Relevant & in operations:
How does your nomad coliving brand and community reflect the interests and needs of digital nomads and remote workers?
Comfort and Affordability in Natureâs Embrace Visitors consistently appreciate the well-equipped and affordable apartments and studios, perfectly complemented by the breathtaking natural beauty and authentic surroundings of Lenk. The lush greenery, abundant wildlife, enchanting waterfalls, serene lakes, and vibrant Alpine flora create a spectacular and unforgettable rural experience. This combination offers the perfect balance of comfort and privacy, allowing residents to relax and find peace of mind.
Privacy and High-Speed Connectivity for Remote Workers Remote workers value their privacy in spacious apartments featuring well-equipped kitchens and ensuite bathrooms. High-speed internet, available in both private and shared spaces, is a necessity that ensures they can work efficiently and without interruption.
Inspiring Community for Digital Nomads Digital nomads discover an inspiring community with numerous activities that cater to both individual pursuits and communal experiences. Like-minded individuals can spend quality time together, learn new skills, and share their passions, fostering a vibrant and supportive network.
Activities to Nourish the Body and Soul A variety of activities such as hiking, yoga, walking, cycling, cooking, and exploring the beautiful nature of Lenk invigorate the spirit and heal the body. These activities encourage residents to engage with their surroundings and enhance their overall well-being.
Safety and Privacy as Core Values Safety and privacy are fundamental features of Lenk, providing a secure and tranquil environment for all residents. This focus on security ensures that everyone can fully enjoy their rural living experience without concerns.
Commitment to Regenerative Living The Lenk coliving project is committed to principles of regenerative living, promoting sustainable practices that harmonize with the natural environment. This commitment attracts individuals who are passionate about living in a way that supports and enhances the ecosystem around them.
Iterum is dedicated to disrupting the $1 trillion household appliance market, by providing a more sustainable, hassle-free and cost-efficient appliance management solution for large property managers and investors through two innovative B2B products: Appliance-as-a-Service (AaaS) and Iterum IQ platform.
Sustainability is at the core of Iterumâs circular economy leasing model. This business model can lead to a 40% extension in appliance lifespan and helps to reduce operational carbon by 25%. For each 100 co-living studios, the overall operational carbon savings over 5 years is equivalent to 25.2 flights from London to New York.
The business model also facilitates up to 95% cost reduction of upfront CapEX and up to 30% reduction of whole-life cost over a 5 year period. Â
The hassle-free model also leads to increased tenant satisfaction due to higher-end products, reduced downtime of appliances, and also ensuring a quicker response time with Iterumâs 48-hour repair or replacement service.
During the design process we have designed a THE FIZZ brand book, room tool kit, interior design guidelines, as well as signageâ. The interior designers used these tools to design interiors.
In response to Dubai's challenges of loneliness, entertainment accessibility, and costliness, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for our guests to connect, network effectively, and seamlessly enjoy both work and leisure through engaging events, social networks, and community chats. Additionally, we prioritize fostering an environment of community, ownership, and safety for residents, staff, and locals. Our engagement with the local environment and neighbors includes cultural events such as the celebration of religious and governmental holidays, iftar dinners, and educating guests about local traditions and regulations. We also promote unique experiences for UAE visitors, such as desert excursions, traditional dances, and music. These initiatives underscore our commitment to integrating with and enriching the broader community. Community stories related to our guests' engagement to the community are presented in the accompanying presentation.
Variand Furniture demonstrates cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability through its highly flexible and modular design, which allows for easy configuration, modification, and extension. This flexibility supports iterative furnishing, meaning furniture can be adapted and extended over time based on user needs.
Moreover, installation, cleaning and replacement of components is straightforward, saving time and reducing labor costs.
Manufacturing takes place in Italy, combining traditional craftsmanship with computational manufacturing techniques.
We, as operators, always work hand in hand with developers to design the best Coliving spaces for our future tenants. We approach the design of each project based on our standards, adapted to the future target and localisation. We make sure it is coherent with our business plan, for it to be financially sustainable. We study the budget from a cost point of view but also from a ""total cost"" point of view, meaning that we take into account the potential gain/cost of durability and maintenance. We always design in-house with our Design internal team, and once they determine the design concept, they work together with the Procurement team, who will make sure we find the best alternatives for each item, according to our specifications. Most of the suppliers we work with are long-term partners, and we are very much attached to their ability to match our criteria, particularly in terms of quality, durability and environmental impact. Most of our suppliers are based in Europe, mainly in France and have a solid ESG policy.
Folk offers a unique living experience where residents pay a single monthly fee covering all amenities. Unlike the 12-month typical lease, our residents have flexibility and can move for as little as 3 months or longer, with no deposit. We offer a hassle-free option suited to their needs with the option to easily connect with others. Residents get their own private studio (including full-size bathroom and kitchenette) with access to plenty of shared space - getting the best parts of living alone and best parts of flatsharing - which they love.
Co-Living is known for short-term flexibility, our average retention rate is 40% and a 14-month average length of stay rival longer term rental products in the market.
Folkâs communities are in demand. In July 2023, we launched our third property, Florence Dock in Battersea, featuring 270 studio apartments. We pre-leased 40% of the studios, demand remained consistent, and occupancy levels have steadily increased and stabilised.
We believe that creating a place that residents can call home leads to happy residents and strong retention. This is why resident satisfaction plays a vital role in our brand.
Resident reviews are positive: The Palm House: Google rating of 4.9 (125 reviews) and 106 Homeview reviews with an average rating of 4.64 out of 5. Sunday Mills: Google rating of 4.7 (51 reviews) and 24 Homeview reviews with an average rating of 4.51 out of 5. Florence Dock: Google rating of 4.5 (49 reviews) and 29 Homeview reviews with an average rating of 4.32 out of 5.
Here at Folk, we are constantly looking to improve both the resident experience as well as operational efficiency and effectiveness. We follow Eco-friendly practices (solar panels, carbon efficiency), support local charities, providing access to communal areas, and offer internships to local college students. Residents have access to a TELUS subscription to support their well-being. The comprehensive support package includes six counselling sessions per issue per year, and a 24/7 helpline.
We retrofit AMR equipment, learn from other schemes, co-creating operations and events with our resident sustainability ambassador, and retrospectively make changes or install new features based on how we see residents using the space. This helps us grow our brand within the co-living sector.
LamĂŹa is an innovative coliving concept promoting a re-connection to the rural landscape through the active immersion in the southern living and cultural heritage.
The vision of LamĂŹa is to connect digital nomads from around the world to Mediterranean roots by embracing the southern lifestyle and culture.
The purpose of the coliving is threefold: to nurture connections that rejuvenate, heal, and foster personal development and well-being, all while restoring the rural ecosystem and strengthening bonds within a community of professional nomads.
At the core of LamĂŹa are the following values:
- Unwind the South-Italian lifestyle and rural culture, through authentic experiences with local food, music, and people.
- Explore the Mediterranean landscape
- Grow professionally in a like-minded community
- Give back to the local communities: wee encourage our guests to engage in responsible travel practices that ensure minimal impact. Our aim is to support the local economy and promote sustainable activities.
Lamia emerged as a spinoff of Feedel Ventures, the first decentralized Startup Studio in Europe that has successfully launched over 15 startups. This strategic partnership allows us to tap into a robust startup ecosystem and a diverse talent network, providing comprehensive support and innovative solutions to better customize and refine the LamĂŹa experience.
Our development process follows a venture-building approach, where we continually validate our value proposition and target market. This iterative process ensures that our shared living product/brand is both innovative and aligned with market needs.
Our strategic processes are designed to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success:
Partnerships and Collaborations: We establish strategic partnerships, like our connection with Feedel Ventures, to leverage external expertise and resources.
Sustainability Focus: We integrate sustainability into our core strategy by implementing eco-friendly practices and promoting responsible living within our communities.
Community Engagement: We actively involve our community in the development process through feedback loops, surveys, and pilot programs to ensure our product meets their needs and fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
How does your shared living business and brand stand out from the rest?
Enso Coliving stands out by integrating the core values of flexibility, comfort, security, and community into every aspect of its operations. Our unique approach combines modern aesthetics with a welcoming, homely feel that resonates with young professionals and digital nomads. We leverage the symbolic power of the ensĆ, representing unity and completeness, to create spaces that foster a sense of belonging and connection. This approach has resulted in consistently high occupancy rates and strong customer satisfaction.
How has this resulted in strong occupancy rates and customer satisfaction?
In 2023, Enso Coliving achieved a remarkable 102.4% occupancy rate, a testament to our strategic planning and market understanding. This high occupancy rate is complemented by a consistently high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of above 4.2, indicating strong customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our strategic pricing ensures that we meet market demand without compromising profitability, which is crucial for sustainable growth.
How has your brand successfully scaled its operations while maintaining relevance and quality across multiple locations?
Our journey from June 2020 to January 2024 showcases our resilience and growth. Starting with 12 rooms in 2020, we expanded to 92 rooms in 2021, 232 rooms in 2022, and reached 506 rooms in 2023. Currently, we have surpassed 600 rooms, a testament to the high demand for shared living spaces in urban centers. This consistent, robust growth reflects a genuine, enduring shift as more individuals embrace shared living spaces.
How is your brand fostering long-term innovation, impact, and consolidation within the wider shared living and real estate sectors?
We foster long-term innovation by constantly testing new business models, such as the Buy2Rent model, and integrating sustainable practices into our operations. Our transformative approach includes creating community-focused living environments that promote personal and professional growth. By focusing on sustainability and community impact, we aim to set new standards in the shared living and real estate sectors.
What strategies have contributed to your brand's ability to grow and adapt within the shared living sector?
Flexible Business Model: Our adaptable leasing options cater to diverse resident needs.
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At Kiin Living, our foundational values are tailored to meet the nuanced demands of digital nomads:
Luxury-Comfort (LuxuryComfy): We merge high-end hotel sophistication with the warmth of home, ensuring premium comfort in every unit.
Freedom (Hassle-Free Living): Our flexible leasing terms and all-inclusive services eliminate the typical barriers associated with renting, offering our residents a liberating living experience.
Community Connection: Driven by the first-hand experiences of a seasoned digital nomad, we foster a vibrant community that enriches the MedellĂn experience through meaningful interactions and cultural integration.
Our mission is to redefine coliving by creating a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and community. By addressing the primary pain points of nomadic life, we provide a setting that simplifies daily living and enriches the experience of our residents.
Our vision is to expand the Kiin Living concept globally, setting a new standard in coliving spaces that promote deep connections and luxury-comfort across major urban hubs worldwide.
Kiin Living is setting new benchmarks in the shared living and real estate sectors by:
Filling a Market Gap: We provide a novel accommodation model that blends home comfort with high-end amenities, addressing the unique lifestyle needs of high-earning digital nomads.
Economic Impact: By attracting affluent professionals, Kiin significantly boosts local economic activities, supporting MedellĂn's transformation into a top destination for digital nomads.
Setting New Real Estate Standards: Our approach influences the wider real estate market by demonstrating the viability and benefits of luxury coliving spaces that cater to mobile professionals.
Our strategic development process includes:
Ideation (2019-2020): Initiated with social experiments and continuous feedback from a remote workforce. Extensive travel and research provided insights that shaped our space design and service offerings.
Development (2020-2021): Included land negotiations, feasibility studies, and the finalization of architectural designs. Promotional strategies were launched early to attract potential residents.
Implementation (2021-2023): The construction phase was paralleled with the development of our proprietary app, enhancing resident interaction and service management, leading to our grand opening in 2023.
Diverse in our offerings, our companies encompass a wide range of sectors, including premier accommodations, flexible coworking spaces tailored for productivity and collaboration, captivating maritime tourism experiences, and seamless ground mobility services.
What unites us is our unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery, maintaining top-tier facilities, and cultivating an atmosphere that stimulates the senses and leaves an indelible mark on every guest
The key innovation of Vertical Firmeza is its seamless integration of apartments with a coworking space within the same building, situated in the downtown area. This setup offers proximity to the city center and functions as a vertical neighborhood, providing residents with convenient access to a workspace within their residential complex, fostering community and collaboration.
Our clients have responded very positively to our platform, demonstrating tangible benefits for both the users of the platform as for their tenants and owners. Below a mix of quantitative and qualitative feedback:
âSince we are using Powerhouse, the collaboration between colleagues has been improved. We are all working on the same platform which gives us access to the full 360° view and enhances the communication between our teams.â
âThe strength of Powerhouse is that all of our administrative tasks get automated from the beginning until the end, which gives management more time to focus on other things, such as our relation with real estate developers. We help them think how to build student housing more energy efficient and joyful for the students.â
âWorking with Powerhouse gives us an expert in property management and Salesforce. We can easily reach out to them, and they really listen, which is crucial for our business. We deal with complex processes, like financial pooling. Now, we have a partner who helps us think things through.â
Case Study Example: Diggit
* 40% reduction in time spent on the monthly financial processing such as rent collection and broader financial management.
* 60% reduction in new tenant onboarding thanks to an efficient onboarding flow supported by Powerhouseâs PowerCheck technology.
Clients report an average ROI of 150% within the first year of using Powerhouse.
We have maintained a customer retention rate of 100%, demonstrating sustained client satisfaction and loyalty.
Clients also see Powerhouse as a valuable tool for growth. Yon Living, a property operator in coliving, describes Powerhouse as their go-to and central tool that has replaced all of their existing tools. âPowerhouse offers us the competitive advantage to pursue an even more ambitious growth planâ.
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Brand Identity
Wanna Colive is dedicated to creating a vibrant community where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our branding emphasizes connection, growth, and community, reflecting the values and aspirations of our student residents.
Services Offered
We offer a variety of services and amenities designed with students in mind:
Study and Work Spaces: Well-equipped coworking areas and study rooms to promote focus and productivity.
Connectivity: High-speed internet throughout all our facilities, essential for studying and communication.
Flexible Accommodation: A range of room types to suit different preferences and budgets, from shared rooms to private studios.
Shared Kitchens: Modern, fully-equipped kitchen spaces for preparing healthy and affordable meals.
Community and Events
We foster an active and collaborative community through:
Social and Cultural Events: Activities such as movie nights, workshops, and cultural events that allow students to relax and socialize.
Support Network: Mentorship programs and study groups to help students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Location
Our locations are strategically situated near major universities and educational centers in Buenos Aires and La Plata, providing easy access to academic institutions and city resources. Additionally, we are well connected with public transportation, facilitating easy commutes.
Testimonials/Feedback
We regularly receive feedback from our residents, highlighting how Wanna Colive has provided them with not just a place to live, but also a supportive community and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some testimonials:
""Living at Wanna Colive has allowed me to focus on my studies while enjoying a vibrant social life."" - Juan, engineering student.
