seller motivated to sell within your timeframe?
 Is sufficient financing available to complete the transaction within the required
timeframe?
 Are there zoning restrictions? Will there be a need for zoning variances or lengthy
hearings?
 Required setbacks? Legal easements or rights-of-way across the property? Prior
title issues?
 Are you permitted to display signage on the site?
 Will building permits be available within the required timeframe?
 Are there any political issues that would block approval of the site? Are the
neighbors likely to be supportive?
4. Scale
The scale or size of the proposed project should relate to the level of need for the housing
identified, as well as to the capacity of the organization to develop and/or manage the
property. Scale also should be “contextual,” meaning the project should be consistent with the
height and density of the surrounding buildings. Determining the number of units also could
be based on the degree of community support for the project. The project architect can help
determine the maximum allowable development area (based on zoning and floor area ratios),
as well as the appropriate scale for the identified neighborhood.
5. Housing Type
The type of housing to be built is a key siting criterion, and different approaches may lend
themselves best to different neighborhood locations. For instance, a development model of
scattered-site, one- and two-family houses may work best in a low-density neighborhood, whereas
larger projects using multi-unit buildings or commercial hotels are generally only available in
urban locations.
6. The construction approach

New construction versus rehabilitation also will help guide the site search. Funding sources
sometimes dictate this choice, which may be restricted to one approach. Construction costs are
ASTU Page 14
another important consideration, with rehabilitation costs generally lower than new construction
(unless unusual building conditions are present or historic preservation standards are required).
New construction opportunities will be limited to neighborhoods that have available (and
affordable) vacant land or substandard buildings that can be demolished, and any demolition
costs effectively increase the acquisition costs.
7. Acquisition or Lease Costs
The cost of acquiring or leasing a development site may be the overriding consideration for
selecting a property. Many public funding programs have a maximum acquisition or lease cost
(total or per unit caps) that must be considered during the site search. The allowable costs will
often limit the search to those communities that have lower real estate prices. Most public
funders, and all private lenders, will likely require that the purchase price not exceed the
appraised value of the property.
 Is a recent appraisal available?

 Is the purchase price (or lease rate) reasonable and comparable to similar sites of
similar age and quality?
 Are the preliminary costs for improvements reasonable? Has your architect or
project manager
 confirmed the costs?
8. Zoning Considerations
Zoning also must be carefully considered in making site selection decisions, since local zoning
regulations can frustrate efforts to gain local approval. The project architect can analyze local
zoning restrictions to help guide the site search. Using zoning maps, it is possible to identify areas
in which to develop a proposed project “as-of-right” that is, without a zoning variance.
9. Community Acceptance
The potential for community opposition to a proposed development should be considered as

the site search is being conducted. Depending upon the assessment of community and political
support in a given neighborhood, as well as the strength of relationships with local leaders and
organizational capacity, this issue may be addressed once a site that meets the project’s needs and
criteria has been identified. In planning for the siting of new projects, there are significant issues
that can create community acceptance problems that should be considered when identifying
potential neighborhoods/blocks for development, including:
 Outsider Organization – Non-profit sponsors that select sites in neighborhoods in which

they do not operate housing or programs may be identified as outsider organizations.
ASTU Page 15
 Fair Share/Saturation — In some circumstances, community members may claim that their
neighborhood is being asked to accept more than its “fair share. They may feel “saturated”
with similar projects and are becoming “impacted” communities.
 Scale/Impact — The scale of a supportive housing project can have an undue impact on a
neighborhood, and this impact needs to be considered in siting new projects.
 Contextual Design — Related to scale/impact, the design of supportive housing projects
should be sensitive to the neighborhood context. Largely an architectural issue, designs
should respect the scale, historic quality, setback/street line and architectural styles in the
immediate area.
 Available Neighborhood Services — Projects should be sited in neighborhoods that have
access to the required supportive services for the project’s target population that will not
be available on-site.
 Private Open Space — While not a requirement for siting supportive housing, the ability to
provide private open space for the exclusive use of tenants can help ease the introduction
of new projects, and it is also a nice amenity for tenants.
 Zoning — As noted in earlier in this section, zoning can be a key factor in successfully siting
new projects. Some of the key aspects of a zoning analysis include evaluating parking
requirements, and height and density restrictions for the proposed site.
5. DESIGN STANDARDS
5.1.APARTMENT FLOOR AREA
Accordingly, the updated minimum studio apartment floor area standard is now approximately
half that of the current minimum two-bedroom apartment floor area standard. It is also of note
that the unchanged minimum one-bedroom apartment standard is already half that of the current
three-bedroom apartment:
Minimum Apartment Floor Areas:
 Studio apartment (1 person) 37 sq.m
 1-bedroom apartment (2 persons) 45 sq.m
5.2.FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT
Floor-to-ceiling height affects the internal amenities of apartments, in terms of sunlight /

