“By collectively implementing sustainable practices, designing resilient communities, and enhancing overall liveability, our industry can contribute to a greener urban landscape.”
A few weeks ago, the Fifth Estate hosted the ‘Shaping Sustainable Sydney’ event as part of the Vivid Ideas Exchange, providing new perspectives into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector and its connection to innovation and sustainable design. As an engineer driven by transformation and progress, I find this topic particularly relevant to our work and the opportunities it brings.
- First of all, let’s look at a couple of facts about Build-to-Rent (BTR):
BTR is projected to become the largest asset class in new property development by 2030, surpassing offices, student accommodation, and even industrial developments.1 - BTR homes could deliver 150,000 new apartments over a decade, significantly contributing to addressing Australia’s housing shortage.2
As a business, we acknowledge the importance of this emerging sector and the need for sustainable rental housing developments to meet the needs of growing populations. These developments have a significant impact on our cities, transforming landscape, communities and our interaction with built environments. By collectively implementing sustainable practices, designing resilient communities, and enhancing overall liveability, our industry can contribute to a greener urban landscape.
An insightful highlight shared at the event was the opportunity to reimagine the concept of the “Great Australian Dream” in light of the growing acceptance of lifelong renting in Europe and North America. This departure from the traditional emphasis on homeownership reflects the changing dynamics of modern living. With the pressing issues of housing affordability and environmental sustainability, embracing sustainable rental housing emerges as a viable and responsible alternative.
In this transformative landscape, Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments play a crucial role by providing well-designed, sustainable, and socially vibrant rental housing options that cater to the evolving needs of modern residents.
At XK, we are at the forefront of this movement. Currently engineering several BTR ventures, XK has partnered with BTR leaders to tackle unique challenges and unlock value engineering opportunities in this sector.
We have worked closely with prominent developers such as Aware Super, Aware Real Estate, architects Turner Studio and project managers Essence Project Management on some of the largest and most complex BTR developments, including Illoura Place, Altis St Leonards, Altis Zetland and Altis Bankstown.
By leveraging cutting-edge solutions such as smart building technologies, renewable energy sources, sustainable building materials, and data analytics, we optimise energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the comfort and well-being of tenants. Simultaneously, we foster community spaces that encourage social interaction and well-being.
By collaborating with developers who share our goal of delivering high-quality projects through integrating sustainable practices, fostering collaboration, and leveraging innovative technologies, we aim to elevate the standard of rental housing and create exceptional living experiences. With innovation and collaboration as our guiding principles, we are excited to drive sustainable transformation in the Built-to-Rent sector, leaving a lasting impact on the future of our cities, and communities.