""The community here is incredible. I've made friends from all over the world and there's always something to do or learn."" - MarĂa, law student.
Innovation and Sustainability
We strive to be innovative and sustainable in our practices.
res:harmonics property management software is built by operators for the coliving industry. As such, the language flowing through the system matches with real life which simplifies adoption of the technology.
Since its launch in 2016, res:harmonics PMS has grown rapidly year after year. Itâs now implemented within 14,500 units, managed by 70 companies across 15 countries worldwide, including: Gravity Co-Living, Niche Living, Ariv, Noli Studios, and The Collective.
A large increase in demand and the opening of new locations meant that UK-based Gravity Co-Living needed a new PMS to support team collaboration, project management, guest experience, and customer satisfaction. It initially used technology to cut costs and reduce human error. Switching to res:harmonics meant Gravity Co-Living could operate five coliving locations day-to-day seamlessly, using a user-friendly interface with simple functionalities, such as automated activities and emails. It saves the team time to deliver value in other areas, such as community-building and wellness.
âThe amount of time that res:harmonics has saved us is unbelievable. We havenât had to expand our team as much as we thought as this technology helps us to be agile. We can spend that time hearing about members instead."" - Robert Birch, Head of Operations at Gravity Co-Living
Finnish coliving company, Noli Studios, was launched in 2019 to provide a new way of living where guests didnât need to plan ahead and pricing was reflected in their length of stay. To achieve high-level operational efficiency, Noli Studios were looking to partner with a responsive and resilient property management system.
By working closely with the Noli team, res:harmonics quickly adapted the software to provide flexible stays across short and long stay. Despite their opening coinciding with the start of the pandemic, Noli Studios reached their first-year targets with high occupancy rates during 2020.
âWith res:harmonics, we have done something extraordinary and created a new way of living."" - Ilkka Kaakinen, Commercial Manager at Noli Studios.
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Our nomad coliving brand and community are intricately designed to mirror the interests and cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers. We understand that flexibility, connectivity, and a supportive environment are paramount for individuals navigating the nomadic lifestyle. Therefore, our brand emphasizes creating a dynamic community that offers not just a living space but a hub for collaboration, networking, and personal growth.
We curate a range of events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to the diverse interests of our residents, ensuring that they have ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share skills, and engage in meaningful conversations. Our community spaces are designed to foster creativity, productivity, and a sense of belonging, providing a supportive ecosystem where residents can thrive both professionally and personally.
By prioritizing the interests and needs of digital nomads and remote workers, our coliving brand and community aim to create a space that not only meets their practical requirements but also resonates with their values, aspirations, and desire for authentic connections in a fast-paced and ever-changing world of remote work.
Our design approach at Urselmann Interior is inherently cost-effective and financially sustainable due to several key strategies. By sourcing materials from deconstructed buildings and other projects, we can reduce the cost of raw materials. We follow the principle of ""design follows availability."" This means that we design with the materials we have, minimizing waste and reducing the need for new resources. This approach requires meticulous planning but results in a more efficient use of materials, reducing costs in the long run. Additionally, our design process incorporates modular and flexible elements that can be easily adapted or reconfigured, which reduces the need for costly renovations or replacements in the future.
Our manufacturing and design process is centered around sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. We actively seek out materials that can be reused or repurposed, such as salvaging elements from demolition sites like the glass partitions from a building in DĂŒsseldorf. These materials are carefully dismantled, transported, and reintegrated into our new designs. We adhere to Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design principles, ensuring that all materials can be safely cycled back into the environment or reused. This approach requires rigorous selection of materials and innovative design solutions to ensure that everything we create is non-toxic and recyclable. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates closely during the planning phase to ensure that all aspects of the project align with our sustainability goals.
Coco Community is a coliving club dedicated to international entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals. We combine private places to live, and a shared space to work and socialize, with like-minded people, in the heart of Paris, France.
Co-living, for us, is a space in which to implement a lifestyle based on collaboration and sharing, which aims to guarantee an excellent quality of common life. The spaces and design are designed to encourage meeting and exchange between residents, cultivating the values ââof solidarity, sharing and collaboration. In our project the ethics of sharing is highlighted by the concept of learning and developing new skills from others, this through spaces dedicated to dialogue and discussion. The innovative discovery of our project is to apply the concert of sharing to that of flexibility, which is found in the spaces and paths within the structure. Everyone has a personal path that leads to the growth of the individual, but interfaced within a group, it leads to growth of the same.
In the city of Aachen, POHA has created an ecosystem with 3 Houses and 3 unique Cospace products, redefining the concept of home.
With fully furnished apartments and spacious community spaces, POHA residents find both privacy and new connections and experiences whenever they seek them.
POHA gives home office a whole other meaning through integrating a dedicated coworking spaces in its buildings.
POHA blurs the lines between temporary stays and permanent residences by offering a place where everybody can feel at home and is part of a community.
And it doesnât just stop with the buildings. The POHA App serves as a local guide to the neighbourhood and gives everyone access to a network of partners and benefits.
The concept of coliving is a rental housing model where biologically unrelated individuals live in the same dwelling, typically managed by a professional host (company) in a system that often includes utilities. My research focuses on the private room concept, which is the most important component of the coliving housing model.
It aims to find the best solution for users from different cultures to feel a sense of ownership in their private room, which is the only space exclusively theirs in coliving accommodations, by designing various layout models for this space. The outputs obtained from the project will be transformed into a program that can automatically plan coliving room layouts suitable for user diversity.
POHA House creates sustainable Cospaces to live, work and come together under one roof. We provide a range of high-quality furnished flats, flexible offices and community spaces that offer unrivalled comfort and eco-friendly design. Driven to make experience-driven living the norm, POHA House is a place to find community and friendship, no matter if itâs from down the street or across the world. Overall, our mission is to create spaces that have a positive impact. Currently live in MĂŒnster and Aachen, coming to DĂŒsseldorf, Hamburg and Essen.
What makes POHA House different?
POHA House offers three core products that can work together or on their own for a hassle-free experience. POHA provides Cospaces, a combination of living (POHA House), working (POHA Office) Â and short-stay (POHA Stay) spaces.
POHA House: Furnished private studios and shared apartments that really feel like home. Designed to maximum resident comfort all the while keeping the planet in mind.
POHA Office: An atmosphere that is meant to boost creativity, increase productivity and connect with fellow innovators. Our work spaces are ideal for growing startups and established businesses.
POHA Stay: Cosy short-stay flats that are perfect for residents who want to host overnight guests, or for businesses who may need to accommodate a client or new employee.
POHA Space: The heart of every POHA House which includes a variety of spaces that are designed to feel like your own, making it easy to create life-long memories with the rest of the POHA community. Spaces such as comfy lounge areas, private dining and outdoor spaces such as a garden or a rooftop terrace. Workouts, movie nights, and outdoor experiences are organised by our team and shared in our POHA App.
Focus on Wellbeing which includes two core ideals: Wellness for people through holistic self-care in mind and body, and wellness for the planet through intentionally prioritising the health of our environment This looks like making sustainable living more accessible for our residents through workshops, offsetting, as well as the integration of positive-impact living in everything we do.
The concept of POHA House hits the Zeitgeist. All buildings filled up quickly after their opening and can maintain a high level of occupancy level since then. Even though we are just getting started we already maintain a rating level between4-5 stars.
Impact Strategy
Utopiâs 3 pillars for providing value to our customers and stakeholders:
1. Â Data Analytics & ESG Reporting Platforms(via Utopi Connect).
-Includes heatmaps, reports, alerts, and insights automatically emailed to the relevant personnel.
-ï»żï»żIdentify and manage outliers to minimise energy waste.
-Detect maintenance issues early to prevent costly repairs.
-Gain ultimate visibility over asset performance with real-time data and historical trends.
-Monitor and ensure resident wellbeing.
2. Â Temperature Controls.
-Implement passive interventions using smart temperature control technology.
-ï»żï»żAchieve immediate return on investment with minimal operator intervention.
-ï»żï»ż20% energy savings in the first year.
-Reduce energy outliers immediately by setting maximum temperature limits.
-Set rules to automatically decrease temperature in unoccupied spaces.
3. Â Tenant Engagement Solutions.
-Increase savings up to 30%+.
-The Utopi Resident App provides information to residents to help educate and drive behavioural change.
-Set automated challenges through the App with incentives to engage residents in reducing temperatures.
-Run email, outlier, and whole-site campaigns using digital tools provided by Utopi to educate and engage residents on energy-saving practices.
Impact Metrics
Social:
We empower multi-tenant assets to reduce their carbon footprint with real-time insights, but without engagement with residents, real positive change canât be achieved, so we engage with residents via:âŻ
Resident App: Gamifying real-time energy consumption data. Residents can see how their footprint compares to others in their building, see occupancy in communal areas, and change behaviours.âŻ
Resident Communications: We use our 6+ billion environmental data points to engage residents directly, by creating custom marketing campaigns based on current behaviours and insights.
Environmental:
Utopiâs solutions have helped building operators and owners save approximately 2,000 tonnes of carbon, no insignificant achievement. Utopi can reduce carbon emissions by 20-30%, and has produced savings of almost 70,000kg of CO2 in one asset in just one heating season.
Economic:
Our solution is transformative:âŻ
Designed to generate ROI in 12 monthsâŻ
Reduce utility costs and carbon emissions by 20-30%âŻ
Improve ESG performance by 20%âŻ
Gain access to Green Capital under SFDR Article 8
The project was delivered within three months of the anticipated completion date. The minor delay was due to a number of last minute statutory changes as a result of the incoming Building Safety Act 2022 and extra consultation with the London Fire Brigade.
However during this delay to the programme, we were able to use the time to undertake building mobilisation activities, such as furniture and gym equipment fit out, artwork, training, Â marketing and building tours. This allowed for a smooth transition into operation and the stellar lease up period.
There was a huge demand for the scheme with over 2,300 people on the initial interest list before opening and a fully let building within seven weeks. Residents tend to be people who previously looked to rent in converted HMOs of poor quality, security and facilities. The scheme has proved particularly popular with females due to 24-hour concierge, and secure self-contained rooms which are often lacking in a shared houses or apartments.
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In the presentation :)
Branding & marketing:
What is / what has been your marketing, communications and branding process and strategy? What are some of the innovative marketing, communications and branding techniques you use as a nomad coliving brand?
- We work closely with manufacturers to ensure they produce appliances that are more energy efficient and prioritise a component-led design. This approach emphasises maintenance over replacement, promoting longevity.
- We frequently host webinars with stakeholders in the industry, including developers, investors, OEMâs, and service providers to educate the importance of sustainability within the built environment.
- With increasing IoT integration in household appliances, Iterum keeps consumers informed with real-time data, promoting energy conscious behaviours and allowing for proactive and preventative maintenance.
Community strategies:
- Partying â our community parties offer a chance to laugh and express emotions freely.
- Networking â success often hinges on strong connections. Various events and developed common areas on izzzi.life Mint facilitate meeting people who can mutually benefit each other.
- Sharing â a community chat is more than just a tool for managing information and services, itâs a hub for our guests to connect, share insights, seek advice, and offer help. Moderators set the tone with openness and courtesy, creating a safe space for requests and delightful small talks.
- âWorkatingâ â coworking space âizzzi-working stationâ features both common and individual zones, and quality workspace in each apartment category were designed to seamlessly blend work and relaxation without stress.
- Joying â we aim to develop shared social networks across izzzi.life worldwide to enhance guest experiences with broader communication, virtual tours, and themed events using teleconferencing.
- Experiencing â when it comes to unique events, our guests love exploring the traditions of holidays from around the world and eagerly share ideas for future gatherings.
- âizzzi-beingâ â apart from keeping everything spotless and ensuring optimal rest, we prioritize our guestsâ health. They can stay fit with our gym, sport courts by the pool, and rooftop areas. Plus, they get nutritious compliments like brain-boosting nuts. Our breakfast partner serves up healthy meals to start the day well.
- Collaborating â we are always finding new ways to engage our community and attract new members. Our project appeals to young and ambitious influencers who often become guests. We collaborate with tour agencies to offer personalized entertainment options. We also share only trusted recommendations from restaurants, useful apps, and âsecretâ locations approved by our community managers.
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We are tracking the number of event participants and working on improving awareness of joint activities by refining the check-in regulations and enhancing our marketing tools. These tools include a community chat, social media, website, and digital advertising displays within the building.
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Variand incorporates sustainability and modularity into its products through the use of high-quality, durable materials and a design that emphasizes longevity and adaptability. The furniture system utilizes solid wood, high-quality plywood, and powder-coated sheet metal, all chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. The modular design of the furniture pieces allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly, promoting reuse and reconfiguration.
This modularity supports a circular design philosophy by enabling parts to be easily replaced or repurposed, reducing waste and extending the product's life cycle.
We make sure our spaces are built thinking of the tenants, but also thinking of the impact on the planet. We have strict specifications in terms of environmental impact and durability for all furniture (second hand are favoured, wood must be certified FSC or PEFC, fabrics must be labelled Oekotex, derived wood must be <E1, Martingale must be above 50 000...).
We create modular spaces where the tenant feels comfortable. We surveyed our tenants last year, in our current colivings and it was confirmed that most of our tenants eat at least once a week altogether and that the kitchen bar is the most frequented place in our houses. As a result, we systematically favour an open kitchen to facilitate a modular use of the space and foster the community around this space.
We also designed our bedroom furniture set, built by a manufacturer based in Lille, France. They are of course made of certified wood, are thought to last and can fit in every space. The bed has drawers integrated, as tenants often tell us they lack storage space. It is thought (and tested!) to be solid and last years (contrary to most storage beds on the market). We also created a modular bedside table, that can also be used as storage under the desk, or an additional seat (yes, you can sit on it, and not break it, as for the desk, for that matter!). We created a series of bed headboards, fitting all room sizes and shapes, that became a must-have in our project to protect the wall and ensure a long-lasting design in our rooms. Finally, we made sure to minimise the number of different materials used for these furniture, to endure their recyclability and circularity.
Our vision and mission are to build thriving communities that elevate city living. Through renting thatâs stress-free, social and has a positive impact. The Folk brand was born from a desire to make renting better. Weâre here to set a new standard for renting. One thatâs designed around the needs of the people today: one that offers city renters the connection, flexibility, ease, sustainability and great design they want from their homes. We're made for the everyday folk who want more than the everyday.
Folks core values are connection, comfort and contribution, resonate with our target residents: open minded-people from ages 20-50+ who are looking to live in London.
