Testing and Insights
The prototype was tested through task-based sessions where participants explored the interface and customised an apartment. Feedback revealed high satisfaction with usability, visual design, and the overall idea. Orientation cues and clear demarcation of immovable elements gave users confidence, while the inclusion of transparent price breakdowns and hover tooltips helped them make informed choices. At the same time, gaps such as missing features, unclear door types, and questions about cost and timeframe highlighted areas for refinement. Overall, the concept scored positively, with an average satisfaction of 86.6%, and showed potential to meet the needs of its target users.
Novel approach to tackle the housing crisis in Sydney
Floors AU is a housing concept that reimagines Sydney’s vacant office buildings as customizable, affordable living spaces.
Floors AU is a speculative housing solution that addresses Sydney’s ongoing affordability crisis. By converting underutilised office buildings into modular apartments, the project introduces new living options that are both sustainable and cost-effective. A key feature of the concept is a digital interface that allows residents to customise their homes, thereby balancing personal needs with affordability and community living.
Context and Problem (HMW)
Sydney’s rising living costs have left younger demographics struggling to find affordable housing near work or education. At the same time, vacant office buildings remain an untapped resource in the city. This tension prompted the question:
How might we design cost-effective, sustainable housing that incorporates more voices in decision-making and explores innovative construction methods?
User Needs
1
Affordability
Rent must remain within reach for young people balancing study or early careers.
2
Proximity
Housing close to workplaces, universities, and public transport was prioritised to cut commute times.
3
Transparency
Clear breakdowns of costs and rental terms were essential to build trust and reduce uncertainty.
4
Flexibility
Users sought diverse options, from compact studios to shared apartments, to fit different lifestyles.
5
Personalisation
The ability to customise layouts and facilities gave users a sense of ownership and comfort.
6
Guidance
Tips, best practices, and decision support were requested to help users design with confidence.
The Concept
The outcome was Floors au, a platform that combined adaptive reuse with user empowerment. Office floors were transformed into modular apartments, offering a mix of private units and shared amenities inspired by student housing models. Within the interface, users could select from templates, adjust layouts, and choose furnishings or fixtures. Orientation cues, gridlines, and transparent pricing supported decision-making, while tips and best practices ensured that even first-time renters could design a space with confidence.
The primary audience consisted of students and young professionals navigating Sydney’s rental pressures. For them, affordability and flexibility were critical, but so too was a sense of belonging. Floors AU offered both private living spaces and shared facilities such as gyms, cafés, and entertainment areas, creating opportunities for community while maintaining privacy.
Key Iterations
Several refinements were implemented following testing. Orientation and measurement cues were added to improve spatial awareness, while kitchens and bathrooms were fixed in place to reflect real-world constraints. Missing elements such as sliding doors and TVs were introduced to expand choice, and cost transparency was addressed through detailed breakdowns. Guidance was further strengthened with hover tooltips and access to best practice examples, ensuring the interface was both intuitive and informative.
How It Creates Change
Market Impact
By introducing new apartments into circulation, Floors AU helps stabilise rental prices and expands housing options.
Land Supply Relief
Adaptive reuse reduces the need for new land development, alleviating pressure on limited urban land.
Affordability
Repurposing office infrastructure lowers construction costs, making homes more accessible to younger renters.
Sustainability
Environmental impact is reduced by reusing existing structures rather than building from scratch.
Locational Advantage
Central city locations provide better access to work, education, and community life, supporting inclusion.