High rises are something that urban cities are continuing to add to their city skylines. It is something that is increasing each year in major cities such as London and Manchester. Manchester’s skyline continues to grow, and as you fly over the city centre, you will see multiple cranes across the city, erecting new apartments and office buildings to help the city grow. One of the issues with this is that people are finding it more difficult to afford the rent on modern apartments. 

At the back end of summer last year, Manchester announced that there would be another cluster of high-rises in the city centre. To some people, this is great due to the current issues regarding the housing crisis and people struggling to find apartments. On the flip side, this increase also increases the value of rent for the existing apartments. 

Apartments are also becoming much more advanced in terms of building design so let’s take a look at those features that you can expect to see in a modern high-rise. 

In Property Features

Large Windows

When you compare a modern apartment building to an apartment 30/40 years ago, you can tell the difference instantly with the exterior of the building. Now, modern apartments are covered in windows that are essentially top to bottom. When you compare them to the old apartments, the windows were much smaller and less modern in terms of materials used. You could say that the smaller windows look more like a prison compared to modern high rises. 

Although the exterior of these apartments is much nicer, the reason why they are considered these types of windows is for the natural light. Natural light makes an apartment look more premium inside and reduces the need for using lights, meaning electricity bills are much cheaper and are also more sustainable. 

For those living in the apartments, their rooms are full of windows and will allow the residents to view the spectacular skylines that city centres have to offer. 

High Ceilings

High ceilings are something else that is becoming much more popular with a modern high-rise. Again, they add that bit of luxury to the apartment and it helps to improve airflow, which is a common issue inside the old school apartments. This is due to old apartments trying to squeeze as many floors as possible into one floor.   

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is also considered in the modern apartment, usually focusing on the electrical appliances that are in the room. Insulation is something that comes with apartments, along with double-glazed or triple-glazed windows. The next step would be with appliances such as washing machines, fridge/freezer, dishwashers and built-in microwaves, all of which need to be energy efficient. 

Building Features 

The building features are also very important when someone is looking for a flat, as they need to tick a few different boxes. The following features are something that many apartment buildings will look to install. 

Security

Security is of the utmost importance when it comes to a modern apartment building. This includes CCTV cameras in lifts, along the corridor and even on stairways. Additionally, an apartment building needs to ensure that the corridors are also well lit. This ensures the safety of all residents in the building. 

Entering the building also needs some form of security. Key fobs are something that many apartments require now to get into the main complex of the building(s). 

Gym and Wellness Facilities

Something else that apartments should now include is gym and wellness facilities. Fitness and a healthy lifestyle are heavily pushed in modern society, so when it comes to a modern apartment, it should come with a gym as well. The benefit of this for the occupant is that they no longer need to pay for a gym membership. 

The younger generation, in particular Gen Z, is very health and fitness focused. Most of the time, the younger generation will also be moving into these high-rise apartments as cities tend to have a younger population. This is why many property developers will carefully consider their younger demographic. Ensuring that these high rises have health and wellness rooms throughout the buildings is a good, unique selling point to attract the younger professionals. 

Communal Areas

Communal areas are also very important when it comes to people’s apartments. It allows people to get out of their flat and socialise with other people whilst still being on the same premises. Additionally, not every flat is equipped with a balcony or an outdoor seating area, so tenants can enjoy the outside. 

Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces are also being incorporated into the modern apartment. Again, this is great for the younger professional as so many jobs offer working from home to their employees, especially after COVID-19. These co-working spaces offer the perfect opportunity for professionals to get out of their apartments and mix with other professionals. 

Entertainment Rooms

Entertainment rooms are something else that can be incorporated into the modern apartment. These entertainment rooms will consist of cinema rooms or even games rooms, which are all good to have in an apartment. Furthermore, it gives those who live in the apartment the opportunity to mix and mingle with the other residents in the apartment. 

Parking

Parking has also slowly become a necessity in modern apartments. Many people require parking, even in the city centre. It is one of the key components for a resident to move into an apartment. However, the issue with this is that parking can take up a lot of space, and in the city centre, they don’t have this space. The only solution would be to build an apartment on top of a car park. 

Accessibility 

Accessibility is also very important with a modern apartment, and it needs to consider wheelchair users as well as those who are visually impaired. Tactile markings should be placed near doors and stairs to ensure safety for those who are visually impaired. Tactile markings can also be placed on buttons in a lift, which is something that a lift company would ensure. Many lift companies would ensure that the modern lift considers accessibility. 

Summary

Construction companies and architects have to consider a lot when constructing a modern apartment. Accessibility is of the utmost importance with an apartment along with security. Then you need to cater with the younger professionals, carefully considering co-working spaces, entertainment rooms and even health and wellness facilities. Even the exteriors of these apartments are luxurious, including outdoor seating areas, artificial grass, and flower beds.