We created strong sub-identities for each of our properties, and we use digital marketing and innovative approaches, such as influencer marketing, to reach our audience.
Our marketing team creates digital campaigns that reflect our brand identity. They have also developed branded toolkits, guidelines, and templates which are shared with representatives at each site. All team members are trained on how to represent the Folk brand at every touchpoint, from move-in and welcome to events and newsletters. The result is a cohesive brand that sounds, looks and feels the same no matter where on their journey our customers are.
Digital marketing forms a huge part of our strategy. We use Facebook and Instagram paid advertising, Google search keywords and third party display adverts to both target new customers and re-target those whoâve visited our website but havenât yet enquired. Our website is our greatest source of enquiries, with over half a million visitors and 25,000 enquiries since it launched in early 2022.
Innovative marketing is at the heart of what we do. We believe nobody tells the brand story better than our âFolkâ, so we put our residents and team at the forefront of our marketing. We believe in constantly testing new marketing techniques, Our influencer posts have an average engagement rate of 3.63%, a strong performance against the industry benchmark of 1-3 %.
Over the last two years, we have developed these partnerships:
- Regione Puglia â Puglia Orizzonti â Mare a Sinistra: we collaborated with Regione Puglia to their #MareAsinistra initiative. It was  to attract and support technological and creative talents. This strategy brought international talents, digital nomads, returning Apulians, and new investors to Puglia, involving universities, institutions, businesses, and investment funds.
- Emma Taveri - CEO of Destination Makers: We teamed up with Emma Taveri to make Puglia a welcoming region where people can live, work, and thrive.
- German Accelerator (Betahaus): Our partnership with Beta Haus (https://www.betahaus.com/) connected us with the German startup ecosystem, fostering international collaboration and growth.
- Orma Guides: We partnered with Orma, an app for sustainable guides, by incorporating some of their activities to promote sustainable, low-impact, and regenerative initiatives for the local community.
What is / what has been your marketing, communications, and branding process and strategy as it relates to scaling operations?
Our branding strategy revolves around the ensĆ, symbolizing unity and completeness, which aligns with our mission to unite people into cohesive communities. We combine modern aesthetics with a welcoming, homely feel to attract young professionals and digital nomads. Our consistent visual identity spans online marketing, physical spaces, and community events, ensuring a strong and recognizable presence.
What are some of the innovative marketing, communications, and branding techniques you use as a shared living brand?
Digital Marketing and Data Analytics: Tailored campaigns and SEO efforts maximize engagement and conversion rates.
Social Media and Influencer Partnerships: Interactive content and influencer collaborations enhance brand visibility.
Virtual Tours and Interactive Content: Immersive experiences attract prospective residents.
Community-Driven Events: Events strengthen resident engagement and showcase the Enso lifestyle.
SEM and Meta Ads: Targeted advertising reaches the right audience.
Content Marketing and Blogging: Thought leadership and valuable insights establish industry authority.
How do you ensure consistent messaging and brand identity across various locations and expansion phases?
We maintain consistent messaging and brand identity through a unified visual style, strategic marketing efforts, and regular communication updates across all platforms and locations. Our branding guidelines ensure that every aspect of Enso Coliving, from online presence to physical spaces, reflects our core values and mission.
Conceived by a digital nomad, Kiin Living's journey from an idea to reality has been facilitated through strategic partnerships and innovative collaborations
Initial and Strategic Partnerships:
DRIM (Real Estate Management): Our primary collaboration with DRIM, a leading firm in real estate management and project development, laid the foundational stone for Kiin Living. This partnership ensured expert oversight and execution aligned with our visionary standards.
Construction and Design Partnerships:
G4 Constructors and Espacio Blanco: Both G4 Constructors for building and Espacio Blanco for furnishings believed in the project's potential, contributing their services in exchange for equity, which underscored their commitment and confidence in our innovative coliving model.
Employee Investment Initiative:
PAVII: An inventive scheme introduced, allowing employees from 2becommerce (the digital marketing firm founded by Kiin's creator), to invest in the project. This initiative promoted long-term engagement and financial security.
Community Engagement and Local Integration:
Networking and Local Collaboration: We actively host events that facilitate interactions between âKiinersâ and local entities, promoting cultural integration and supporting local businesses. This strategy enhances the communal living experience and solidifies Kiin Living as a cultural and social hub within MedellĂn.
â The most significant innovation lies in the seamless integration of the apartments with a coworking space within the same building, called Vertical Firmeza. Situated in the downtown area, the building not only offers proximity to the city center but also serves as a vertical neighborhood. This unique setup provides residents with convenient access to a workspace within their residential complex, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
â The building now serves as a multifunctional hub, accommodating various activities and exhibitions that celebrate the cultural richness of Porto. This transformation not only maximizes the utility of the space but also contributes to the revitalization of the neighborhood, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community atmosphere.
â Beyond its prime location, the building's coworking space offers residents a dedicated area to work away from home. This not only enhances productivity but also encourages networking and idea exchange within a supportive community environment. By breaking down the barriers between living and working spaces, the design promotes a holistic lifestyle that caters to the needs of modern urban dwellers.
â Due to the layout of the apartments, it favours flexible use. While it's great for relaxation at the end of a day of exploration or work, it also adapts to social gatherings or even work meetings. The overall design, including FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), materials, and finishes, plays a crucial role in enhancing both the operator and guest experiences.
â In terms of operational experience, the thoughtful selection of durable materials and finishes ensures ease of maintenance and housekeeping. Furniture and fixtures are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practicality and longevity. With durable materials and finishes, operators can maintain the apartments more efficiently, reducing downtime for maintenance and enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the layout and design contribute to a seamless housekeeping experience. Spaces are designed for easy navigation, with clear pathways and intuitive layouts that facilitate efficient cleaning and maintenance routines. This not only streamlines operations but also ensures a consistently high standard of cleanliness and upkeep, enhancing the overall guest experience.
â
Many property managers struggle with efficiently managing their properties. Traditional methods often involve complex spreadsheets or numerous (outdated) software tools with lots of manual steps and integration needs, leading to errors and inefficiencies. For companies looking to manage a large number of rental units, one of the biggest barriers to scale is the lack of automation. The implication is that organizations, that want to build and manage more properties, are unable to do so because their systems cannot handle a significant increase in properties. Additionally, community building is crucial to remain competitive in the market. Building a community requires time, but if all available time is spent on operational management of the properties, there is no time left. Our clients need a streamlined, automated system that enables them to scale effectively without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency, allowing them to focus on building strong communities.
Our platform streamlines all property operations by automating the full tenant journey. This includes tenant onboarding, with contracts automatically generated and sent for signing, rents automatically requested and site inspections recorded via an app (link to blog). It also covers financial tracking and automatic invoicing and payments, which reduces errors and saves time. Additionally, it places a great emphasis on community building and tenant experiences using a tenant app for efficient and clear communication with tenants. This transforms property operators into community managers, helping them stand out in the market. Furthermore, Powerhouse provides deep insights into financial performance, equipping operators with crucial data to further improve their operations and effectively scale their business.
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At Wanna Colive, our marketing and branding strategy is centered around creating a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with students and aligns with their values and lifestyle. Our process involves several key components:
Market Research: We conduct extensive research to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of our target audienceâstudents. This includes surveys, focus groups, and analyzing market trends.
Brand Identity: Our brand identity is built on the principles of community, connectivity, and growth. We use a vibrant and youthful visual identity that appeals to students, with a consistent color scheme, logo, and messaging across all platforms.
Content Creation: We create engaging content that showcases the benefits of living at Wanna Colive. This includes, videos, social media content, and testimonials from current residents or employees.
Digital Marketing: Our primary marketing channels are digital. We leverage social media, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and online advertising to reach our audience.
Partnerships and Collaborations: We partner with universities, student organizations, and influencers to increase our brand visibility and credibility.
Innovative Marketing, Communications, and Branding Techniques
Social Media Campaigns: We run targeted social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we will be opening a Tik Tok account soon. These campaigns include interactive content such as polls, Q&A sessions, and tours of our coliving spaces.
Influencer Marketing: We collaborate with student influencers who share their experiences living at Wanna Colive, providing authentic and relatable content that resonates with potential residents.
Tours: We offer tours of our facilities where prospective residents can learn more about our coliving spaces, ask questions, and meet current residents on first hand.
User-Generated Content: We encourage our residents to share their experiences on social media using specific hashtags. This not only increases our online presence but also provides authentic testimonials from real users.
Community Events and Activities: We organize events and activities that are both fun and educational. These events are promoted through our social media channels and newsletters, creating a sense of community and engagement.
Measurement and Adaptation
We continuously measure the effectiveness of our marketing strategies through analytics and feedback. We use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights & ads, and customer surveys to track our performance and make data-driven decisions. This allows us to adapt our strategies to better meet the needs of our audience and stay ahead of market trends.
As the popularity for remote working and digital nomadic lifestyles increases, operators are typically managing a geographically diverse property portfolio. A centralised system, like res:harmonics, is therefore required to run operations and automate processes, to enable the business to scale, saving time, and reducing overhead costs for operators.
However, a property system management must also be able to handle multiple stay lengths, as demand for flexible stays grows.
As traditional property management software can only handle one type of stay, res:harmonics has developed a unique âblended stayâ model across short, medium, and long-term bookings. Our ability to support flexible stays maximises the financial performance of buildings while creating vibrant communities with increased customer retention.
Coliving is shifting from a property business to a housing-as-a-service subscription model, Â with a broad appeal across multiple demographics. Operatorsâ chosen PropTech partner must then be able to support these offerings, for an effortless end-user experience.
At res:harmonics, our selection of best-in-class tools facilitates seamless user experiences, from automated billing, streamlining payments, and digital keys, empowering coliving residents to move easily between locations without downloading yet another app or booking software.
As a nomad coliving brand, our marketing, communications, and branding process and strategy are carefully crafted to resonate with our target audience of digital nomads and remote workers. Some of the innovative techniques we use include:
1. **Digital Marketing:** We leverage digital channels such as social media, targeted online advertising, and email campaigns to reach our audience effectively. By creating engaging content that speaks to the values and lifestyle of digital nomads, we connect with our community on platforms where they are most active.
2. **Influencer Partnerships:** Collaborating with influencers and thought leaders within the digital nomad community allows us to amplify our brand message and reach a wider audience. By partnering with individuals who embody the nomadic lifestyle, we enhance our credibility and visibility within the community.
3. **Community Engagement:** We prioritize building a strong online and offline community through interactive events, workshops, and networking opportunities. By fostering engagement and creating a sense of belonging among our residents, we strengthen brand loyalty and advocacy within our community. Our community manager constantly organizes events for residents. It can be: yoga, boxing club, master class on planting plants and painting pictures, dancing, trips to surfing or climbing mountains, parties, barbecue evenings, networking, thematic events about cultures of peoples.
4. **Storytelling:** We use storytelling as a powerful tool to convey our brand's values, mission, and unique selling points. By sharing authentic stories of residents, events, and experiences within our coliving spaces, we create an emotional connection with our audience and differentiate ourselves in a competitive market.
5. **Sustainability Initiatives:** Incorporating sustainability initiatives into our branding strategy not only aligns with the values of our target audience but also sets us apart as a socially responsible brand. By highlighting our commitment to eco-friendly practices and community impact, we appeal to environmentally conscious digital nomads and remote workers.
6. **Partnerships with Local Businesses:** Collaborating with local businesses and organizations allows us to offer unique experiences and services to our residents, while also supporting the local community. By showcasing these partnerships in our marketing efforts, we enhance our brand's reputation and provide added value to our residents.
By combining these innovative marketing, communications, and branding techniques, we are able to create a compelling brand identity that resonates with digital nomads and remote workers, positioning us as a leading coliving brand that caters to their specific needs and aspirations.
At Urselmann Interior, our commitment to sustainability, biophilia, circular design, and modularity is evident in every aspect of our projects. We prioritize the use of innovative and sustainable materials to create environments that are both eco-friendly and conducive to well-being. By integrating elements of biophilia, we bring nature indoors, enhancing the connection between occupants and the natural world. This is achieved through the extensive use of reclaimed wood, which not only provides a warm, natural aesthetic but also reduces the need for new timber, thereby lowering our environmental impact.
One of our standout projects involves the use of reclaimed construction wood from a supermarket display hall that was destined for disposal. This wood has been repurposed for large interior partitions and bespoke furniture pieces within our community spaces, showcasing its versatility and aesthetic appeal. By salvaging and reusing this material, we significantly reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
Our design philosophy also embraces circularity by ensuring that all materials can be easily separated and recycled at the end of their life cycle. For instance, we use Cradle to Cradle certified materials wherever possible. This includes linoleum flooring and textile upholstery for refurbished lounge chairs, which are not only sustainable but also enhance the longevity and durability of our designs. Additionally, our custom-made terraces feature WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, offering a sustainable and durable solution for outdoor furniture.
We always envisioned our positioning to be within a premium space in the coliving category. Therefore, we employed the services of a luxury branding & communications agency, The Letter O. who specialize in the luxury sector and have several high-end hotels in their portfolio of clients..
Our marketing efforts have remained strongly organic. Besides monetary actions to increase our Google rankings, we have built our community through strong word-of-mouth referrals, repeat business, and an authentic social media presence. At this point, we have not embarked on any paid advertising or social media advertising.
Olos is an ambitious co-living project by focused on the restoration of the San Lorenzo convent, an important historical site located in Sondrio, a picturesque city in Lombardy, Italy. Sondrio is nestled in the enchanting Valtellina, renowned for its lush vineyards and rich historical-cultural heritage. During our project development journey, we had the valuable opportunity to visit this charming city and interact with its people and natural environment.
Our team conducted a thorough and detailed analysis, both geographically and regarding the local population and typical activities of the area. This allowed us to propose a design solution that perfectly harmonized with the essence of the place. A crucial aspect of our study was the exploration of local culinary traditions. We conducted meticulous research on the typical dishes offered by the region to integrate and further enhance them within our project, making them even more unique and valuable for our guests.
Our project stands out for offering original services that are absent in the existing hotels in the area. To achieve this goal, we carefully studied all competitors, striving to be as innovative and original as possible. In this context, we identified three different target groups, divided by age and categories, each based on specific interests. This allowed us to propose a range of activities suitable for each group, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience for all guests.
The heart of the Olos project is achieving personal balance through a series of activities involving the body, mind, and nature. Our design approach involves creating rooms and laboratories equipped with flexible furniture, allowing guests to personalize their spaces and engage in interactive experiences. Within the structure, guests can choose from various paths designed to meet the needs and desires of each individual.