daylight, storage space, and ventilation. This is most significant at ground level, where the
potential for overshadowing is greatest. Ground level floor to ceiling height will also influence the
future adaptability of individual apartments for potential alternative uses, which will vary
depending on location.
ASTU Page 16
 Ground level apartment floor to ceiling heights shall be a minimum of 2.7m and shall be
increased in certain circumstances, particularly where necessary to facilitate a future
change of use to a commercial use. For building refurbishment schemes on sites of any size
or urban infill schemes on sites of up to 0.25ha, planning authorities may exercise
discretion on a case-by-case basis, subject to overall design quality.
5.3.LIFT AND STAIR CORES
The number of lift and stair cores is principally governed by the dual aspect ratios specified in
these guidelines; balancing the financial cost of providing and maintaining lift and stair cores with
appropriate building circulation and compliance with building regulations, particularly in relation
to fire safety.
 A maximum of 12 apartments per floor per core may be provided in apartment schemes.
This maximum provision may be increased for building refurbishment schemes on sites of
any size or urban infill schemes on sites of up to 0.25ha, subject to overall design quality
and compliance with building regulations.
 Stairs
- The rise and run of stairs which exist in the building shall be uniform; the maximum
allowable variation is 0.95 cm.
- The width of stairs which exist in the building shall not be less than 0.6 m.
- The headroom for stairs which exist in the building shall not be less than 1.95 m. Where
this headroom cannot be achieved, the minimum headroom shall be 1.83 m. Occupancy will
not be
- Approved where the headroom is less than 1.83 m.
5.4.PRIVATE AMENITY SPACE
It is a policy requirement that private amenity space shall be provided in the form of gardens or
patios/terraces for ground floor apartments and balconies at upper levels. Where provided at
ground level, private amenity space shall incorporate boundary treatment appropriate to ensure
privacy and security. Private amenity space should be located to optimize solar orientation and
designed to minimize overshadowing and overlooking.
 A minimum depth of 1.5 meters is required for balconies, in one useable length to meet the
minimum floor area requirement under these guidelines. While deeper balconies might be
desirable in certain cases, this has to be balanced against the need to avoid overshadowing.
It is preferable that balconies would be primarily accessed from living rooms, although
larger apartments may include wrap around and/or secondary balconies, which should
also include a screened clothes drying space.
5.5.SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
ASTU Page 17
Apartment design should provide occupants and their visitors with a sense of safety and security,
by maximizing natural surveillance of streets, open spaces, play areas and any surface bicycle or
car parking. Accordingly, blocks and buildings should overlook the public realm. Entrance points
should be clearly indicated, well lit, and overlooked by adjoining dwellings. Particular attention
should be given to the security of ground floor apartments and access to internal and external
communal areas.
5.6.PARKING AND STORAGE
• Location – storage facilities should be directly accessible from the public road or from a shared private
area that gives direct access to the public road avoiding unnecessarily long access routes with poor passive
security or, slopes that can become hazardous in winter weather.
• Quantity – a general minimum standard of 1 e storage space per bedroom shall be applied. For studio
units, at least 1 cycle storage space shall be provided. Visitor parking shall also be provided at a standard of
1 space per 2 residential units. Any deviation from these standards shall be at the discretion of the planning
authority and shall be justified with respect to factors such as location, quality of facilities proposed,
flexibility for future enhancement/enlargement, etc.
• Design – storage facilities shall be provided in a dedicated facility of permanent construction, preferably
within the building footprint or, where not feasible, within an adjacent or adjoining purpose built structure
of permanent construction. parking areas shall also be designed so that owner feel personally safe.
• Management - an acceptable quality of storage requires a management plan that ensures the effective
operation and maintenance of parking, in particular, avoiding arrangements that lead to a significant
number of lockers being left locked whilst empty for instance. Parking shall be the subject of a funded
maintenance regime that ensures that facilities are kept clean, free of graffiti, well-lit and the parking
equipment will be properly maintained. It is essential, therefore, that as far as possible parking is low
maintenance, easy to use and easy and attractive to use by residents.
5.7.CHILDREN’S PLAY
The recreational needs of children must be considered as part of communal amenity space within
apartment schemes. As far as possible, their safety needs to be taken into consideration and
protected throughout the entire site, particularly in terms of safe access to larger communal play
spaces. Children’s play needs around the apartment building should be catered for:
 within the private open space associated with individual apartments

