Apartment buildings have long followed the same design format: tall, bland buildings that lack interest. However, those days are on their way out, with more apartment building owners looking for fresh designs that bring life into their buildings that make them inviting and modern.
Here are 11 modern apartment building design ideas to help you plan your apartment building’s exterior.
1. Blend The Old And New
These days, most apartment building design ideas are purely modern, with clean, minimalistic lines. The entire building doesn't have to have a modern aesthetic. Instead, mix modern elements with classic materials, like metal and wood.
2. Choose Materials That Fit Your Location
Choose materials that make sense for the area where the apartment building is located. Consider a Spanish barrel tile roof if you're in a warmer climate, like Florida or Southern California, and near the water. Brava's Spanish Barrel Tiles create that authentic look and they have greater durability than clay or concrete tiles without the added weight.
3. Add A Pop Of Color
Instead of sticking to a neutral color palette throughout the exterior, add a pop of color to the exterior. This is one of the simpler apartment building ideas that can help add personality and interest to the exterior and make it a more eye-catching building.
4. Incorporate Landscaping
You want your building to be inviting, in order to make residents and potential residents feel safe and welcome. While there are many ways to do this, one is to add landscaping around the property. It adds to the welcoming atmosphere in the front; in the back, it can provide a space for residents to walk and relax.
5. Mix Materials
Mixing materials is another design idea that you can implement. Wood and stone, brick and stone or metal, and stucco and stone are just some potential combinations that can help add personality and elevate your building's design.
6. Add Decorative Elements
Add decorative elements to the building's exterior. Awnings can provide shade and protection from the rain, and allow residents to open windows and let fresh air into their apartments. Siding details are another option that can add interest instead of plain, unadorned siding.
7. Use Sustainable Products
Sustainability is becoming a bigger concern for many, and it’s prompting more modern apartment building design ideas in order to incorporate sustainable materials. Brava Roofing Tiles are an excellent option; these products are made of 100% compressed recycled materials and can be re-recycled at the end of their lifespan. They are extremely durable, and pass 3rd party certifications for wind, hail, and fire resistance with the highest ratings possible.
8. Opt For Energy Efficient Products
Aside from sustainable products, you will need to incorporate energy-efficient products into your apartment building design ideas. Brava products fit into this category, with other energy-efficient upgrades that include double-pane windows and insulated vinyl, metal, and composite siding.
9. Skip The Flat Roof
While flat roofs are a common choice for apartment buildings, they can make it feel more commercial or industrial. Instead, consider a pitched roof, which can give it a more homey and welcoming feel. A simple pyramid roof is a great option and will be more durable than a flat roof. It will allow you to choose a beautiful roofing material, like the Brava roofing tiles mentioned earlier.
10. Add A Mural
Instead of having siding on all sides of the building, consider commissioning a mural. This will give the building a focal point that is unique to the building. There are many possibilities; you can even ask the artist to provide multiple ideas so your residents can vote on a design they like best and feel like they played a part in the process.
11. Add Gazebos
Aside from landscaping, adding gazebos where only residents and guests can be, is another great idea. This gives residents a place to gather, have little parties, and more. You can also provide grills that allow them to cook and enjoy a meal under the gazebo on summer and spring nights. You can buy a premade gazebo, but you can also custom order and buy the same roofing tiles you use on the main building to tie the structures together within the design.
Bringing Apartment Design Into The Present
Apartments don't have to be boring and plain, even something simple, like adding a pop of color, can add more interest and style. These are some apartment building exterior design ideas to consider, and each can impact how your building is perceived.
Updating the exterior with energy-efficient, sustainable materials like Brava Roofing Tiles is one of the best moves you can make. It will make the exterior more attractive, make the building more energy-efficient, and provide essential protection from the elements.
Brava offers authentic composite Cedar Shakes, Spanish Barrel Tiles, and Old World Slate in an array of nuanced colors that will enhance the building and help you save on roof maintenance.
Contact the experts at Brava today to learn more about their many benefits for apartment building design ideas—-and the projects they have already completed.