Another distinctive element of the Olos project is the adoption of biophilic and sustainable design, making our intervention particularly relevant in the current context. We have paid great attention to integrating natural elements and environmental sustainability, creating spaces that promote guests' well-being and respect the surrounding environment. To ensure the success and sustainability of our project, we have identified potential partners who share our values and could support the structure, creating synergies and mutual benefits.
In conclusion, Olos is not just a restoration project but an initiative aimed at transforming the San Lorenzo convent into a place of encounter and personal growth, where individual well-being and sustainable relationships between people, architecture, and nature are at the core of the experience. With an innovative vision and profound attention to local tradition and culture, the Olos project aims to offer a unique and cutting-edge co-living model capable of meeting the needs of the modern world.
âPOHA House is more than a home, it's a platform to connect. Through the POHA App residents and office members can sign up for community events in the community spaces of their house or in the neighbourhood, they can find local hotspots and the favorite places of the local POHA team and reach out to their neighbours to meet for coffee or a game night.
Through the community events that are hosted by the POHA community team or fellow residents everyone gets the chance to experience something new, widen their horizon and meet new friends or business partners.
POHA Brand Partners can also host events and contribute to the community while promoting their products and services. Twice a month the community spaces can be rented for external events.
But also the house itself offers plenty of space to connect with others. At POHA we aim to make experience-driven living the norm. We offer a cozy fully furnished apartment where people find privacy and everything they need to live conveniently. In the rent everything is included: super fast WIFI, utilities, electricity, access to the community spaces and regular events. Our residents have to worry about nothing, we take care of everything.
Rise of urban population in developed countries, has resulted problems such as inadequate housing stock, increase in cost of living, smaller living spaces, and un-controlled immigrations, which force individuals to look for alternative housing options. In line with this issue, coliving is one of the housing options emerged as an alternative and refers to individuals sharing the same living space with people whom they are not biologically related to, or familiar in any way. Interests in coliving residences has been increased in many countries worldwide. Within the coliving housing, the design and layout of private rooms are considered as the most crucial subject since rooms are served as a space for privacy and many other personal activities. The cultural differences, privacy norms, religious beliefs, and lifestyles of coliving occupants will significantly influence the layout of private rooms, and offering variety of alternatives for room layouts by coliving companies will enhance the quality of life for their occupants.
Due to the critical role of rooms in coliving housing, this study has explored the historical and architectural development of coliving housing, specially by looking at best examples in Europe and establish a model including variety of room typologies that will provide a quality living environment for coliving occupants. As a result, six types of main room typology is established with a total number of 132.539 layout typologies. Each layout, with its different location for furnishings and circulation of the room, serve a different userâs needs; therefore create a framework with multiple room design typologies that would support livable room spaces. Findings from current study contributes to develop and design coliving housing both theoretically and practically. Additionally, this study can be used as a design resource for firms and designers who are or would be involved with coliving housing.
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POHA House developed a modern yet timeless brand that is based on the three core values Impact, Audacity and Wellbeing. The POHA brand identity is simple, honest and uncluttered â it features a logo that uses gently customised letterforms which help to create a distinguished, contemporary marque. This is set against a colour palette of cool urban tones of blues, greens and neutrals which are disrupted by flashes of a warm, bright yellow. The brand typography is clean and crisp allowing for a direct tone of voice to be employed that communicates to a young, savvy generation that appreciates a straightforward approach.
The POHA Marketing Strategy follows a 360° Approach that covers all touch points of the customer journey. As part of the process personas have been developed that help to understand the needs and buying behaviours of our target group. Through the mapping of customer journeys for each Persona we were able to identify the right touchpoints, channels and messages.
The heart of our marketing strategy is a professional CMS system. Through Search Engine Advertising, Housing Portals and Strategic Partnerships with Relocation agencies, Universities, hospitals and big enterprises we gain leads, that are then nurtured though automated email sequences and our sales team. Putting our customers needs first, our team finds the perfect solution for everyone.
Focussing on growth POHA seeks marketing opportunities that help the brand gain more awareness. The brand marketing mix includes sponsoring and hosting events, speaking engagements, social media and contesting for industry awards. But after all POHA aims to surprise with unconventional, unique campaigns that catch people's attention. Please check the presentation for a glimpse.
It's proven that Utopi significantly reduces energy consumption by putting relevant data in the hands of both operators and residents. Our resident app has been purposefully designed to enhance resident and community engagement, through access to personal space data and enticing gamification incentives that reward behaviour change. Demonstrating the direct impact residents can make to their living environment and the planet when they make small yet purposeful changes to their behaviour.
Tools
Resident App: The modern tenant is climate aware and the Utopi resident app is the key to engaging with resident communities and stimulating changes in behaviour. Reducing consumption, carbon, costs and allowing them to play their part in solving the climate crisis. Within the app users can see their performance and get tips on how to reduce their consumption, using gamification to drive engagement from residents and spark changes in behaviours. Â
Communication and Engagement Toolkit: The digital toolkit is a pack of assets sent to Operators and serves to help site teams roll-out the App with ease, allowing them to save time on communicating with residents' pre-challenge and during.â
Campaigns
ââOur unmatched dataset allows us to work with clients to curate custom campaigns to engage residents on reducing their energy usage and living more sustainably. We have supported a number of operators to engage residents and build communities of change. We most recently partnered with Mezzinoâs Compass for the pilot of our Resident App, and ensured we were present to speak to residents and understand their needs, their living behaviours, their wants when it comes to heating and cooling, to ensure we design an App that really speaks to their experience.
Utopi have a customer success team whose sole role is to engage clients with the platform, the data, and help build understanding for real value.
We run regular campaigns to engage residents and help clients get the most value out of Utopi:
-Yugo, The Curve â Smart Temperature Control installed to reduce energy waste, reduced overall average temperature by 4°C which over a heating season is ÂŁ43,800 in utility costs avoided.
-Novel Student - âProgress to Pizzaâ to help engage residents in Riverside to get their avg. temperature down from 24°C to 21°C.
-Carterâs Yard â Resident Engagement Campaign to educate and incentivise residents to reduce their energy consumption. We offered ÂŁ100 amazon vouchers and saw the active asset temperature reduce from 23.1°C to 22.5°C in 1 week, saving them ÂŁ28,443. Thatâs a carbon reduction of 18,669kg and energy reduction of 88,900kWh.
Utopi also completed a Market Validation Report in Q4 2023, where alongside CampusLife completed focus groups with 60 students around the UK to understand what they want, need and care about when it comes to environmental living.
Vita Resident Q&A: The Real Impact of Changing Behaviours.
[Utopi in Partnership with ASK4]
Situation: Helenâs room averaged 17.2kWh per day electricity consumption in November (2023) with an average temperature of 27.8°C.
Task: The Vita site team were sent a monthly report from Utopi of high consumption and temperature spaces and identified this space as a top outlier.â
Action: The site team knocked on Helenâs door, discussed the energy consumption with her and helped educate her on what changes could help the planet. Helen echoes she was keen to work with the site team, regularly checking in on her progress, and was super keen to bring her consumption down. Â â
Result: Helenâs consumption reduced to an average of 10.3kWh per day in January, a reduction of 6.9kWh per day on average. Her average temperature also reduced to by 3.4°C to 24.4°C in January.â
Ultimately, Helenâs daily reduction of 6.9kWh over a 30-day month, would be enough energy to drive to Amsterdam from Southampton in a petrol vehicle. Â
The positive impact of Utopiâs Changing Behaviours campaigns can be seen beyond the numbers (even though they are impressive!). The tools and strategies provided by Utopi open lines of communication between operator and resident, building stronger communities while improving living standards and reducing environmental impact.
Florence Dock includes several direct and indirect measures to reduce embodied carbon, deliver a sustainable building and enable a low-carbon lifestyle. Glazing ratios within each room were carefully considered to minimise overheating, with deep reveals to help with solar shading and openable windows to provide a natural ventilation option for residents. Exposed concrete soffit ceilings to all studios also contribute to cooling through thermal mass.
The all electric development reduces reliance on fossil fuels and ensures the 239 co-living studios and 31 short-stay rooms are working towards the UKâs 2050 net zero strategy.
The fully furnished studios have been meticulously designed to maximise space and light whilst minimising overheating, through appropriately sized windows and exposed concrete soffits. Smart integrated storage, built-in joinery and a calm colour palette have been used thoughtfully in the co-living rooms to give a greater sense of space.
Particularly pertinent in the current economic climate, residents benefit from âall-inâ rents, providing security from rising costs throughout their tenancy, and the whole development is professionally-managed to ensure a safe, attractive and well maintained place to live over the long-term.
The building benefits from strong transport links and encourages those who live here to use sustainable forms of transport, as a zero parking scheme and provision for bicycle spaces at a 1:1 ratio. The development was submitted with a BREEAM Excellent score. The architectural approach for the development was to provide an understated, modern and mature building that would add to the variety of the area and have a timeless quality. Therefore, the architecture has taken inspiration from civic architectural styles to symbolise this approach. The openness of the ground floor intends to move the design away from a typical residential aesthetic and elevate the community space. The façade is made from glass reinforced concrete and is characterised by different textured finishes, a fluting detail and two contrasting colours providing depth and variety. Subtle changes in the grid show the building breaking up as the building rises. The different colours signify changes in the use behind with amenity spaces celebrated at the ground and upper level with the darker material finish and increased glazing.
Spatial design & architecture:
What are the innovative / sustainable building, design, construction and technology methods used for your building(s)? How does your spatial design foster wellbeing, social interaction and community engagement?
Besides the speed, control and predictability of the design & development process we inherently implement our Biobased construction principles. From our mission: 'increasing high quality affordable housing while lowering our environmental impact'.
Boom starts at its core from the belief that we have to implement Biobased construction methods in your construction supply chain. We need to increase the speed of production of affordable housing. The speed should not decrease quality roof housing, neither should it have negative environmental impacts. That's why we at Common City Development have developed BOOM!
A collection of ready-made designs that can fit any location. Biobased construction for affordable prices, since our partner Architects have engineered and designed the Apartment Blocks from the knowledge of our OpenSource Boom-Handbook. Through the process of the Boom-Academy Architects have been intensively guided through their design process to maximise architectural Quality while keeping control of cost-efficiency.
- NPS scores: Gathered via module in the PMS (Property Management System).
- Weekly analysis: Conducted according to company standards.
- Reviews discussed: In "Happiness Directorate" and staff meetings.
- Virtue-based trainings: Complement the review process.
- The NPS Fund: each employee has access to an additional fund to address guests' needs without requiring manager approval, ensuring customer satisfaction.
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The NPS data and review score are presented in the accompanying presentation.
The Variand System fosters wellbeing and community through its interactive and customizable design, which encourages residents to engage creatively with their living spaces. In the coliving space WERK1.4 Coliving, over 80% of residents moved, added, or removed furniture pieces in their apartments, and over 20% exchanged furniture with other residents. This interaction promotes a sense of ownership and community as residents personalize their environments and share resources. Case studies suggest that such engagement enhances creativity and productivity, with residents able to choose from a variety of pictures and art to style their apartments and community spaces. Variand's design also includes practical features like integrated pin-strips, whiteboards, and magnetic rails, which support collaborative and creative activities.
Our coliving buildings are always designed following specific requirements: we have private units, where you have a room with a double bed, a desk and large storage, then you have your bathroom, and sometimes a kitchenette. Then we have what we call ""Semi-commons"": a living room, dining room and kitchen shared by 10 people, where you can live like at home with your extended family: you can come and have breakfast in your pyjamas there, you know all your housemates and this is your space. You can also work there or watch a movie. These semi-commons are created to make sure you have a small community within a bigger coliving building: it is easier to make friends with 10 people at once than with 200! We also add some signage, to help the community to live well together. We for example have a chore board, to split the chores, and eco-friendly tips.
Finally, we have the super-common spaces, shared by the whole residence. There we always have what we call 'a social lounge', where you can meet and play, have a drink or watch a game, we can also have a coworking space, a fitness room or a cinema room.
Folk schemes incorporate a highly sustainable approach to which have been awarded with a BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Some of the key features include:
âą Â Â Â Â 100% of energy from renewable sources.
âą Â Â Â Â Combined heat & power utilises the heat produced as a by-product of electricity generation. This can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30%.
âą Â Â Â Â Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery installed in each home to provide fresh filtered air to residents while creating efficient means of heating the studio.
âą Â Â Â Â Communal water heaters with efficiency of over 95%.
âą Â Â Â Â Solar PV systems installed to reduce electricity demand from the grid.
âą Â Â Â Â Air Source Heat Pumps used to create 300% efficiency vs traditional gas boilers.
âą Â Â Â Â Long lasting LED lighting throughout.
Renting thatâs good for you
We partner with leading architects and designers to make incredible living spaces accessible to residents at an affordable price. We take on resident feedback and use this information to evolve our model. Thomas Downes, Folkâs Design Director, said: âFolkâs spacial design is rooted in its local context, reverberating with the materiality and spirit of the neighbourhood it represents. Its residence thus feel a true sense of belonging hence fostering wellbeing, social interaction and community engagement.â
Sunday Mills won a coveted 2024 RIBA award for outstanding design and 2024 British Homes Awards - Best Community Living Project. The RIBA jury praised the âexcellent share amenities that encourage social interaction and community buildingâ and Folkâs âinnovative shared living model.â âThe architect has ingeniously resolved the siteâs many constraints and efficiently composed living areas with daylit corridors, while creating the many and varied generous facilities throughout. The result is an elegant example of how the needs for density, sustainability and social value can all be delivered at once. British Home awards judges praised Sunday Mills for being âan inclusive, attractive and socially and environmentally sustainable place to live.
Situated in the picturesque countryside of Puglia, our coliving retreat is within easy reach of stunning coastal towns, historic villages, and natural parks.
Hosted by Tenuta Deserto, an 18th-century masseria located in the Salento countryside with 180ha of farmland and olive trees. Not the usual luxury tourist accommodation, the masseria is rather an authentic compound of  rural facilities, stables and stores all restored in guest houses.
Our ideal location embodies an architectural space characterized by flexible and multifunctional spaces, biophilic design, and outdoor amenities. We prioritize the use of locally sourced and sustainable building materials to reduce CO2 emissions and support the local economy.
Features:
- Flexible and Multi-functional Spaces: Our communal areas are designed to be versatile, accommodating various activities and events. This includes co-working spaces that facilitate collaboration among residents, as well as flexible event spaces for workshops, yoga sessions, and cultural gatherings.
- Outdoor Amenities: the outdoor spaces, including gardens, terraces, swimming pool and recreational areas, are designed to encourage outdoor living and socializing. Residents can engage in outdoor activities, host gatherings, or simply relax amidst nature.