 within small play spaces (about 85 – 100 sq. meters) for the specific needs of toddlers and
children up to the age of six, with suitable play equipment, seating for parents/guardians,
and within sight of the apartment building, in a scheme that includes 25 or more units with
two or more bedrooms; and
 within play areas (200–400 sq. meters) for older children and young teenagers, in a
scheme that includes 100 or more apartments with two or more bedrooms.
ASTU Page 18
5.8.DUAL ASPECT RATIOS
The amount of sunlight reaching an apartment significantly affects the amenity of the occupants.
Dual-aspect apartments, as well as maximizing the availability of sunlight, also provide for cross
ventilation and should be provided where possible.
In relation to the minimum number of dual aspect apartments that may be provided in any
single apartment scheme, the following shall apply:
 A minimum of 33% of dual aspect units will be required in more central and accessible
urban locations, where it is necessary to achieve a quality design in response to the subject
site characteristics and ensure good street frontage where appropriate.
 In suburban or intermediate locations, it is an objective that there shall generally be a
minimum of 50% dual aspect apartments in a single scheme.
 For building refurbishment schemes on sites of any size or urban infill schemes on sites of
up to 0.25ha, planning authorities may exercise further discretion to consider dual aspect
unit provision at a level lower than the 33% minimum outlined above on a case-by-case
basis, but subject to the achievement of overall high design quality in other aspects.
5.9.REFUSE STORAGE
Provision shall be made for the storage and collection of waste materials in apartment schemes.
Refuse facilities shall be accessible to each apartment stair/lift core and designed with regard to
the projected level of waste generation and types and quantities of receptacles required. Within
apartments, there should be adequate provision for the temporary storage of segregated materials
prior to deposition in communal waste storage and in-sink macerators are discouraged as they
place a burden on drainage systems.
 The following general design considerations should be taken into account in the
provision of refuse storage facilities:
 Sufficient communal storage area to satisfy the three-bin system for the collection of
mixed dry recyclables, organic waste and residual waste;
 In larger apartment schemes, consideration should also be given to the provision of
separate collection facilities for other recyclables such as glass and plastics;
 Waste storage areas must be adequately ventilated so as to minimize odors and
potential nuisance from vermin/flies and taking account the avoidance of nuisance
for habitable rooms nearby;
 Provision in the layout for sufficient access for waste collectors, proximity of, or
ease of access to, waste storage areas from individual apartments, including access
by disabled people;
 Waste storage areas should not present any safety risks to users and should be well-
lit;
 Waste storage areas should not be on the public street, and should not be visible to
or accessible by the general public. Appropriate visual screening should be
provided, particularly in the vicinity of apartment buildings;
 Waste storage areas in basement car parks should be avoided where possible, but
where provided, must ensure adequate maneuvering space for collection vehicles;
 The capacity for washing down waste storage areas, with wastewater discharging to
the sewer.
ASTU Page 19
5.10. PROTECTION AND SAFETY
Fire Separations:
 Public corridors and interior exit stairs shall be separated from the
remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating
of not less than 30 minutes.
 Doors and door frames from shared exits or a public corridor into each
apartment shall have a 20 minute fire protection rating and be equipped with
a latch and closer. A 45 mm thick solid core door with 38 mm solid wood
casings is acceptable.
 Each apartment shall be separated from adjoining apartments (vertically and
horizontally) by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 30 minutes.
Flame-Spread Ratings:
 The interior wall and ceiling finishes of public corridors and exits shall have a
flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
Emergency:
 Lights are required in exit stairwells and public corridors.
As a minimum, the Fire Emergency an Apartment should contain the following:

 Location of manual pull fire alarms.
 Location of portable fire extinguishers.
 Location of smoke/CO alarms.
 Exit routes from each apartment using the stairs, not elevators.
 Location of outside assembly area for building occupants.
 Instructions for those tenants unable to
Fire Alarm System: is required except where each apartment has its own separate exit.
Required Exits:
 Each apartment shall have
- two separate means of egress to two exits, or
- a door onto a public corridor which has two separate exits, or
- its own independent exit.
Escape Routes:
 All escape routes should be unobstructed and immediately available for use
at all times;
 All signs on escape routes should be clearly visible and adequately
illuminated;
 Escape routes should not be used for storage;
 Upholstered furniture should not be provided in corridors or within stairway
enclosures;
 All doors on escape routes should be capable of being readily and easily
opened at all times;
ASTU Page 20
 Curtains, drapes or hangings should not be placed across or along an escape
route in a manner which would impede or obstruct escape;
 Floor coverings, rugs and mats should not present a slip or trip hazard in the
escape routes;
 Fire doors on escape routes should be kept closed unless they are fitted with
automatic hold-open devices
 External areas at or near exits should be kept clear, so as to allow the
unimpeded escape of persons in the building, in the event of an outbreak of
fire, to a place of safety.
5.11. WASTE MANAGEMNT
5.11.1. Communal Bin Store

Communal bin stores are very widely used. Residents are responsible for transferring recycling
and waste from home to a communal bin store located at podium level or within a basement level
area. Where the bin store is located more than 10m from an adopted highway, site caretaking staff
bins to collection point. Number and size of bins to be provided
 Bin store to be sited in a convenient location to allow for residents to easily access
on the way in and out of the building as part of normal day to day activity (i.e. avoid
locating where residents have to make a special trip where possible).
 Siting to consider mitigation of noise and odor issues for residents.
 Appropriate extractive ventilation to be installed to manage odor issues.
 Bin store area to be kept clear and clean to minimize misuse and dumping of
unsorted waste.
5.11.2. Gravity Chute System

