Design guide shapes future of Coast’s homes

Apartments and townhouses, which are increasing in popularity, are expected to play a greater role as our region looks to accommodate the rising numbers of those who chose to call the Sunshine Coast home.

Sunshine Coast Council has launched a new Design Guide for apartments and townhouses aimed at encouraging climate-responsive design that reflects the region’s unique character, ensuring that new developments enhance, rather than detract from, the local identity.

Produced by Council architects and urban designers in a collaborative approach with industry representatives and design professionals, this new guide follows on from the award winning the Sunshine Coast Design book. Sunshine Coast Design seeks to strengthen and enhance all that residents and visitors love about the Sunshine Coast, ensuring our unique look and feel is maintained in the future.

The new guide includes tips and photos to support the design process with consideration of:

• site location, orientation and surrounding environment
• orientation to maximise sunlight and breeze and merge indoor-outdoor spaces
• maximising natural light, greenery, landscape and trees
• enhancing street appeal
• using sustainable building materials
• creating useable and welcoming communal areas
• designing for accessibility and inclusion.

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the design guide demonstrated Council’s commitment to supporting and encouraging design quality in our built environment.

“Great design doesn’t happen by accident. It requires thoughtful collaboration.” Cr Burns said.

“Future housing, including apartments and townhouses, should be aesthetically pleasing, functional, promote an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and work with the climate, especially as we live with the increasing impacts of climate change.

“Our new guide is a valuable tool for anyone involved in medium-density residential development.

“This includes designers and architects, planners, developers, local government and investors.

“It even serves as an educational resource for buyers, renters and real estate agents, highlighting what makes an apartment or townhouse a great place to live.”

Cr Burns said Council was working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.

“As our population increases, it is crucial that all new housing benefits residents, the neighbourhood, the environment and the broader community.

“With an emphasis on creating homes that are functional and appealing and deeply connected to the Sunshine Coast’s environment and way of life, the Design Guide for apartments and townhouses is a step forward in safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Locals embrace apartment and townhouse living

Coolum local Ben Nelson is a resident in an architecturally designed townhouse complex and said he valued the community and connection offered in a multi-unit dwelling complex.

“Our complex fits perfectly with the local coastal character and I’m proud to live in a beautifully designed complex,” Mr Nelson said.

“These townhouses have been sustainably designed, capturing the sunlight and coastal breeze and truly embracing indoor-outdoor lifestyle for every season.

“Our complex has fostered a lovely sense of community – from shared barbecues to impromptu catch-ups, there is always a feeling of connection and support among the residents.”

Impactful benefits to adopting the guide

1. Homes that enhance the Coast: designs that blend with local character and create vibrant neighbourhoods.
2. Comfort all year: naturally cool in summer, warm in winter, with minimal energy use.
3. Greener, healthier living: shade, greenery, and smart design promote health and well-being.
4.  Sustainable and affordable: energy-efficient homes mean lower bills and a smaller footprint.
5. Pride and community: designs that foster connection, safety, and lasting value.

Image credit: Rikki Lancaster Photography, SWAY

For more information on the design guide and to download a copy, click on the button link below.

Sunshine Coast Design Principles:

1. Work with the local climate.
2. Create places that respect and incorporate landscape.
3. Bring our cultures, arts and heritage to life.
4. Capture and frame views and create vistas.
5. Strengthen and extend a network of green corridors.
6. Be inspired by the natural and built environment.
7. Create shady streets that put people first.
8. Create welcoming places that can be enjoyed by everyone.
9. Design places to be resilient and ready for change.
10. Create and add value.