- Interactive Art Installations and Cultural Events: We curate art installations and cultural events that reflect the local heritage and artistic expressions. These initiatives stimulate creativity, provoke thought, and promote dialogue among residents and visitors.
Through these innovative building methods and thoughtful spatial design principles, LamĂŹa Feedel aims to create a sustainable, enriching, and inclusive community where guests can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
What are the innovative / sustainable building, design, construction, and technology methods used for your building(s) and in particular to support the expansion of your coliving portfolio?
Enso integrates sustainable building practices and advanced technology in its design and construction processes. This includes energy-efficient materials, smart home systems for better energy management, and modular construction techniques that reduce environmental impact. These practices support the expansion of our coliving portfolio by ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
How does your spatial design foster wellbeing, social interaction, and community engagement?
Our spatial design prioritizes wellbeing and social interaction. Common areas are designed to be inviting and conducive to socializing, while private spaces ensure comfort and privacy. The layout encourages residents to engage with each other, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Thoughtful amenities and communal activities further enhance social interaction and community engagement.
How do you approach design and construction to facilitate scalable growth while prioritizing sustainability and resident comfort?
We use modular construction techniques and sustainable materials to quickly scale operations while minimizing environmental impact. Resident comfort is prioritized through thoughtful design that balances communal and private spaces, ensuring a high quality of living. Our sustainable practices ensure long-term viability and a positive impact on the environment.
Kiin Living's architectural design prioritizes both environmental efficiency and resident well-being, utilizing innovative techniques to optimize the building's functionality and comfort.
Sustainable Features:
Facade Configuration: Unique design with spacious balconies and cantilevered structures ensures privacy while maximizing natural light and ventilation.
Vertical Greenery: Incorporating vegetation into the facade enhances aesthetics and improves air quality.
Strategic Openings: Promote natural ventilation, reducing reliance on air conditioning.
UV-Minimizing Windows: Regulate temperature fluctuations and maintain a comfortable indoor climate.
Fostering Well-being and Community:
Integrated Living Spaces: Apartments seamlessly blend rest and work areas with advanced soundproofing for a peaceful environment.
Top-Floor Oasis: The rooftop features a pool, gym, and bar, offering panoramic views and a social hub for residents.
Community-Focused Amenities: A café, restaurant, and yoga shala are strategically placed throughout the building to encourage interaction and connection.
Versatile Restaurant Stage: Provides a platform for residents and guests to lead activities, fostering cultural exchange and community engagement.
Coliving and corporate community are innovative concepts that reshape how people live and work together. Co-living involves individuals sharing housing to foster a sense of community, collaboration, and resource-sharing, transcending traditional models with communal amenities and flexible leases. Corporate community refers to a network of like-minded professionals and organizations promoting innovation, collaboration, and growth, whether in physical coworking spaces or virtual forums. Both concepts prioritize connectivity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging in today's evolving society, encouraging new ways of living and working.
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Powerhouse significantly improves the user and community experience. With our tenant app, tenants can easily communicate, submit maintenance requests, fill in inspection forms themselves and access important documents. This leads to better interaction and higher satisfaction among tenants. Additionally, by automating processes such as contract generation and site inspections, tenants receive faster and more efficient assistance, further enhancing their overall experience.
In terms of operational efficiency, Powerhouse excels by automating various tasks such as rent and deposit requests, payment tracking, and maintenance management. This automation reduces the workload for property managers and minimizes errors, ensuring a smoother operation. Additionally, the PowerCheck feature provides an up-to-date overview of which tasks still need to be completed for tenant onboarding, saving time and ensuring a seamless process (link to blog).
Powerhouse also offers substantial optimizations. Through detailed data analysis, the platform provides deep insights into financial and operational performance, allowing operators to optimize their processes and achieve greater efficiencies. Built on the number one CRM, Salesforce, Powerhouse enables seamless integrations with existing systems, ensuring a streamlined workflow. The Salesforce platform offers flexibility and adaptability, allowing property operators to further optimize their processes within the platform.
Sustainability is another key area where Powerhouse adds value. By using digital solutions for inspections, contracts, and communication, our platform significantly reduces the need for paper, contributing to a more sustainable operation.
At Wanna Colive, we prioritize innovative and sustainable building practices to create environmentally friendly and efficient living spaces. Our approach includes:
Energy Efficiency: Our buildings are designed with energy-efficient systems, including LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption.
Water Conservation: We implement water-saving technologies such as low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets to conserve water.
Waste Management: We have robust recycling programs and composting initiatives to manage waste effectively and promote sustainability among residents.
Design and Technology Innovations
Smart Home Technology: Our buildings are equipped with smart home technology, including keyless entry systems, smart lighting, and climate control systems that enhance convenience and energy efficiency.
Biophilic Design: Incorporating elements of nature into our design, such as natural lighting, ventilation, and indoor plants, to improve the wellbeing and comfort of our residents.
Spatial Design for Wellbeing, Social Interaction, and Community Engagement
Common Areas: We have spacious and well-designed common areas, including lounges, kitchens, and dining spaces, where residents can relax, cook, and socialize. These areas are furnished to be comfortable and inviting, encouraging residents to spend time together.
Study and Work Spaces: Dedicated study rooms and coworking areas are provided to support academic and professional activities. These spaces are designed to be quiet, well-lit, and conducive to concentration and productivity.
Recreational Facilities: Our buildings feature recreational facilities such as terrace, barbecue spot and outdoor spaces where residents can unwind, exercise, and engage in recreational activities.
Design for Accessibility: Our buildings are designed to be accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment.
Fostering Wellbeing and Community Engagement
Natural Light and Ventilation: Our design prioritizes ample natural light and ventilation, creating a healthy living environment that enhances mood and wellbeing.
Community Activities: We organize regular community activities and events, such as movie nights, to foster social interaction and a sense of community among residents.
Collaborative Spaces: Our design includes collaborative spaces that encourage interaction and teamwork, such as communal dining areas and shared lounges.
Privacy and Personal Space: While we encourage community engagement, we also respect the need for privacy. Our design includes private rooms and quiet zones where residents can retreat and relax.
Feedback and Improvement: We continuously seek feedback from our residents to improve our spaces and services, ensuring that our design and operations meet their needs and enhance their living experience.
Todayâs tech-savvy coliving residents expect digital processes in all aspects of their lives. With key features including: the guest portal and white-label guest app, and automated check-in and check-out processes, res:harmonics helps operators provide an excellent resident experience.
GUEST PORTAL:
- An interactive web-based application giving residents greater control over activities and amenities in coliving properties.
- The digital Town Hall notice boards for user guides and notices, keeping guests abreast of upcoming events
- A point of contact to raise support or maintenance issues in real-time. Resolving issues improves customer satisfaction.
- The ability to buy additional services and recurring services.
- Bulk resident messaging allows efficient, personalised communication based on location and stay type.
WHITE-LABEL GUEST APP:
- Recognising the importance of community building in coliving, the white-label guest app uses unified messaging to collaborate with hosts.
- Empowering residents to host their own social functions, from games nights to yoga sessions, and invite their fellow residents.
- Residents can use the app to pay bills, or view automatically generated invoices month-on-month.
- Guests can book in-stay extras, such as spa treatments, automatically receiving access codes to unlock doors.
AUTOMATED CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
- Automated check-in and check-out online and with onsite kiosks, reducing admin time and overhead costs on team members.
- Enables the check-in experience to occur even before arrival, with automated emails keeping residents informed and excited about their upcoming stay.
- Incoming residents are automatically assigned digital keys before check-in and until check-out, enabling access to certain spaces for specific events and at designated times.
Overall, software automation frees up the hostsâ time to focus on providing excellent resident experience and directly facilitating community. Â
As buildings become smarter, cost-saving efficiencies can be enabled across colivingâs operations but only if the software replacing hardware is seamlessly integrated. With one easy-to-use platform, providers can efficiently manage operations and properties, and meet resident expectations.
Operators optimise profitability and deliver across the customer journey to:
- Attract - operators reach a wide number of people from a variety of channels to maximise sales, take online bookings, enquiries and use the sales pipeline to track and report.
- Perform - by optimising the most profitable way of managing occupancy, operators maximise their portfolio performance, manage rates, revenue, and finances.
- Deliver - operators delight customers at every touchpoint, including at arrival and departure, and thanks to streamlined housekeeping, service, and maintenance processes.
- Nurture - effective communication and intelligent relationship management drive direct customer relationships and repeat business.
- Report - by using data to provide intelligence and information, operators can make ongoing decisions and plan effectively to maximise profit.
To effectively manage ESG metrics, property managers must have oversight of which spaces coliving residents like to use, and at what times, by collecting data.
REPORTING DASHBOARD:
- Accurately reports data and analytics in real-time.
- With an instant view of KPIs, operators can view progress and set targets to boost revenue while understanding their entire business.
- Reporting is designed to unify data from sales, reservations, operations, and finance to manage by exception, gaining clear insight at scale without using decentralised manual tools.
- Operators rely on a robust and scalable system built for the future of their business.
At You&Co, we are committed to incorporating innovative and sustainable building, design, construction, and technology methods to create a space that not only meets the needs of digital nomads and remote workers but also aligns with our values of environmental responsibility and community well-being.
Some of the innovative and sustainable practices we incorporate include:
1. **Green Building Materials:** We prioritize the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in our construction, such as recycled wood, low-VOC paints, energy-efficient windows, and sustainable insulation, to reduce our environmental footprint and create a healthier indoor environment for our residents.
2. **Energy-Efficient Systems:** Our buildings are equipped with energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems, as well as smart technologies that optimize energy consumption and reduce waste. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy monitoring tools are also integrated to promote sustainability.
3. **Biophilic Design:** We incorporate biophilic design principles into our spatial planning, introducing elements such as natural light, indoor plants, and outdoor spaces to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and foster a connection to nature within our living spaces.
4. **Flexible Spaces:** Our spaces are a true reflection of the passions and necessities of the modern-day digital nomads and remote workforce. There are lots of zones: co-working, patio with barbecue, creativity room, gym, podcast room, game room with PlayStation, cinema, swimming pool. Our spatial design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, with multifunctional areas that can be easily transformed to accommodate various activities and events. For example, chill zone is used for breakfast in the morning, for work in the middle day, and for parties in the evening. The cinema room can be used for watching films, singing karaoke, or for business networking. Shared workspaces, communal kitchens, cozy lounges, and outdoor gathering spots encourage social interaction and community engagement among residents.
5. **Technology Integration:** We leverage technology to enhance the resident experience, with features such as high-speed internet, smart home automation systems, digital communication platforms, and virtual event capabilities that facilitate connectivity, productivity, and collaboration within our community. Also we have guest application, where residents can open their apartment, communicate with reception, follow daily events, book apartment and other zones and use promo codes from our partners.
By integrating these innovative and sustainable building, design, construction, and technology methods, we create a space that not only prioritizes the well-being and comfort of our residents but also fosters social interaction, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. Our spatial design is carefully curated to promote connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, providing a supportive environment where digital nomads and remote workers can thrive, connect, and grow together.
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Central to our approach is the creation of spaces that encourage interaction, productivity, and creativity among residents. At POHA House Preuswald our design has significantly enhanced community living through thoughtful spatial planning and the use of sustainable materials.
The POHA House features a spacious community area that serves as the heart of the building. This space is designed with versatility in mind, allowing residents to engage in a variety of activities. For instance, the large communal dining area with its bespoke wooden table encourages shared meals and social gatherings. This setup not only promotes interaction among residents but also provides a setting for events such as cooking classes and dinner parties, which foster a sense of belonging and community.
Additionally, our coworking spaces within POHA House are designed to boost productivity and creativity. The open-plan layout includes a mix of large communal tables and private workstations, accommodating different working styles. The use of biophilic design elements, such as natural lighting and indoor plants, creates a calming environment that enhances focus and reduces stress. The ergonomic furniture, including refurbished office chairs, ensures comfort during long working hours, further supporting productivity.
Our innovative design extends to outdoor areas as well. The custom-made terrace furniture, crafted from recycled materials, provides residents with a relaxing space to unwind and connect with nature. These outdoor areas are perfect for informal gatherings, outdoor meetings, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, contributing to overall well-being.
Our main element setting us apart, is the proposition of privatized apartments for all colivers. Given the social aspect being the factor attractive people to the coliving lifestyle, our spatial design of a shared space being our coworking and event hub allows our colivers to come together and engage with one another in, fostering daily human interaction, while maintaining the well-being and privacy of the day-to-day.
With many colivers joining the community everyday, the importance of our calendar of events are vital, ensuring high engagement of colivers and community.
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Initially we focused on the analysis of the territory, the site, the type of society that inhabits it, its points of interest. In a second moment, given that man is at the center of our project, we tried to understand how to satisfy the multiple needs of the individual. To do this we carried out an analysis according to generational groups, focusing in particular on some typical subjects and their strategic orientations. In particular three types: Mind-Builders, Pro-Actives and Pro-Tasters. This then led us to the creation of four specific paths, each modifiable according to the needs of the individual: the basic path, the intermediate mind-builders path, the intermediate pro-tester path and the intensive path.
With cospaces to live, work and stay and a big choice of different apartment types and flexible office options POHA can cater to a diverse group of users.
Our POHA Community in Aachen consists of 36 different nationalities. Most residents are between 25 - 39 but we also have some that are already in their forties or older. There are students, young professionals, singles, couples and even young families from all over the world. What unites all these people is their openness to new experiences and willingness to invest into a community. At POHA we try to reflect the diverse interests and backgrounds of our community through events that cover everything from creativity, fitness and games to country specific cooking classes. We also encourage our residents to share their special skills or experiences with the rest of the community.
"This study, conducted to identify and determine room typologies in the coliving housing model, consists of four stages.
1. Literature Review: Â Â Examined under the headings of Housing Concept, Housing in Historical Process, Social Housing Concept and Architectural Development Process, Coliving Concept and Development Process, Coliving Housing Design and Architecture.
2. Examination of Coliving Structures: Â Â Selected structures of 6 companies in the coliving housing market in Europe were examined. Private rooms of each type in the examined structures of the selected companies were analyzed in terms of plan, m2, functions (action areas), and equipment, and building identity cards were created along with room visuals.
3. Determining the Dimensions and Furnishings of 6 Room Types: Â Â 6 private room types were created in accordance with the examined regulations. Keeping the minimum dimensions fixed, the dimensions of private rooms in the literature review were also examined, and the private rooms used in the study were determined as multiples of 3, with bathroom volumes in en-suite private rooms also determined as multiples of 3.