Gravity chutes are intended to make it easier for residents to dispose of waste and recycling.
Residents are responsible for depositing residual/DMR/food waste into a chute system via a
hopper in a hall-way on the same level as their residence. Unlike traditional refuse-only chute
systems, modern systems can be designed to support three-stream segregation. Waste is collected
and stored at the base of the chute either at podium level or basement level within wheeled bins.
Bulk bin storage areas are not typically accessible to residents. Facilities managers are responsible
for monitoring and managing waste, including switching wheeled bins over when full. Bin are
moved by facilities management staff to collection point.
Development Requirements:
• A one chute system with separation units at the base of the chute is preferred to
minimize impact on void space required to accommodate the chute system.
ASTU Page 21
However, a multi-chute system may be considered where there is strong
justiﬁcation to do so.
• The chute system must accommodate three-stream segregation at the base of the
chute. Waste deposited in chute system will exit into appropriate bulk bins beneath
chute opening (controlled by resident waste type selection at access point).
• Clear and easy to understand signage and color-coding should be used to indicate
how to deposit different waste streams.
• Consideration must be given to system design to minimize deposit of waste around
chutes hoppers.
• Design should minimize risk of blockages and have system for identifying and
clearing blockages quickly and efﬁciently. Trained facilities management staff will
need to be available to clear blocked hoppers promptly.
• Consideration in system design to reduce risk of glass breakage within DMR and
subsequent issues with mechanical sorting of DMR and health and safety risks.
• Appropriate extractive ventilation to be installed to manage odor issues within the
chute and storage area.
• Chute design should comply with Standard.
• Chutes should be equipped with shutters to avoid risk of injury to caretaking staff
when replacing bins at bottom of chute.
• Chutes should fall vertically without slopes or bends, with bin stores directly
beneath each chute.
5.11.3. Public Realm Deposit Points

Residents are responsible for transferring recycling and waste to deposit points located within
the public realm. These can be linked to a number of back end solutions such as underground
waste collection systems or to an automated waste collection system e.g. vacuum system.
ASTU Page 22
5.11.4. Central Chutes

In the rapidly growing and highly competitive world of today; high-rise buildings, large
apartments serving commercial and residential, and construction buildings have become
hallmarks of urban development. This development usually comes with a significantly increased
challenge in removing
solid waste, refuse or garbage from high-rise buildings with multiple levels. Central Chutes have
therefore been developed as effective solutions to the problems of garbage collection and disposal
for multiple-leveled high-rise buildings for residential and commercial apartments, with the in-
built advantages of convenience, efficiency, safety and hygiene.
Selection of Central Chutes Size
A weighty decision to make when deciding the best trash chute for residential and commercial
high-rise building is the garbage chute size diameter. The garbage bag size used depends on the
amount of garbage generated. As a convention; the size of the intake Hopper is selected based on
the garbage bag size employed for garbage collection and disposal in the high-rise buildings. The
diameter of the garbage trash chute is therefore selected based on the size of the intake Hopper.
Below are lists of the standard Central Chutes size diameter based on the intake Hopper size and
the type of high-rise building it would be used in.
ASTU Page 23
Garbage Room
 The garbage room for the Central Chutes should be air-tight and non-ventilated
without windows or louvers. Floor tiles and wall tiles with a minimum height of
1.8 m should be provided for the garbage room of the Central Chutes.
 The floor of the garbage room should be sloped towards a gully trap attached to
a basement sump or drainage system.
 In the process of wiring the garbage room for the Garbage Chutes; 6 Amp. MCB,
earth, neutral cables should be provided.
 An outside opening flush door (40mm) with a minimum width of 1m should be
provided for the garbage room.
 The chute duct slabs in the garbage rooms should be closed only after the
installation of the Central Chutes.
 The garbage room that should be provided in a high-rise building for the
installation of a standard Central Chutes should be:
 1.5W×1.5L×2.4H,
 while the garbage room size for Garbage Chute that segregates ‘wet’
garbage from ‘dry’ should be 2.0W×1.5L×2.4H.
5.12. BUILDING ORIENTATION

For the purposes of the guidelines north facing units are units that face predominantly* north,
north-west or north-east and fall within a 45-degree angle of 0° (i.e. due north) as illustrated
by the shaded area.
ASTU Page 24
6. CIRCULATION
It refers to the way people, the blood of our buildings, move through space. In particular,
circulation routes are the pathways people take through and around buildings or urban places.
Circulation is often thought of as the 'space between the spaces', having a connective function, but
it can be much more than that. It is the concept that captures the experience of moving our bodies
around a building, three-dimensionally and through time.
The size of circulation spaces may be determined by factors such as; the type of use, the
numbers of people using them, the direction of travel, crossing flows and so on. Some circulation
spaces may have very specific uses, such as for the movement of goods, or
for evacuation.
Different types of circulation, which overlay with one another and the overall planning. The type
and extent of these divisions will be project dependent, but might include:
direction of movement: horizontal or vertical;

