New designs added to NSW Pattern Book

The NSW government has announced the addition of the twelve additional low- and mid-rise designs to the NSW Pattern Book, which is due for release mid-2025. Aimed at families, builders and developers, the Pattern Book will provide a collection of pre-approved, architecturally designed patterns that can be fast-tracked through the planning process.

The newly announced, additional designs will accompany the five winning projects from the professional category of the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition, revealed in November last year.

Of this second wave, six designs for low-rise terraces, semi-detached dual occupancy dwellings and manor houses will be produced alongside six designs for mid-rise residential apartment buildings.

A recent post on a NSW Government Architect (GANSW) social media account noted that "the teams were selected through a competitive tender process, which invited firms registered under the Government Architect's Strategy and Design Prequalification Scheme, as well as firms well recognised and awarded for their design quality and approach."

"All selected architects are highly regarded, and have delivered award-winning residential designs that align with GANSW's vision for well-designed, sustainable housing. The selected architects bring a diverse range of design expertise, ensuring that the final housing patterns are both innovative and practical for a range of users," the post reads.

The additional low-rise designs will be produced by:

The additional mid-rise designs will be produced by:

Additionally, Hassell has been commissioned to develop landscape design guidance for the low-rise and mid-rise patterns, for both private and shared open spaces.

According to a release from Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, the second tranche of designs is intended "to make the delivery of homes in NSW faster, providing more homes for those who need them."

Housing choice and diversity are also key linchpins of the scheme. Scully commented, "As we see the average household change and evolve, we want to make sure there are homes to suit everyone, and this means more than just single dwellings and high-rise apartments."

The Minister noted that the NSW Government "want new homes to be built faster, but the Pattern Book will mean those homes are good quality, sustainable and cost-effective."