The Role of Design in Build-to-Rent Projects
Across global cities, Build-to-Rent (BTR) has redefined the rental experience. The model—where developments are designed, built, and managed for long-term rental rather than sale—has flourished in the UK, US, and Europe, where residents value design quality, professional management, and community connection.
In Australia, BTR is still taking shape but growing fast. Leading international developers are driving this evolution, with projects such as Haiku South Yarra in Melbourne signalling a new standard for urban living. Under the Haiku brand, renting is positioned as a lifestyle choice—one defined by design integrity, service, and flexibility.
So, what’s driving the appeal? For residents, BTR offers stability without ownership—professionally managed homes with thoughtful amenities and longer leases. For developers, it represents a secure, long-term investment model, underpinned by strong demand from renters seeking quality and convenience.
Design sits at the centre of this new housing typology. BTR interiors must balance aesthetic longevity with functionality, ensuring each apartment and shared space feels considered and enduring. At Haiku South Yarra, interiors by Hecker Guthrie layer warmth and refinement through natural materials, timeless finishes, and a calm, cohesive palette.
Furniture selection plays an equally pivotal role. It defines how spaces are used and how residents connect with them day to day. As Robyn Levin, Creative Director of Wildflower, notes:
“As build-to-rent takes off in Australia, furniture has a bigger role to play than ever, setting the tone for shared living, balancing durability with design, and helping people feel at home from day one. For Haiku, we focused on elevated yet functional pieces that complement the Hecker Guthrie interiors and bring a sense of quiet luxury to everyday life.”
For Haiku South Yarra, Wildflower curated furniture throughout, including pieces from NOMI’s Amelia Collection—selected for their sculptural form, craftsmanship, and durability. Together, these elements create homes that feel personal yet lasting, expressing the philosophy behind BTR itself.
Through intentional design and furniture that merges resilience with beauty, Build-to-Rent developments like Haiku are reshaping Australia’s rental landscape—transforming housing into a holistic living experience.
Interior Design: HECKER GUTHRIE
Furniture Curation and Procurement: WILDFLOWER
Photographer: DYLAN JAMES
