Interspersed affordable housing, nature integration and wellness are the top three architectural trends in large-scale residential developments for 2025, says Brisbane-based MAS Architecture Studio’s lead architect Nick Symonds.

Listing the three trends as growing design priorities in residential architecture projects, Symonds observes that developers must adapt, keeping in mind the current cost-of-living crisis around the world.

“The creators of new residential developments are under increasing pressure to incorporate affordable housing options in their developments,” he says.

“In QLD, for example, developers are encouraged by new state legislation that stipulates a percentage of the build must go to affordable housing, with projects fast tracked for completion.”

About connecting residents to nature, or biophilic design, Symonds says, “It goes beyond incorporating large windows and skylights. Homes are featuring living green walls, internal green courtyards, and cooling greenery facades.”

“Larger developments are offering large alfresco entertainment spaces to connect residents with nature and the great outdoors.”

Wellness is also being prioritised in residential design with urban developments of scale increasingly offering access to wellness facilities, beyond just an on-site gym or pool.

“To create better life balance and sustainable city living, many new buildings are incorporating far more facilities than previously offered,” he says.

“These facilities are now more focused on personal health and include saunas, steam, massage, and therapy rooms – marking a change in residents’ expectations.”

Image: Sunset by Dusk by MAS Architecture Studio

Branko Miletic

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