Housing crisis: How to turn Sydney’s small apartment blocks into medium-size ones

Much-needed midsize apartment blocks can be created by adding to the sides, top and even bottom of existing small complexes, a Sydney-based expert says. Find out how it’s done.

A leading architecture academic says the smartest way to achieve a surge in the number of midsize apartment blocks in Sydney is to transform small ones by making them wider and higher.

“It makes sense,” said University of Sydney Associate Professor Sandra Loschke. “Europe has shown us the way.”

Garages and car spaces can be converted into accommodation at ground level, she said.

And penthouses can be added on top, which helps to cover the cost of the overall renovation.

By attaching prefabricated three-metre-wide units to the sides of buildings, the living space in existing units can be expanded by 25 to 50 per cent, Ms Loschke said.

This block, in Rotterdam, underwent conversion. Picture: biqarchitecten.nl

Balconies can also be added, which is very appealing in Australia, she noted.

One of the best things about transforming existing apartment blocks is that occupants don’t have to sell, Ms Loschke said.

Rejuvenation and expansion projects are occurring on a mass scale in France, she said, and also popular in Canada.

If Australia doesn’t pursue a similar path it won’t be possible to meet both housing and carbon pollution reduction targets, Ms Loschke predicted.

“It would be too expensive and not environmentally friendly” to rely on knocking down and rebuilding.

University of Sydney Associate Professor Sandra Loschke.