IKEA Style Strata Apartments

Sometimes we're just so conventional and don't realise it until someone suggests something that's obvious and sensible (but revolutionary).


And, that's what I thought when I read Stephen Cassady's blog on CondoFeed called I Want To Build an IKEA Small Space Condo Complex | CondoFeed 

Stephen was inspired by the Small Spaces demo rooms at Ikea to think that you could simply re-assemble them into a strata building (rather than a department store) and instantly give people great living spaces at reasonable cost.  It's a good idea that turns traditional thinking about building apartments on its head; moving apartment objectives from the developer/builder's perspective to the resident's perspective.


You see, apartment developers and builders focus on footings, walls, floor slabs, windows, doors, mechanical services, plumbing and electrics and roofs (which are of course important) and then simply dress up the interiors to make sure they look fashionable enough for sales and marketing.

So, why not start with an objective of creating Ikea style rooms and then work out how to build them so that they stand up without cracks, integrate with each other, have light, air, power, water and other services and last at least 10-20 years.  In that way, we'll get better outcomes for everyone at at the same (or lower) cost.


I think that the idea can apply to all kinds of high density real estate (and not just low cost housing) and challenge everyone to think about it as an option.


Well done Stephen and see you at the Ikea apartments soon.


Francesco ...