Developers recognising this trend are engaging architects to imbue a sense of the extraordinary into the designs of some new apartment buildings and their interiors.

On a former industrial site three kilometres south-west of the city at Erskineville, 109 apartments and 18 terrace-style homes are planned for completion in early 2017.

The complex of apartments will be instantly recognisable with its unique street appearance.

Developer, Golden Rain, sought the imagination and design know-how of award-winning dKO Architecture. Responsible for many of Melbourne's most intriguing recent, dKO Architecture made a big impact on the Sydney apartment market last year when their plans for Eve at Erskineville were unveiled. Within two hours of release, 140 apartments had sold off the plan.

Named for their unusual appearance, Sugarcube Apartments and Honeycomb Terraces are an architectural delight. The project offers a mix of homes from studios to three-bedroom Torrens title terraces.

Ian Bennet, director of residential at Colliers International, said Sugarcube Apartments and Honeycomb Terraces will feature striking exteriors which will carry through to "stunning, light-filled open-plan homes."

The top-floor apartments of Sugarcube are configured as lofts and following a trend in Sydney, a rooftop garden with city views, sun lounges, bench seating, a barbecue and dining space will be included to be shared by residents.

The 18 Torrens title terraces will each have their own street entry. Designed over three levels, the three-bedroom terraces are oriented to the north and have off-street parking.

Erskineville village and the train station are a level walk. "Erskineville has such a great village vibe despite being so centrally located," says Bennett. "We are expecting strong interest from young professionals and investors."

With a hard act to follow the world-class standard of architecture at the now landmark One Central Park buildings in Chippendale, William Smart of Smart Design Studio applied his skill and imagination to allow the newest and smallest building in Central Park, Connor, to stand on its own merit.

"What attracted us to working with Frasers Property Group," says Smart, "was their commitment to creativity."

From Smart Design Studio's previous work in the interiors of One Central Park, Smart knew buyers appreciated fine design … with a twist. He has dressed the 12-storey Connor with luminous copper-coloured fins and added a sculptural appearance to the southern facade.

A three-storey, all-white void in the lobby of Connor will create an art experience for residents and visitors. A back-lit membrane will act like a light box programmed with changeable coloured LED lighting. "It will be like stepping into the future," says Smart Design Studio's Victoria Judge, who heads up the interiors division.

"It is critical for us to focus on the architecture of the exterior and interior as one,"  Smart says.

Positioned on the south-west corner of Chippendale Green, Connor's apartments will have views of the extraordinary heliostat, the heritage Brewery Yard, Chippendale Green and west to Sydney University.

Not far away at Lewisham, the design for Meriton's new development Luna, is a step away from the norm. PTW Architects have designed an intriguing mix of heights and shapes for the complex of seven buildings.

Curved walls and saw-tooth rooflines are incorporated into the design of 298 apartments positioned within walking distance of the light rail and train stations.

Luna will include an indoor aquatic centre with a lap pool, spa and sauna, as well as a gym, landscaped gardens and a 3400-square-metre park.

Sugarcube & Honeycomb

Corner Metters and Pearl streets, Erskineville

dKO Architecture continues its reputation for imaginative design with their plans for these apartments and Torrens title terraces. Architectural angles, curves and rooftop gardens with city views set this quirky development apart. Sugarcube Apartments has a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units (41-93 square metres) from $550,000. The 18 Torrens title Honeycomb Terraces all have three bedrooms and individual street entries. Prices still to be set. Due for completion early 2017. Display suite open from March 28. Phone Colliers International, 1800 990 196. sugarcubehoneycomb.com.au

Case study

Artist Peter Francis Lawrence moved to Central Park from Potts Point in search of a change. "Potts Point had lost its joie de vivre," says Lawrence. "Chippendale has a buzz and excitement with lots of galleries and artists in the area and so many places to eat."

After enjoying life in the Central Park East tower designed by Jean Nouvel, Lawrence bought a two-bedroom apartment in Connor. "The architecture is wonderful. I think some of the best of Sydney's architecture is in Central Park," says Lawrence. "We had seen a smidgen of William Smart's architecture and knew he designed the White Gallery so we had a lot of confidence."

Or try these:

Connor, 8 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale

Connor is set to join Central Park's earlier architecturally stunning residential buildings. Designed by Smart Design Studio, the facade of the 12-storey building is dressed in luminous, copper-coloured blades. More than half the 178 apartments have now sold. Still available are a range of studios (50-59 square metres) from $620,000, one-beds (47-93 square metres) $696,000, two-beds (67-132 square metres) from $1.09 million and three-beds (83-131 square metres) from $1.44 million. Strata levies from $1200 pq. Phone 1300 857 057. centralparksydney.com

Luna, 78-90 Old Canterbury Road, Lewisham

Designed by PTW architects, Luna's 298 apartments are divided between seven highly individual buildings ranging from four to 10 storeys. Angled balconies, curved walls and raised rooflines step away from homogenous apartment design. Construction of the complex started in January. Available are a mix of studios, one-bedroom units, some with studies, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Prices and strata levies are yet to be released. Due for completion early 2016. Phone Meriton, 0412 488 270. meriton.com.au