type of use: public or private, front of house or back of house;
frequency of use: common or emergency; and
time of use: morning, day, evening, continuous.
DIRECTION
Horizontal circulation might include hallways, atria, paths, entries and exits. It is also affected by
the furniture layout, or other objects in the space such as columns, trees, or topographic changes.
It is critically linked to the flow, function and feeling of the space.
Vertical circulation is how people move up and down within the building, so includes things like
stairs, lifts, ramps, ladders and escalators which allow us to move from one level to another.
USE
Public circulation is the areas of the building which are most widely and easily accessible. In this
guise, circulation is often overlapped with other functions, such as a lobby, atrium, or gallery, and
is enhanced to a high level of architectural quality. Issues of visibility, how crowds move, and clear
escape paths are key.
Private circulation accounts for the more intimate movements within the building, or the uglier
ones which require a degree of privacy. In a house this might be the back door, in a large building
the back of house, staff offices or storage zones.
DESIGNING CIRCULATION
There are two rules of thumb when it comes to designing circulation. The key circulation
pathways should:
be clear and unobstructed;
ASTU Page 25
Follow the shortest distance between two points.
The reason for these two rules of thumb is fairly obvious: people want to be able to move around a
building with ease and efficiency, and without feeling or being lost.
7. APARTMENT AMENITIES
Increase resident retention and satisfaction, while also making your property more appealing to
prospective residents. The goal of any amenity is to provide something useful to your residents.
Apartment amenities add plenty of convenience for residents.
1. GREEN SPACE
Green space is the perfect high-end amenity for city-dwelling residents. A beautifully landscaped
and comfortable area with lots of green can help residents find peace after a busy day. A green
space is a perfect place for residents to host friends and breathe in some fresh air after spending
the day indoors at work.
2. ROOFTOP DECK
The rooftop deck is iconic when it comes to high-end apartment amenities and is a huge perk
for residents. Not only does it have the potential for gorgeous views and can double as an amazing
event space, but it is also a place where residents will want to show off when friends come to visit.
The rooftop can be home to a pool, lounge chairs, a fire pit, and plenty of comfortable seating. A
place to soak in the sunshine and get a great view of their city.
3. LAP POOL AND LOUNGING POOL
Having both of these high-end apartment amenities can be a big win for any property. On one
hand, a lap pool is great for athletes or those who just want to stay in shape without hitting the
treadmill. On the other hand, lounge pools are a valuable amenity for families and those who want
to get a tan by the water without having to leave their building.
4. SPORTING FACILITIES
A casual game of pick-up basketball or tennis is a great way for residents to build community.
Whether they invite their friends over or plan a game with their neighbors, residents will have
access to sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts. Ultimately, this high-end apartment
amenity is worth it because it brings multiple benefits — an outlet for fitness, community building,
and competition all in one place!
5. COMMUNITY GARDEN
Give residents the opportunity to build friendships, grow their own food. Connecting to nature
by gardening can be incredibly beneficial for individuals, especially urban dwellers.
ASTU Page 26
There are other amenities such like Air conditioning, Washer and dryer connections, Balcony,
Garages, Swimming pool, Laundry Facility, Covered Parking, Gated Access and Access to public
transportation.
8. DISABILITY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

What is a Barrier-Free Environment?
A barrier-free environment is a space that allows for free and safe movement, function and access
for all, regardless of age, sex or condition. A space or a set of services that can be accessed by all,
without obstacles, with dignity and with as much independence as possible. The environment
means buildings, roads, parks, gardens and other places, services, modes of transportation,
products of daily use, etc.
On the face of it, it is only persons with disabilities for whom barriers become major obstacles.
However, it is necessary to realize that every person, at some stage of life, faces barriers. A small
child, an elderly or infirm person, a pregnant lady, the temporarily disabled, all are vulnerable to
barriers. Therefore, to list out people affected by barriers -
- Wheelchair users
- People with limited walking/movement abilities
- People with visual impairment or low vision
- People with hearing impairment
- Elderly and infirm persons
- Pregnant ladies
- Children
- People with temporary disabilities
Architectural Design Considerations

