A new compact apartment typology designed by Cox Architecture has received planning approval in Sydney as part of a build-to-rent (BTR) redevelopment of the former Taubmans Paint Factory, known as Precinct 75.
The dwelling type, roughly 30 square metres in size, is the smallest approved in Sydney, according to the architect.
It will debut at developer Coronation’s Precinct 75 project at St Peters, which comprises approximately 470 apartments, ranging from the smallest “city starter” and “city stayer” studio typologies, up to three-bedroom apartments.
Director at Cox Architecture and the project’s design lead Felipe Miranda said, “Our design for the ‘city starter’ at Precinct 75 brings architecture and interior design together to support everyday living. The intent is to expand who gets to live close to jobs, culture and community, without compromising on long-term stability.”
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The dwelling type includes integrated kitchen and laundry joinery and furniture, and built-in storage for bicycles and household items.
Cox Architecture director and interiors lead Brooke Lloyd commented that the apartment design was resolved from the inside out. “We started with the sofa and table, and designed outwards to reflect how someone genuinely lives,” she said.
Lloyd added, “Designing compact spaces only works when private and shared spaces are conceived as a complete ecosystem. The amenity beyond the apartment is essential in making a smaller private space feel complete.”
The Precinct 75 development also includes a rooftop pool, landscaped terraces, private dining spaces and a podcast studio as shared amenities for residents.
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Managing director of Coronation Property Joe Nahas commented that the “’city starter’ and’ city stayer’ apartments respond to the way Sydney is changing.”
“With more people choosing to live alone and prioritising location, flexibility and community, this model allows us to pair well‑designed apartments with generous shared amenity and professional management,” he said. “Precinct 75 sets the benchmark for how this approach can expand housing choice while supporting long‑term liveability.”
“The approval signals a broader opportunity to rethink how design can meaningfully accelerate housing supply,” added Miranda. “As Sydney faces growing supply pressures, we need to unlock new housing options without lowering standards, and the ‘city starter’ is an example of how good design can achieve this.”