Amenity Spaces
Link at Evanston | @blocHaus
Amenity spaces in a lot of multifamily housing properties might seem like an afterthought. Basic lobby and front desk, standard mailboxes along a corridor; maybe there’s a gym with a few treadmills and free weights, or a small outdoor pool with lounge chairs. While this might describe the amenities in many of the apartment buildings we’re familiar with, the fact is that we’re now seeing multifamily housing projects that put amenities at the forefront and turn these spaces into great features.
In order to attract and retain tenants, multifamily amenities not only need to serve basic needs, but they also need to enhance the living experiences for residents. There are a lot of great ways you can do this when designing amenity spaces, and we love being able to create unexpected and amazing amenities in our own multifamily projects as well! Today we’re breaking down some of the basic amenity types seen most in multifamily interior design, and taking a closer look at how they can be designed be amazing features for any building!
LOBBY + MAILROOM
Lobbies and mailrooms may seem like simple, utilitarian spaces, but they are they are the introduction to the building and should provide a great first impression! Not all multifamily projects have a lot of space for expansive lobby area, but even using a small seating group with unique light fixtures and interesting materials can be enough to set the right tone.
Mailrooms are another necessity that are often overlooked from a design standpoint. If designating a separate room isn’t an option, mailboxes can be incorporated into lobbies in unique ways, such as integrating them into custom furniture or by patterning the individual boxes on the wall.
LOUNGE + CLUBHOUSE
Great community lounges or clubhouses can be a great feature for attracting perspective residents. These can be simple spaces with lounge seating and a TV, or can they can incorporate other elements like games, community kitchens, or even a coffee bar. Regardless of how large it is or how many activities there are, an amenity lounge or clubhouse space should include multiple seating types and zones so different groups can comfortably use the space at the same time. Small additions like board games or unique light fixtures are great ways to round out the space and make it a destination for residents.
FITNESS
@VSHD Design
Gyms aren’t a necessity for multifamily housing, but they are another great feature that residents like having in the building. A well-designed fitness center should be more than just a room with mirrors and workout equipment, but a place that people get excited about going - even a small gym and locker room can be great amenities with good lighting, materials, and focal points!
CO-WORKING
Working from home has obviously become a lot more common over the last year. And as things start getting back to normal and community areas reopen, co-working spaces will be great features for residents who have more flexibility to work outside the office.
These amenities work best when they offer a variety of work settings. Desks, lounge seating, communal tables, private “phone booths” for heads down work, small meeting rooms for groups - multiple options makes it easier for residents to find the best fit and enjoy co-working amenity spaces!
OUTDOOR
@Instrata Lifestyle
Access to an outdoor area can be a major feature for apartment-dwellers who don’t want to leave the premises in order to enjoy time outside. Outdoor amenity spaces can offer a wide variety of features - pools, lounge seating, cabanas, and outdoor kitchens, are all great additions! We love incorporating bold materials and outdoor games when designing outdoor amenity areas so that they become a destination for residents!