Requirements of vertical and horizontal access. It is subdivided into following:
- Ramps
- Elevators/Lifts
- Stairs
1. RAMPS
To provide access to buildings and between different floor levels. An exterior location is
preferred for ramps to provide wheelchair access to different floors. Indoor ramps are not
recommended because they take up a great deal of space. Ideally, the entrance to a ramp should be
immediately adjacent to the stairs.
Ramp configuration: Ramps can have one of the following configurations:
a. Straight run
b. 90 turn
c. Switch back or 180 turn
Width: Width varies according to use, configuration and slope.
The minimum width should be 0.90 m.
Slope: The maximum recommended slope of ramps is 1:20. Steeper slopes may be allowed in
special cases depending on the length to be covered.
ASTU Page 27
Landings: Ramps should be provided with landings for resting, maneuvering and avoiding
excessive speed. Landings should be provided every 10.00 m, at every change of direction
and at the top and bottom of every ramp. The landing should have a minimum length of 1.20 m
and a minimum width equal to that of the ramp.
Handrails:
- Handrails should be mounted at a height between 0.80 m and 1m.
- Handrails should extend a minimum distance of 0.30 m beyond the top and bottom of the
ramp
- To guide sightless people using a long cane on ramps, an extra rail should be mounted at a
height between 0.10 m and 0.15m.
- Continuous handrails should be provided on both sides of stairs and ramps (except for
doorways) and around landings
- For ramps more than 3.00 m wide, an intermediate handrail could be installed
- The distance between handrails when both sides are used for gripping should be between
0.90m and 1.40 m.
Surface: The ramp surface should be hard and non-slip. Carpets should be avoided.
Tactile marking: A colored textural indication at the top and bottom of the ramp should be
placed to alert sightless people as to the location of the ramp. The marking strip width should not
be less than 0.60 m.
Adequate drainage: should be provided to avoid accumulation of water.
Obstacles: The same clearance considerations that apply to pathways apply to ramps.
Mechanical Ramps: Mechanical ramps can be used in large public buildings but are not
recommended for use by persons with physical impairments. If the ramp is to be used by a
wheelchair-confined person, the slope should not exceed 1:12. The maximum width should be
1.00 m to avoid slipping.
2. ELEVATORS
To provide well-dimensioned elevators, that disabled people can use conveniently. The
accessible elevator should serve all floors normally reached by the public. Key-operated elevators
should be used only in private facilities or when an elevator operator is present. Wide elevator
cabs are preferable to long ones.
Elevator cab: The minimum internal elevator dimensions, allowing for one wheelchair passenger
alone, are 1.00 m x 1.30 m. The door opening should not be less than 0.80 m. The inside of the
ASTU Page 28
elevator should have a handrail on three sides mounted 0.80 to 0.85 m from the floor. The
maximum tolerance for stop precision should be 20 mm.
Control panel: The control panel can be mounted at alternative locations but it is recommended to
respect a distance of 0,50 m from the corner with regard to the accessibility for wheelchair users.
For ease of reach, the control panel should be mounted 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor. Their
diameter should be no smaller than 20 mm. The numerals on the floor
selector buttons should be embossed so as to be easily identifiable by touch.
Audiovisual signals: The elevator should signal arrival at each floor by means of a bell and a light to
alert sightless and hearing-impaired passengers simultaneously.
Floor surface: The floor of the elevator and the area in front of the elevator on each floor should
have a nonskid resilient surface or a low-pile fixed carpet.
Color: The color of the elevator door should contrast with the surrounding surface so as to be
easily distinguishable by persons with visual impairments.
3. STAIRS
To provide safe and well dimensioned staircases for the comfort of all people, especially those
with mobility problems. Differences in level should be illuminated or minimized as much as
possible for the comfort of disabled people.
A complementary ramped route, elevator or lift should be provided where there are steps in an
otherwise accessible path. All steps should be uniform. Circular stairs and stepped landings should
be avoided. Open risers are not recommended.
Width: The minimum width of a stairway should be 0.90 m for one-way traffic and 1.50 m for two-
way traffic. For indoor stairs, the riser should be between 0.12 m and 0.18 m, and the tread
ASTU Page 29
between 0.28 m and 0.35 m. For outdoor stairs, the maximum riser should be 0.15 m and the
minimum tread should be 0.30 m.
Landing: An intermediate landing should be provided when the stairs cover a difference in level of
more than 2.50 m. The length of the landing should be at least 1.20 m extending along the full
width of the stairs.
Nosing: Sharp edges and overhanging nosing should not be used for treads. Nosing should be flush
or rounded and should not be projected more than 40 mm.
Handrails: Handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairs and around the landing for
gripping. For stairs more than 3.00 m wide, one or more intermediate handrails could be
provided. The distance between the handrails when both sides are used for gripping should be
between 0.90 m and 1.40 m. Handrails must extend a distance between 0.30 m and 0.45 m at the
top and bottom of the stairs.
Tactile marking: A textural marking strip should be placed at the top and bottom of the stairs and
at intermediate landings to alert sightless people as to the location of the stairs. The tactile
marking strip should be at least 0.60 m wide and should extend over the full width of the stairs. To
guide users with poor vision, the color of the strip should contrast with the surrounding surface.
Surface: Landings, treads and nosing should be slip-resistant and free of projections. Exterior
stairs should be pitched forward at 10 mm per meter to drain surface water. Slip-resistant stair
nosing should be used to fix carpets on stairs.
4. OTHERS
Entryways and Hallways

