Apartment Building Design: Layouts, Sizes, and What Really Matters
When you think about apartment building design, the way rooms are arranged to serve daily living needs. Also known as residential floor planning, it's not just about how many bedrooms you get—it's about how the space flows, how light hits the kitchen, and whether your living area actually feels like a place to live, not just a box with walls. A bad design can make a 100 sqm apartment feel cramped, while a smart one turns a 60 sqm unit into a home that breathes.
Take the LDK apartment, a layout combining living, dining, and kitchen into one open area. Also known as open-plan living, it’s become a staple in New Zealand and Japan because it saves space, cuts construction costs, and makes small homes feel bigger. Then there’s the T5 apartment, a five-room unit typically including two or three bedrooms, a living room, dining space, and a study or extra room. Also known as five-room flat, it’s the go-to for families who need flexibility—maybe one room for a home office, another for a guest, or even a small gym. And let’s not forget the 2BHK apartment, a two-bedroom, one-hall, one-kitchen unit that’s the most common in cities like Mumbai and Auckland. Also known as two-bedroom flat, it’s the sweet spot for couples, young professionals, and investors because it’s affordable, easy to rent, and simple to sell.
These aren’t just labels—they’re solutions to real problems. LDK makes small spaces feel alive. T5 gives room to grow without moving. 2BHK balances cost and comfort. What you’re really looking for isn’t a floor plan from a brochure—it’s a layout that matches your life. Do you cook often? Then a kitchen that opens to the living area matters more than a third bedroom. Do you work from home? A separate study isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Apartment building design isn’t about trends. It’s about what works for you, today and five years from now.
What you’ll find below are real examples of how these layouts play out in different markets—from why LDK is booming in Auckland to why T5 units are quietly becoming the new standard for growing families. You’ll see what sizes people actually prefer, how floor plans affect rent and resale, and what hidden flaws to watch for in even the prettiest apartments. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re choosing where to live—or invest.