4. Layout Simulation: Â Â In the fourth stage of the study, a simulation was conducted to determine how many different ways the furnishings could be arranged in compliance with standards in the interior layouts of the 6 room types identified in the study for private rooms of coliving accommodations to be built in TĂŒrkiye. The number of these layouts for each room type was determined and each was given a code."
At POHA House sustainability is rooted deep in our brand's identity. That's why we partnered up with Urselmann Interior - an interior design studio from DĂŒsseldorf specialised in Cradle 2 Cradle that creates spaces based on the principles of the circular economy. This way we make sure the furniture at our POHA Houses is as cozy and sustainable as it could be. Every item is either upcycled, recycled, made of sustainable materials or build in a way that it can easily be recycled itself.
In our houses we combine the best of both worlds: cozy apartments that are equipped with everything our residents need and generous community spaces that foster new connections and experiences. We host events on a regular basis that not only help to find like-minded people but also promote a healthy lifestyle. Our houses are also equipped with a yoga or fitness room where people can practice self care.
As part of the Utopi Impact Toolkit, Utopi Connect allows investors access to source asset level data presented in easy-to-understand graphical charts and tables. It allows investors to comply with SFDR articles 6, 8 and 9 by producing automatic reports. It provides data so that assets can participate in voluntary benchmarks such as GRESB and TCDF and is compliant with asset level certifications such as BREAM, Energy Star, UKGBC, NABERS, and Fitwel.
Our customers have used our data to develop overheating mitigation strategies, establish optimised uses of amenity spaces and enable active management of utility consumption. Seeing in real time what impact certain enhancements or improvements have, makes it possible for owners and operators to test and rapidly iterate concepts. This includes ventilation, shading, insulation and alternative heating / cooling options. Â Overall, Utopi insights are being used to build data-driven assets, integrating sustainability into construction and building planning with real-world, accurate performance- and environmental-data.
Utopi data supported one of our clients, Moda Living,  in an analysis of the use of one their lift shafts and amenity spaces. The data  collected then influenced the design and construction of further residential buildings by Moda, allowing for more usable and efficient building design. Forward thinking data-influenced design is also contributing to the longevity of assets, and reduction in likelihood of potential asset stranding.
The real-time nature of data collection together with data analytics and automation allows for improved asset performance through a reduction in energy consumption and reduced waste in real time via automation or manual intervention. Another outcome of this is a reduced carbon footprint.
Utopi stand to make rollouts of our solutions simple and affordable, this has meant weâre installed in over 50,000 beds across 8 countries and have generated over 9 billion environmental data points.
Our solutions are scalable, simple, and can be levered on and off dependant on needs.
Utopi and the Utopi platform directly supports the attainment of 49.75 GRESB Â indicator points for example by:
- Giving clients access to accurate and reliable data points in critical areas
- Providing the ability to monitor asset environments
- Enabling the setting of science / data-based targets in a number of areas
Utopi and the Utopi platform can directly impact the attainment of 27 BREEAM credits (13%) across the âin useâ category as well as new construction.
- A mapping of the Utopi impact to BREEAM credits and assessment is underway
- A BREEAM pre assessment review is recommended:
  - Against two assets at different ends of the spectrum to obtain a broad set of data
  - Identify gaps that can be impacted by Utopi and more generally to assist in attaining the BREEAM certification
Utopi can offer a rapid two-week BREEAM pre-assessment for two sites (good and bad) to provide support attaining the BREEAM Certification.
Innovative methods and processes were incorporated into the design, construction and operation of the scheme, making it not only sustainable and energy efficient, but more user friendly for residents at Florence Dock.
100% electric powered scheme
100% low energy lighting throughout
Electric heating to all studios to maintain comfortable temperature levels
Automatic meter readers installed in each apartment to monitor individual energy use
60% CO2 Emissions saving against the Part L benchmark
Hot water provided by air source heat pumps
65sq.m of photovoltaics cells providing 4,800kWh per year
Unitised GRC facade system, lightweight system than allowed for reduction in frame
Bathroom pods
Smart BMS that monitors energy system and adapts to the occupancy
Roof terraces, biodiversity and resident allotments
Self service bar and pantry
Smart laundry system managed internally
Impact & sustainability:
How do you embed social, environmental and economic impact into your nomad coliving business, operations and community management? How does your nomad coliving brand and community engage with local communities / neighbours? How does your business measure and report on its impact and sustainability?
While assembling our OpenSource Boom-Handbook we have visited multiple factories and analysed the production, handling and logistic process oof various Biobased construction companies. This has resulted in a predefined set of parameters that pre-inform the Designers and Architect. By providing feed-forward to our design team we have been able to maximise qualitative output for the Architectural Designs. The Do's and Don'ts have been pro-actively communicated, which results in higher quality design output. The result is we have 8 Genotype Architectural Designs which can be applied to a wide variety of locations and making them context specific (Phenotype). The speed of replication is unique in the Design and Development industry. The industry status-quo is toe start every assignment with a new design. The design will go through intensive and time consuming iterations to make the design fit for production standaars. We at Boom do it the exact opposite way: we start with the parameters and limitations from the factory and production process and feed these parameters into the design process. We act on our factory-first principle. By understanding and granting the logics of production and manufactoring, we are able to reach a very high level of cost-efficiency. Minimising material wast, minimising nog-standard dimensions , while maximising design freedom. Boom has prove to be capable of showing vertical integration of the Design and Mannufacturing industrie.
The Boom Collection can be replicated at any location. Replication of differentiated design has not been prove before. We see a tendency towards product-standardization, we rather advocate process-standardization in order to realise Mass-customization at a reasonable cost. We can Replicate at Scale. Unique projects for a lower cost!
Increase Retention Rates:
- Personalized Experience based on preferences and previous interactions (PMS notes and alerts)
- Social networks are designed for users create their own content and can provide real-time feedback
- Special promotional rates through social networks help us to increase engagement and loyalty among subscribers and attract new ones
- Special rates and promo codes including business tariffs, medium-term, and long-term stays
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Support Strong Brand Ambassadors:
- Lifelong promo code âthankyouâ is valid for guests who took the time to leave a review
- Creating a CJM map involves step-by-step and detailed elaboration of all touch points
- Continuous change in design elements, décor, and amenities due to guests feedback
- Branded merchandise
Variand ensures long-term durability, sustainability, and scalability through the use of high-quality components, versatile applications and its adaptive design. Metrics used to measure these aspects are the return rate (0.018% of sold products in 2020-2023) or the frequency of furniture changes by users (Case Study WERK1.4: 80% of residents at WERK1.4 changed their furniture).
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We measure our carbon footprint, scope 1, 2 and 3 and it is now certified BEGES protocol. Furniture is our 2d lever of action, and we put in place a strong ""Sustainable Design"" policy that we monitor yearly. We have determined 4 objectives overall for the company and our different products (Coliving, Flatshare, Private flats):
100% of chairs are second-hand, recycled or eco-designed: 48% achieved in 2023
100% of wood is FSC-certified: 82% achieved in 2023
40% of furniture is made in Europe: 63% achieved in 2023
100% of fabrics are labelled Oekotex: 56% achieved in 2023
We have better scores in our Large projects of Coliving. For the coliving project Holla of 68 units based in Brussels for example, we achieved 90% of second-hand chairs, 86% of certified wood, and 70% of furniture made in Europe. For the project JUMO of 96 units based in Paris, we achieved 96% of the seatings eco-conceived in Europe, 97% of certified wood, and 72% of the total furniture made in Europe.
This year we also decided to measure our ""avoided carbon"". The avoided carbon calculation compares 2 scenarios: the emitted carbon of a scenario where Colonies do not exist, and the emitted carbon of the scenario where Colonies exist. Our existence is to avoid emitting 3 times what would be emitted if we did not exist. The bigger part of this avoided Carbon lies in the furniture and design: part on the sustainable design criteria (second-hand, certified wood and origin), and part on the fact we share a lot of equipment and furniture, which prevents us from creating new ones.
We deeply care about our residentsâ wellbeing and the social impact we have on the wider communities in which we operate. We deliver regular resident events to build relationships and do good for the community, and we host public events to bring everyone together and share the highlights in our monthly digital newsletter. We also proactively engage with our local charity partners and continue to expand the work we do. Across all three schemes, we work with our local charity partners at least once per week, usually through events or supporting a workshop in Folk buildings.
Folk residents are encouraged to recycle their rubbish and consume consciously. We avoid single-use plastics, and utilise energy captured by our solar panels and heat captured through the generation of electricity. Weâve partnered with Traid, a clothes waste charity, to address environmental and social issues. Weâve appointed a sustainability ambassador at each Folk site, who all contribute towards educating our residents about becoming more sustainable. These ambassadors are empowered with a ringfenced budget each month to use towards any environmental initiatives.
Weâre proud that 35% of Folk staff are from the local area. We promote local businesses throughout the resident journey, maintain ongoing dialogue with local community groups and work closely with councils to ensure our financial contributions have a positive impact.
Each building has a Community Investment Programme, supporting 1-3 local charity partners during construction. Support includes free co-working space, meeting rooms, amenity spaces, access to events, and promotion of volunteering opportunities. 35% of studios are priced at a discount for lower-income local residents. Five studios per scheme are specifically priced for young adults transitioning from foster care. 1% of net income is reinvested in the local community through initiatives like the Wandle River cleanup, and finally, we provide work experience opportunities to South Thames College Students.
Events are essential for building community. Impact and sustainability themed events include the Harrow Womenâs Book Club, clothing re-work workshops, and a gardening club.
We focus on identifying potential user groups to tailor our offerings to their needs and preferences. Our primary segments include:
- Digital Nomads: Developers, businesses, educators, and general consumers looking for a productive and inspiring environment.
- Creatives and Artists: Individuals seeking a serene and culturally rich setting for inspiration.
- Entrepreneurs and Startups: Innovators who benefit from a collaborative and resourceful community.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers: Guests interested in sustainable living and eco-friendly practices.
Social Media: We engage with our audience on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook in order to build a community, by sharing updates about our events and initiatives, and collecting UGC from our attendees.
Email Marketing: Regular newsletters to keep our colivers informed about upcoming events, new partnerships, and special offers, ensuring continuous engagement and connection.
Local communities: We partner with local businesses, artists, and organizations to enhance the living experience and create a strong local presence. These collaborations enrich our community and provide diverse opportunities for our residents.
Networking at Betahaus: We presented LamĂŹa during âBetabreakfastâ, a one-hour weekly breakfast event at betahaus, Europe's 1st coworking space in Berlin. At the event, we had the opportunity to introduce LamĂŹa concept and promote our first edition (LamĂŹa Prima Volta, see the About LamĂŹa section) to both the in-presence community members and the online community newsletter readers.
Fuerteventura Collaboration â Diego Gaspar, Surfing Colors: We have an agreement with an established coliving destination in Fuerteventura (https://colivingandsurfing.com/passion-for-coliving-coworking-community/), allowing for knowledge exchange and collaborative opportunities.
Impact & Sustainability:
How do you embed social, environmental, and economic impact into your shared living business, operations, and community management?
Enso Coliving integrates social, environmental, and economic impact by fostering a community-focused living environment, using sustainable building practices, and ensuring economic viability through efficient operations and scalable growth models. These efforts are reflected in our mission to create sustainable, community-driven coliving spaces.
How does your shared living brand and community engage with local communities / neighbours?
We prioritize building strong relationships with local communities and neighbors through:
Hosting Community Events: Regular events foster interaction and create a sense of belonging.
Enhancing Community Integration: Engaging activities strengthen bonds between residents and the local community.
Community Service Projects: Residents participate in local initiatives, promoting social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
How does your business measure and report on its impact and sustainability?
We measure our impact and sustainability through various metrics, including occupancy rates and resident satisfaction scores. Regular reports and assessments help track progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring we remain committed to our sustainability goals. Transparent reporting builds trust with stakeholders and demonstrates our dedication to sustainability.
Kiin Living implements a tailored marketing and branding strategy that speaks directly to the digital nomad lifestyle, blending local charm with a global appeal.
Brand Differentiation and Personality:
Focus on luxury, stress-free living, community, and well-being: These core values are woven into every touchpoint, from the physical spaces to online communication, shaping the perception of Kiin as a dynamic habitat for nomads.
Name Significance: ""Kiin,"" derived from the Mayan word for ""day,"" underscores the value of time and maximizing each day's experience.
City Ambassadors: Kiin actively promotes integration with the local culture and redefines MedellĂn's image as a hub for creativity and collaboration.
Innovative Techniques:
Engaging Activity Agenda with Catchy Naming: Events like ""Kiintimate Sessions"" with local artists, ""Kiin on Air"" rooftop performances, and ""Not So Boring Mondays"" vinyl nights blend local flair with a global touch.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with established communities and local brands like UtopĂa Experiences and Parceros Community expand the reach and diversity of activities.
Public Relations: Kiin connects with key figures such as artists, instructors, influencers, and organizations to enrich its activity roster and broaden its influence.
Effective Communication:
Compelling Storytelling: Kiin shares narratives that resonate with the aspirations of digital nomads, creating a unique value proposition that goes beyond just accommodation.
Community Emphasis: The brand highlights its role as a facilitator of connections and shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
Digital Platforms: Website, social media, and the STEII app effectively communicate the brand essence and keep the community informed and engaged.
Our target audience is defined based on market studies and the needs our products satisfy. Additionally, market data analyses are conducted daily to identify new audiences based on booking flows by nationality and specific times of the year.
The Feel Group product sets itself apart from the competition by focusing on offering carefully selected quality accommodations to provide comfort and an authentic experience to guests. In addition to premium accommodation offerings, Feel Group positions itself as a true expert in the city and the Northern region regarding all the experiences and services available in the area. Distribution (Sales Channels):
Our accommodations are available for booking on major OTAs (online travel agencies) as well as on our own website, which is the key tool for reducing dependency on external agencies and maximizing profitability and brand consolidation. Regarding experiences and services in the city, the Feel Porto website allows for direct booking.
Feel Group has increasingly invested in promoting its brand through digital channels, as well as through a strong presence in national and international events and media.
The digitalization of Feel Group and innovation are the pillars for the future. In terms of digital marketing, Feel Group operates on all fronts, including search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media strategy, email marketing, online advertising, and influencer marketing. The focus is on building a complete customer journey with a strong and consistent brand, fostering cross-selling of services and experiences.
Product Launch Strategies and Product Lifecycle: âą We carefully and strategically plan the launch of new products in the market, adjusting strategies according to their evolution, market demands and seasonality.