ASTU Page 30
Hallways should be 4 feet wide, with well-secured carpet or non-slip flooring. . “Non-slip” flooring
includes hardwood, some ceramic tiles, and embossed sheet vinyl.
Light Switches
Light switches are lower to be accessible from a wheelchair. Power outlets will also be adjusted at
different levels, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Light switches must be at an accessible
height.
Bathrooms
At least one bathroom should be located on the main floor. The bathroom door must be no less
than 34 inches wide and open outward, which prevents the door from taking up precious
bathroom space. There should be enough open space along one side of the toilet and the bathtub
to improve maneuverability.
Kitchens
Kitchens shaped like an “L” or “U” enhance accessibility. More important are continuous counters
set at the same height and level as the cooktop or stove. The corners of all counters should be
rounded for safety. The sink and cooktop should have knee space beneath them.
Living Rooms
The main living area should not have a door, but should have a wheelchair-navigable threshold.
That could be a subtle ramp, a threshold limited in height to about one-quarter inch, or no
threshold at all. There should be a light switch at the entrance to the room. All light switches be
accessible from a seated position.
Bedrooms
The room should be large enough to accommodate a bed plus 5 ft x 5 ft of space for
maneuverability. Lighting, adjustable shelves, and hanger rods in the closet also improve the
apartment bedroom’s accessibility for the disabled or elderly.
9. APARTMENT DESIGN PROBLEMS
1. Solar and daylight access

Solar and daylight access are important for apartment buildings, reducing the reliance on artificial
lighting and heating, improving energy efficiency and residential amenity through pleasant
conditions to live and work. Solar access is the ability of a building to receive direct sunlight
without the obstruction from other buildings or impediments, not including trees. Sunlight is
direct beam radiation from the sun.
Daylight consists of sunlight and diffuse light from the sky. Daylight changes with the time of day,
season and weather conditions.
ASTU Page 31
The hours of sunlight that can be expected in mid-winter are directly related to the orientation of the facade.
This diagram shows the optimal orientation for habitable rooms and balconies.
Shading devices on balconies should shade summer sun and allow winter sun access to living areas
2. Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation is the movement of sufficient volumes of fresh air through an apartment to
create a comfortable indoor environment. Sustainable design practice incorporates natural
ventilation by responding to the local climate and reduces the need for mechanical ventilation and
air conditioning. To achieve adequate natural ventilation, apartment design must address the
orientation of the building, the configuration of apartments and the external building envelope.
Natural cross ventilation is achieved by apartments having more than one aspect with direct
exposure to the prevailing winds, or windows located in significantly different pressure regions,
rather than relying on purely wind driven air. Apartment layout and building depth have a close
relationship with the ability of an apartment to be naturally ventilated. Generally, as the building
gets deeper, effective airflow reduces.
ASTU Page 32
Prevailing winds vary for different locations and depend on local conditions. For coastal areas,
cooling sea breezes in summer tend to come from a north-easterly direction
Effective cross ventilation is achieved when the inlet and outlet have approximately the same area,
allowing air to be drawn through the apartment using opposite air pressures on each side of the
building.
The floor plan above demonstrates

one approach for how five of a total of
eight apartments achieve natural
cross ventilation
3. Noise and pollution

Properties located near major roads, rail lines and beneath flight paths can be subject to noise
and poor air quality. Similarly, hostile and noisy environments such as industrial areas,
substations or sports stadiums can have impacts on residential amenity. Careful design solutions
can help to improve quality of life in affected apartments by minimizing potential noise and
pollution impacts.
Setting back the residential component above a podium helps shield apartments from major
noise. Balcony soffits can be treated with sound absorption to assist to mitigate noise
ASTU Page 33
Manage noise and pollution by providing non-residential uses at lower levels (vertical
separation), setting-back residential uses (horizontal separation) and orienting private open
space and windows that provide natural ventilation to habitable rooms
away from the busy road or rail corridor
4. Energy efficiency
Passive environmental and energy efficient design is about the ability of an apartment to
manage thermal performance (thermal comfort) and daylight access, providing increased amenity
to occupants and reducing energy costs.
5. Water management and conservation

Water sensitive urban design is the integrated management of water in urban areas. It takes into
account all of the elements of the urban water cycle including potable (drinking quality) water,
rainwater, wastewater, storm water and groundwater.
Best practice water management considers water measures at all stages of the project. This ranges
from initial site planning measures that maximize deep soil areas for water infiltration to detailed
building design that captures and recycles storm water and wastewater for building services.
 Streets and parks of larger developments should be designed to treat storm water runoff and accommodate flooding events
ASTU Page 34
 A bio retention garden improves water quality by using plants to treat roof and surface water runoff
Storm water quantities can be reduced and water quality increased by circulating rainwater
through
a connected water feature and wetland system
6. Waste management
The minimization and effective management of domestic waste from apartments contributes to
the visual and physical amenity of the building as well as limiting potentially harmful impacts on
the environment. Minimizing waste is relevant to all stages of the building’s life cycle and also
includes safe and convenient collection and storage of waste and recycling. Waste management
7. Building maintenance
Careful design and material selection can reduce the long term maintenance obligations of
apartment development. In addition, effective maintenance of the development ensures the
longevity of buildings, sustaining the value of the property and reducing the life-cycle cost to
owners.
10. INTERIOR ISSUES

It is important to do good research and develop a good concept in mind before you plan to
design a good interior. It is necessary to understand what kind of interior design you want
and how the style should look like and what all innovative ideas can be incorporated so that
the interior space looks more elegant.
Things one should keep in mind while designing a good interior space
1. Research and Make a Budget

It is important to consult with some of the leading interior designers so that they can
correctly direct you to choose a better option for your interior. It is very effective when we
ASTU Page 35
browse through magazines and websites so that we can get a clear idea about how interior
space is designed according to our needs and comfort. It is a must to plan your budget in an
effective way and decide how we can design a good interior in an economic manner.
2. Determine the Purpose of the Space

Every space has got a purpose in our home and it is necessary to design it in a simple and
elegant manner. The main thing that you need to focus on the priorities of each space. Take
for example Kitchen space, where there should be space for kitchen appliances and
necessary space for the furniture for the food preparation. The design of a living room varies
according to your preferences. While designing a good interior the main thing that we have
to keep in mind is that of the purpose of the space.
3. Give Importance for Free Space

It is important to have a free space that will make the room feel larger and more peaceful.
While designing an interior it is preferred to leave extra space. It is better preferred to leave
the area free as too many decorations can lead to a feeling of suffocation.
4. Avoid Furniture That’s too Big

It is important to furnish with furniture that suits the room, it is usually preferred to
measure and plan according to the size of the room. The recent trend that we can see today is
that people are trying to incorporate furniture that looks attractive with different shapes and
sizes.
5. Decide on the Color Themes

Planning color themes is another important aspect of designing a perfect look for your
interior space; we can see a trend where people choose the colors that go along with the
furniture color theme which gives an elegant look to the interior. It is preferred to have
bright colors in the living room and dining rooms as it is the space where people spend most
of their time. Bedroom colors are mainly soothing and relaxing colors that help in relaxing
the mind.
6. Lightning as an important element

A room that is gloomy and dull doesn’t give an inviting atmosphere to the people who
visit. The lighting system creates a difference in the room. When we choose the correct
lighting system in our room it brings life to the living space. It is mostly preferred to have a
soft and warm light that gives a pleasant feeling to the room.
ASTU Page 36
Conclusion
 Gained basic knowledge in the field of construction of apartments.
 Learned wise use of available resource.
 Learned about safety requirements for oneself and environment.
 Understanding of the existing acts and methods to improve the management of the buildings.
REFERENCE
 ERNST & PETER NEUFERT - ARCHITECTS DATA.pdf
 Mostly from other done researches on the internet: WWW.WIKIPIDIA.COM
 Other done literature reviews on a residential building pdf
 Time-saver standards for Architectural design data
ASTU Page 37

Architectural Design Edited

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Architectural Design Edited

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY.

NAME: BEIMNET ESKINDER

MARCH 18, 2022

APARTMENT BUILDING/Multiunit house/

2. TYPES OF APARTMENT BUILDING

2.1. BASED ON SIZE OF THE BUILDING

Generally, this type has an L partition in the living room. In other

The apartment is big enough where one could build a wall

One-room apartments, roughly less than 350 square feet.

2.2 BASED ON NUMBER OF FLOORS

2.3. BASED ON THE OWNERSHIP

Cooperative Apartment Building: A co-op is a type of apartment that makes up a collective

3. Live and Work Style Apartment

3.1 NARROW INFILL APARTMENTS

This building type is best used when:

3.2 ROW APARTMENTS

This building type is best used when:

 smaller building footprints are desirable

3.4 COURTYARD APARTMENTS

 located on corner sites or sites with two or more public frontages

TYPES OF COURTYARD APARTMENT

3.4 PERIMETER BLOCK APARTMENTS

 an increase in residential density is desired

3.5 HYBRID DEVELOPMENTS

This approach is best used when:

 located on large and/or irregular shaped sites

3.6 TOWER APARTMENTS

 located in dense urban areas

3.7 SHOP TOP APARTMENTS

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

6. The construction approach

7. Acquisition or Lease Costs

 Is a recent appraisal available?

The potential for community opposition to a proposed development should be considered as

 Outsider Organization – Non-profit sponsors that select sites in neighborhoods in which

5.2.FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT

Floor-to-ceiling height affects the internal amenities of apartments, in terms of sunlight /

5.3.LIFT AND STAIR CORES

5.4.PRIVATE AMENITY SPACE

5.6.PARKING AND STORAGE

 within the private open space associated with individual apartments

5.10. PROTECTION AND SAFETY

As a minimum, the Fire Emergency an Apartment should contain the following:

5.11. WASTE MANAGEMNT

5.11.1. Communal Bin Store

5.11.2. Gravity Chute System

5.11.3. Public Realm Deposit Points

5.11.4. Central Chutes

5.12. BUILDING ORIENTATION

direction of movement: horizontal or vertical;

3. LAP POOL AND LOUNGING POOL

8. DISABILITY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Architectural Design Considerations

Entryways and Hallways

9. APARTMENT DESIGN PROBLEMS

1. Solar and daylight access

The floor plan above demonstrates

3. Noise and pollution

5. Water management and conservation

10. INTERIOR ISSUES

1. Research and Make a Budget

2. Determine the Purpose of the Space

3. Give Importance for Free Space

4. Avoid Furniture That’s too Big