â As part of our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, we have implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability and social responsibility within our organization. In terms of environmental practices, we have prioritized the use of LED lighting throughout all our spaces and have installed flow reducers in properties to minimize water consumption. Additionally, recycling bags are provided in apartments, and we have introduced electric cars to reduce our carbon footprint. We are proud to hold both the Sustonica and Porto Confidence seals, which highlight our dedication to sustainability efforts.
â On the social front, we prioritize collaboration with local suppliers to not only promote community engagement but also to enhance the overall guest experience, particularly during breakfast. Furthermore, we actively engage in fostering opportunities for young talent by developing internships in partnership with the Town hall and universities, facilitating their transition into the workforce.
Powerhouse offers a wide range of integration features across various categories. Here are some examples:
- Banking (e.g., Ponto):
Powerhouse integrates with banking solutions like Ponto to streamline financial processes. For example, Ponto allows automatic synchronization of bank transactions with the Powerhouse platform, ensuring real-time financial tracking and reconciliation. This integration simplifies the management of rent payments and other financial activities, reducing manual data entry and errors.
- Payment (e.g., Adyen):
Integration with payment providers like Adyen enables secure and efficient payment processing. For instance, tenants can make online rent payments via the tenant app, which are then processed via Adyen. This integration ensures that payments are quickly and accurately recorded, improving cash flow management and reducing the risk of missed or late payments.
- Portals (e.g., Tenant Portals):
Powerhouse integrates with tenant portals to enhance communication and service delivery. Tenants can use dedicated portals to submit maintenance requests, view their lease agreements, and communicate with property managers. This integration centralizes tenant interactions, making it easier for property managers to respond efficiently.
- Marketplaces (e.g., HousingAnywhere):
Our integration with marketplaces like HousingAnywhere ensures a smooth tenant acquisition process. For example, when a prospective tenant shows interest in a unit on HousingAnywhere, their details are automatically logged into the Powerhouse platform. This seamless integration reduces the administrative burden and speeds up the rental process, ensuring no potential tenant is overlooked.
- IoT (e.g., Salto - digital access control):
Powerhouse integrates with IoT solutions like Salto for digital access control. For example, once a tenantâs lease agreement is finalized in Powerhouse, the Salto integration can automatically grant them access to their unit through digital keys. This integration enhances security and convenience, eliminating the need for physical keys and manual access management.
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At Wanna Colive, we are committed to creating a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy through our business practices, operations, and community management.
Social Impact
Revitalizing Unused Hotels: By repurposing unused hotels into coliving spaces, we help address the housing crisis and alleviate issues related to overpopulation. This initiative provides much-needed accommodation for students while giving new life to dormant properties.
Affordable Housing: Our pricing structure is designed to offer affordable housing options to students, making quality living spaces accessible to a broader demographic.
Community Support: We foster a supportive community environment where students can thrive both academically and personally through various programs, events, and support networks.
Environmental Impact
Waste Management: Robust recycling programs and composting initiatives are implemented to reduce waste and promote sustainable living among residents.
Economic Impact
Local Employment: By revitalizing unused properties, we create jobs in construction, maintenance, and administration, contributing to the local economy.
Partnerships with Local Businesses: We collaborate with local businesses for services such as catering, maintenance, and events, thereby supporting the local economy and fostering a sense of community.
Measuring and Reporting Impact and Sustainability
Impact Metrics: We use a variety of metrics to measure our social, environmental, and economic impact. These include the number of repurposed properties, energy and water usage statistics, waste reduction figures, and the number of community engagement activities.
Resident Surveys: Regular surveys and feedback forms help us assess the satisfaction and wellbeing of our residents, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of our community management practices.
By embedding social, environmental, and economic impact into our business model, Wanna Colive strives to create a positive and lasting difference in the world. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement is reflected in our operations and the continuous improvement of our practices.
Covering property management at every stage of the customer journey, res:harmonics has a range of over 10 fully customisable features, some of which include:
- Developed for the coliving market, the channel manager supports flexible stays, connecting pricing and availability to online travel agents (OTAs) to receive online bookings and enquiries.
- Hosting online short and long stay booking journeys on providersâ websites caters to different personas and preferences, reaching a wider and more global audience, and increasing operational revenue as a result.
- Automating the entire arrival and departure process across a property portfolio frees management time. Access management systems facilitates autonomous check-in and check-out processes.
- Scheduling housekeeping rotas, allocating maintenance tasks, communicating with guests, and managing building access remotely reduces the number of onsite staff. Â
- Automating billing across flexible stays enables upfront short-stay payments while setting up longer-term residents on monthly invoices.
- The guest portal simplifies communications with residents.
res:harmonics has more than 20 integrated specialist external systems. This is always done with a two-way focus, on retaining data inside of res:harmonics for businesses to report and manage using the property management system, even if data collection started outside of res:harmonics.
res:harmonics has an open api, enabling integration via partners or customers. Some of our integration partners include: SALTO Systems, Inventory Hive, DocuSign, Canopy, Quickbooks, and Hubspot, amongst others.
Integrating res:harmonics PMS with SALTO Systems access management solutions enables secure resident experiences in coliving, with smart locks and digital keys opening the doors to community-led experiences. Using digital keys to access private and public spaces allows residents to bring guests in whenever they like and open the doors for third-parties while prioritising their safety.
Leading coliving operator The Collective uses res:harmonics coliving software and SALTO Systems to provide seamless community access to its shared spaces and inspiring events, providing exceptional security in private spaces.
âWe work closely with res:harmonics to optimise resident well being, build authentic community and streamline operations by delivering a futuristic access solution, today."" - Christian Schmitz, Global Lead Shared Living and Working at SALTO Systems.
At You&Co, we are deeply committed to embedding social, environmental, and economic impact into every aspect of our nomad coliving business, operations, and community management. We strive to create a sustainable and responsible business model that not only benefits our residents but also positively impacts the environment and local communities. Here's how we incorporate these principles into our operations:
Social Impact:
- Community Engagement: We actively engage with our residents to understand their needs, preferences, and feedback, ensuring that our community management practices are inclusive, responsive, and supportive.
- Skill-Sharing and Collaboration: We facilitate opportunities for residents to share knowledge, skills, and experiences through workshops, events, and networking sessions, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support within our community.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and inclusivity in our community, creating a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals from different backgrounds feel valued and respected.
Environmental Impact:
- Sustainable Practices: We implement eco-friendly practices in our operations, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, recycling programs, and sustainable sourcing, to minimize our environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
Economic Impact:
- Local Sourcing: We prioritize sourcing goods and services locally to support small businesses and contribute to the economic development of the communities where we operate.
- Job Creation: We create employment opportunities within the local community, hiring local staff and supporting local entrepreneurs and service providers to stimulate economic growth and prosperity.
Engagement with Local Communities/Neighbors:
- Partnerships: We establish partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to collaborate on projects, events, and initiatives that benefit both our residents and the local community.
Measurement and Reporting:
- Impact Assessment: We conduct regular impact assessments to measure our social, environmental, and economic impact, tracking key performance indicators and metrics to evaluate our progress and identify areas for improvement.
In addition to the practices mentioned above, we also have guest questionnaires that we provide to each resident upon check-in. These questionnaires help us better understand the preferences, interests, and needs of our residents, as well as gather feedback on their living experience.
We also regularly conduct surveys among our residents to assess their satisfaction with our services, provide them with the opportunity to express their wishes and suggestions, and analyze their needs in order to improve the quality of our services and meet the expectations of our community.
Through these initiatives, You&Co strives to create a meaningful and lasting impact on society, the environment, and the local communities where we operate, fostering a culture of sustainability, responsibility, and positive change within our nomad coliving brand and community.
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At POHA House Preuswald, we have showcased the scalability and durability of our sustainable design practices. With over 84 apartments furnished using a cohesive design concept that integrates a variety of reused materials, we demonstrate that sustainability can be efficiently scaled across multiple units.
Our CoLiving concept relies on standardized apartment types, streamlining the planning process and ensuring consistency throughout the project. By standardizing key apartment layouts, we replicate designs across numerous units, optimizing resource and time efficiency. This approach simplifies the planning phase and ensures each apartment maintains high functionality and aesthetics.
Special areas within the community, such as the lounge, coworking space, and dining areas, require detailed planning. However, these spaces add significant value and create a unique identity for the project. The distinctive design of these areas, coupled with the use of innovative and sustainable materials, sets POHA House Preuswald apart from other developments. This attention to detail and commitment to sustainability enhances the overall living experience for residents.
Our extensive use of reused materials, often available in large quantities, further evidences the scalability of our approach. For instance, using reclaimed gypsum board for wall construction can save approximately 1.8 kg of CO2 per square meter. With a double-layered gypsum board wall, this translates to four boards per square meter, significantly multiplying the CO2 savings. This method illustrates how sustainability practices can scale up to large projects, leading to substantial environmental benefits. Our construction methodology conserves resources and reduces CO2 emissions, particularly impactful in large-scale projects where cumulative savings are immense.
Durability is another cornerstone of our design philosophy. Using sustainable and high-quality materials ensures the longevity of our constructions. All structures we design are easily demountable, allowing for quick, damage-free repairs or replacements. This adaptability extends the life of the materials and minimizes waste and disruption. Additionally, all solid wood elements in our design can be sanded down or oiled anew, maintaining excellent condition with minimal maintenance, highlighting the practical benefits of our approach and providing a long-lasting, beautiful finish with minimal effort.
Our main element setting us apart, is the proposition of privatized apartments for all colivers. Given the social aspect being the factor attracting people to the coliving lifestyle, our spatial design of a shared space being our coworking and event hub allows our colivers to come together and engage with one another in, fostering daily human interaction, while maintaining the well-being and privacy of the day-to-day.
With many colivers joining the community everyday, many of them solo, the importance of our calendar of events are vital, ensuring high engagement of colivers and community.
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Our project and our research can be useful to operators in the sector as an example of flexibility. In co-living there is a need for a space that can be personalized and adapted by the individual, as it is lived for a prolonged period of time, avoiding having an aseptic and impersonal space. To meet this type of need we have applied the concept of flexibility inside the bedrooms and in the common spaces. In particular, in the bedrooms we have created three types of furniture configuration, based on the mobility of doors, bed, mirrors and shelves, tailored to the needs and spaces of the individual. In the common spaces we were limited by the shape of the structure which limited the uses of each space. To free ourselves from this, and not have a single conformation, we have designed mobile and flexible furnishings to meet common needs. In particular we focused on multifunctional tables and seats and transversal and flexible spaces.
POHA House developed a modern yet timeless brand that is based on the three core values Impact, Audacity and Welllbeing. The POHA brand identity is simple, honest and uncluttered â it features a logo that uses gently customised letterforms which help to create a distinguished, contemporary marque. This is set against a colour palette of cool urban tones of blues, greens and neutrals which are disrupted by flashes of a warm, bright yellow. The brand typography is clean and crisp allowing for a direct tone of voice to be employed that communicates to a young, savvy generation that appreciates a straightforward approach.
Through this project, coliving operators will have access to a wide variety of plan type examples for private room arrangements and will be able to make personalized private room arrangements with simple modifications according to the user profile. Each room type caters to every budget with its furniture and room dimensions. This will facilitate room planning for real estate developers and operators. Real estate developers will be able to develop more accurate housing models with the legally compliant square meter private room typologies in this project and will become advantageous in terms of marketing. Other actors in the sector will understand the great importance of the private room for coliving housing and will build their strategies on this.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. It only begins with the interior design of our spaces and extends to the ways how we bring the POHA Community together. Our goal is to make sustainable living easily accessible to everyone. In our POHA App we give residents practical sustainability tips and our on-site events include upcycling workshops and vegan cook classes, to name just a few initiatives. For every month a resident stays with POHA House 1kg of ocean-bound plastic are collected together with our Partner everwave. Together with Plan A we created an overview of POHA's carbon foot print. These numbers will help us track our efforts in becoming even more environmentally-friendly.
We pursue profit for a greater purpose. Our goal is to create life-changing communities all over the world. A set of 3 different products (Long-Term Apartments, Short-Term Stays and Office-Memberships) gives us flexibility while we are pushing our expansion throughout Germany and beyond. With cross-sells and discounts between our products we are creating further financial stability. On top of that we offer a wide range of additional services including, cleaning and the exclusive use of spaces for events. Through our POHA Shop we sell merch items that also help to create more brand awareness.
At POHA House large parts of the daily life are organized digitally. Starting from the move-in of residents, over help requests to the announcement of events or maintainance work - everything is managed through digital tools. In our resident onboarding we make sure that future residents get all the important information to be as independent as possible.
Through the definition of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and the cooperation with external partners for areas like cleaning we ensure operational efficiency.
Our community team onsite plays a crucial role in the building of the POHA community. Being on site the community manager will actively connect people, spark conversations and invite to come to one of the events or even host one themselves. Through the POHA App residents can chat with their neighbours and organise get togethers. It's also the shortest way to ask for help or book additional services like cleaning.
From time to time the community managers will schedule 1:1 interviews with the residents to get an in-depth feedback. This way we strive to learn and make our product even better.
Utopiâs technology and infrastructure is designed to enhance ESG performance. Â
Environmental (E): Our ESG Technology collects real time data from real estate enabling clients to measure, report and analyse on how their assets are performing to ESG standards with actionable insights. This could be as granular as understanding energy consumption in every room, to understanding air quality in communal spaces, to understanding noise and light levels in a bedroom. Ultimately this helps clients reduce their environmental impact, as they can see trends and outliers in the data and react in real-time to reduce carbon emissions.
Social (S): Utopi also prioritises social value and empowers Operators with real-world data on how their residents are living in their spaces. Whether it be using People Counting smart tech to map how communal spaces are being used â times of the day, number of occupants, and manage voids accordingly. Our Multisensor even curates a âComfort Scoreâ for every space it's installed, to ensure if there are outliers affecting living conditions, site teams can make a positive difference to benefit residents.
Governance (G): Our ESG Platform also acts as a central source of truth and central depository for all ESG documents, policies and procedures.
Utopi are a mission led business, and ensuring we help decarbonise the real estate sector also starts within our own organisation. We have the following strategies â big and small â to ensure operational sustainability. Â
Flexible working â We allow our team to work from home as much as possible, reducing transportation emissions and reducing the amount of energy consumed in our office.
When travelling, we always try to take the most environmentally friendly mode of travel. Whether that be electric trains or our electric vehicle scheme for our senior leadership team. Â
We work with local service providers as much as possible to limit our own Scope3 emissions when goods and services are delivered to us, to our clients, and from us to manufacturers, etc.
We recycle, we limit the use of lighting in our office and focus on using natural light and ventilation as much as possible. And we operate in Scotland, so overheating or using air-conditioning isnât necessary.
We ship our hardware in the most environmentally friendly way possible. We use boxes so they can be recycled from natural resources, and we pack as many as possible in 1 box to limit shipping and freight.
We also take an active role in educating our team, our clients and their residents on sustainable living too. We have also produced a Changing Behaviours Market Validation Report, offering an analysis of our data collected from speaking to communities around the UK about how they live and trying to find ways to help shift the narrative on sustainable living.
We are paper-free, and donât supply our team with notebooks. We try to limit the use of paper waste and stick to digital communications.
Utopiâs offering is streamlined into three strategies to ensure both operational efficiency and maximum effectiveness and value provision to our customers and stakeholders. By refining our solutions to offer ESG Reporting and Analytics, Energy Control, and Resident Engagement, we have homed in on the most important factors for peak performance for both ourselves, our clients and residents. Allowing us to focus on our goal of improved energy and building performance across the Real Estate Industry.
As a co-living development, the internal layout of Florence Dock is driven by community-building and social interaction.
Opening up the site
The site has three street frontages and no natural back of house area. A large basement was used to accommodate bins, bikes and plant to free up the ground floor for public, community and co-living uses. The full height glazing that wraps around the building encourages interactions with passers by, whilst entrances on two sides allows people to approach from different directions. A change in level creates a large ramped performance and gallery space onto a lightwell behind.
Community uses
The ground floor termed a âtrading postâ consists of multifunctional spaces which connect the two buildings above and provide amenities and communal spaces for building residents, residents in the local community, organisations, and charities. Co-working space fronts one side, whilst a self service bar, library and lounge front the Thames side. A large commercial space which replaces the commercial use on the site previously is accessed separately on Mendip Road.
Investment in the community
The publicly accessible ground floor offers various spaces for different uses throughout the day to be a community hub of the area. The planning permission included a Community Invent Programme which set out various partnerships with local community groups. One of those key partnerships has been with Carneyâs Community, a registered charity which gets disadvantaged and excluded young people off the street and away from a life of crime and despair by giving them skills, discipline and self-respect. Florence Dock provides use of the gym, screening room, studio and meeting rooms for the charity.
User & community experience:
How do you foster authentic engagement, social interaction and a strong user and community experience between residents? How do you measure customer satisfaction, resident engagement and user and community experience? Please provide us with specific user data and insights (e.g. impact measures, testimonials, NPS scores, referral rates, retention rates, etc.)
The range of apartments available at THE FIZZ Leiden is varied: from independent studios for 1 person with their own private kitchen and bathroom, to larger apartments with an additional bedroom for couples. THE FIZZ Leiden also offers apartments suitable for disabled people.â
The studios are fully furnished to make the move-in as smooth as possible. Each apartment features a pantry kitchen, ensuite bathroom, study corner, comfy bed, and generous storage space.â
The tenants can create their own oasis of homely well-being. The furniture can be placed in the way that suits them the best. At THE FIZZ Leiden they get the frame but can design their space according to their own ideas. â
Community Events,
Recreational Activities,
Cultural Events,
Cross-Booking Stand in Lobby,
Guests and visitors workshops,
Trusting strategies (respectful communication without imposition or restrictions, bright, eye-catching signage, monitoring of community chat)
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Qualitative data from interviews with residents at WERK1.4 Coliving highlight how the furniture's flexibility and customizability help users feel emotionally connected to their spaces. Residents reported high levels of satisfaction with the ability to personalize and adapt their environments, which enhances their sense of home and community. Quantitative data shows that over 80% of residents engaged with the furniture by moving, adding, or removing pieces, and over 20% exchanged furniture with others, indicating a high level of interaction and community building.
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Last year, in June 2023, we conducted a tenant survey in our current coliving houses. Unfortunately, this survey is partially valid, as we only had coliving Houses (15 to 20 tenants maximum) open at the time, and we now have several large Coliving Residences (80 units in average), where I believe the experience is a bit different.
That being said, we had pretty satisfactory results as most of our tenants loved the design and considered it cosy and warm. We learned that 90% of our tenants met in our semi-commons every week, or even every day, comforting us with the idea the semi-common is the centre of the community experience, especially with an open kitchen. 55% of our tenants would also work from the living room, proving this space is used during meal time but also the day.
We can't wait to launch this year's tenant survey and have feedback on the Large residences and the way they live in the space.
Events are about bringing people together. They create shared experiences which help residents connect, giving them common ground to build friendships. Theyâre the backbone of life in a Folk building. We have a dedicated Community and Events Co-Ordinator for each scheme who use our 6 key pillars to plan events.
We typically host a minimum 23 events per month, every month, per building. Using our key event pillars as guidance, our events range from weekly Exercise Classes to Nutrition Workshops, Improv Acting Classes, Architecture Tours around London, Drag Shows (local venueâs) and seasonal events such as Summer BBQs. We also host a portfolio event per month which brings all Folk residents together outside of their homes to a new part of the city or beyond. Every quarter across all sites, we host an event open to the local community and community investment partners.
We encourage our residents to get involved with hosting events and building the community and offer 5 residents per scheme with the chance to become an official Resident Ambassador. They host their own events with our help and guidance, support our larger events, and work with us to ensure the wellbeing of their neighbours. In exchange, we offer them discounted rent during their time at Folk. At each site, one of these ambassadors are a sustainability ambassador, to increase sustainability awareness amongst the Folk community. Our ambassadors are tasked with hosting 1 event each per month, including 1 impact event led by our sustainability ambassador.
How We Measure Resident Satisfaction: We take a blended qualitative and quantitative approach to measuring satisfaction, engagement and community experience: Bi-annual survey, Ad hoc surveys (e.g. space improvements, events), Monthly Ambassador steering group meetings and Monthly Resident Drop in Sessions.
Our recent bi-annual resident survey which covered October 2023 â March 2024 shows strong NPS scores for all sites. The Palm House, Sunday Mills, and Florence Dock achieved an NPS rating of 30, 50, and 26 points respectively. We believe that this is testament to how we introduce new residents to our community and encourage the building of relationships, while ensuring the freedom to feel completely at home.
At LamĂŹa, we blend a range of sustainable restoration experiences with active participation in local farm life and the revitalization of lesser-known, off-season locations. Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from the eco-friendly practices we implement to the initiatives we champion within our events and co-living spaces.
We prioritize promoting recycling, reducing waste, and selecting off-season dates for our events to mitigate the impact of overtourism. These measures ensure that our activities not only preserve the environment but also enhance the quality of life for local communities.
Our guests engage in responsible travel actions designed to have minimal environmental impact, support local economies, and promote sustainable activities. We believe that every visitor can make a positive difference, and we strive to provide them with opportunities to do so.
In collaboration with Plastic Free Onlus, we organize plastic cleanup activities at our events. For example, during the LamĂŹa Retreat events in April 2023 and May 2024, participants came together to clean beaches in Brindisi, demonstrating our commitment to preserving natural beauty and promoting environmental stewardship.
At LamĂŹa, sustainable living isn't just an ideaâit's a practice woven into the fabric of our community and events. By choosing to join us, our guests become part of a movement that values and protects the environment for future generations.
How do you foster authentic engagement, social interaction, and a strong user and community experience between residents, and in particular as you scale operations?
Enso fosters engagement and social interaction through community events, workshops, and shared spaces designed for interaction. By creating opportunities for residents to connect and engage, we build a strong sense of community. These practices are scaled across locations to maintain a consistent user experience. Our community service projects, such as beach cleanups, further strengthen the bond between our residents and the local community, enhancing the overall living experience.
How do you measure customer satisfaction, resident engagement, and user and community experience?
Customer satisfaction and engagement are measured through regular surveys, Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and feedback mechanisms. Key metrics include retention rates, referral rates, and resident testimonials. This data helps us continually improve our services and enhance the living experience for residents. Our consistent NPS score above 4.2 throughout 2023 is a crucial indicator of our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service to our residents, validating their satisfaction and well-being.
Please provide us with specific user data and insights (e.g. impact measures, testimonials, NPS scores, referral rates, retention rates, etc.)
Our key performance indicators include a high NPS score of 4.2/5, a 102.4% occupancy rate, and a monthly average waiting list of 884 individuals. These metrics reflect strong resident engagement, satisfaction, and community impact, demonstrating our success in creating desirable living environments. The waiting list graph illustrates the high demand for our coliving spaces, underscoring the effectiveness of our community-centric approach.
Impact & Sustainability:
How do you embed social, environmental, and economic impact into your shared living business, operations, and community management?
Enso Coliving integrates social, environmental, and economic impact into every aspect of our business. Socially, we create a community-focused environment and involve our residents in service projects, partnering with local businesses to enhance local economies. Environmentally, we use eco-friendly materials and systems, promote recycling, and advocate for water conservation. Economically, our asset-light growth model ensures financial stability and long-term viability, benefiting both our residents and stakeholders.
How does your shared living brand and community engage with local communities/neighbours?
Enso Coliving prioritizes strong relationships with local communities and neighbors through various engagement strategies:
Hosting Community Events: We regularly organize events that bring residents and local community members together, fostering interaction and a sense of belonging. Examples include cultural festivals, neighborhood block parties, and open house events.
Community Service Projects: Residents participate in community service projects, such as beach cleanups and neighborhood beautification efforts, promoting social responsibility and environmental sustainability. We also support local charities, such as FundaciĂł Llars, which focuses on coliving for seniors.
Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborations with businesses like Kleta, Tapp Water, and Hannun enhance the resident experience with unique services and products while supporting local economies.
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Kiin Living is committed to embedding social, environmental, and economic impact into its operations and community management.
Sustainable Practices:
Building Features: Eco-friendly design elements like green facades and energy-efficient windows minimize environmental impact.
Restaurant Operations: Focus on minimizing food waste and responsible sourcing.
Economic Engagement: Kiin creates jobs and contributes to MedellĂn's economic growth as a digital nomad hub.
Community Engagement:
Local Talent Showcase: Events like ""Trueque"" Experiences highlight local artists and businesses, promoting cultural exchange.
Open Access: The café and rooftop are accessible to local residents, fostering interaction and integration.
Supporting Local Producers: The café's mini-market features products from local businesses.
Neighborhood Collaboration: Kiin maintains open communication with neighbors, ensuring a cooperative and integrated environment.
Measuring Impact:
Resident Surveys and Feedback: Regularly gather insights on satisfaction and the effectiveness of community initiatives.
Community Relations: The quality of relationships with local residents serves as a key indicator of positive impact.
Review of Practices: Periodically assess and adjust operational and community engagement practices to align with sustainability goals.
â As part of our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, we have implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability and social responsibility within our organization. In terms of environmental practices, we have prioritized the use of LED lighting throughout all our spaces and have installed flow reducers in properties to minimize water consumption. Additionally, recycling bags are provided in apartments, and we have introduced electric cars to reduce our carbon footprint. We are proud to hold both the Sustonica and Porto Confidence seals, which highlight our dedication to sustainability efforts.
â On the social front, we prioritize collaboration with local suppliers to not only promote community engagement but also to enhance the overall guest experience, particularly during breakfast. Furthermore, we actively engage in fostering opportunities for young talent by developing internships in partnership with the Town hall and universities, facilitating their transition into the workforce.
â Regarding governance, we adhere strictly to Portuguese labor laws, fostering open communication within our organizational structure and promoting transparency across teams. These ESG commitments and initiatives underscore our dedication to creating a more sustainable and socially responsible business model while ensuring ethical governance practices guide our operations.
â The entire Vertical Firmeza building underwent adaptation to accommodate both residential and office spaces, making efficient use of the existing structure and resources. Furthermore, the intervention focused on enhancing the building's energy efficiency through a combination of active and passive solutions, including the implementation of renewable energy production on the rooftop. In addition, unused office areas were repurposed into apartments, addressing housing demand pressures in the area.
â By repurposing underutilized spaces and implementing sustainable solutions, the project exemplifies a commitment to both environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It showcases how thoughtful interventions can breathe new life into existing structures while simultaneously addressing pressing urban challenges, such as housing shortages and energy consumption. Ultimately, the adapted building stands as a testament to the potential for innovative design to create positive change within cities.
We understand that our customers have unique processes and ways of working that give them a competitive edge and differentiate them from their competitors. Our platform is built to support and enhance these distinctive methods. By leveraging Salesforceâs no-code tools like Flow Builder and Portal Builder, and integrating them with our proprietary no-code tools, such as PowerCheck and Inspections, we offer a powerful combination that provides essential automation and customization.
This combination allows our clients to tailor the tools to their specific processes, fostering the variations in their workflows that set them apart in their industry. For instance, our clients can create different onboarding checklists tailored for each country or property. PowerCheck enables the development of personalized automated workflows, while the Inspections app allows for the creation of digital, customizable inspection forms.
These innovations empower our clients to efficiently manage and adapt the platform to their operational processes, leading to improved efficiency, reduced errors, and higher tenant satisfaction.
Our platform is built on Salesforce, enabling an endless number of integrations. This allows property operators to keep innovating. Want a digital access control system? We easily integrate it with our platform and ensure itâs fully embedded in our PowerCheck, providing automatic access through the platform. Additionally, we are strongly committed to innovation, constantly monitoring industry trends. Weâve quickly adapted to the âhotelificationâ trend, where more hotel-like facilities are entering the coliving sector and short-term contracts are becoming more common. We build components and features to streamline the management of these aspects. We are continuously developing new features and improvements, and Salesforce is also consistently developing new out-of-the-box functionalities. This ensures that our clients experience a dual feature evolution, growing twice as strong in operational innovation. (visual feature evolution)
Powerhouse significantly impacts the shared living and real estate sectors by providing a unified, all-in-one platform that addresses a wide range of needs. Our platform consolidates various property management functions into a single, cohesive system, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple disjointed tools, allowing property operators to manage their portfolios more effectively. By offering property operators a comprehensive solution, we help them scale their operations, improve tenant satisfaction, and achieve long-term success. Powerhouseâs goal is to offer an all-in-one platform, providing property operators in the shared living sector with a unified platform that addresses a wide range of needs.
At Wanna Colive, we prioritize creating a vibrant and engaging community where residents can form meaningful connections and enjoy a fulfilling living experience. Our approach includes:
Regular Community Events
Interest-Based Groups: Residents can join or form groups based on shared interests, such as study groups, book clubs, or sports teams, fostering deeper connections through common activities.
Open Communication Channels: We maintain open lines of communication through resident meetings, suggestion boxes, and digital platforms where residents can voice their opinions, share ideas, and connect with the management team.
Collaborative Spaces: Our communal areas, such as lounges, kitchens, and coworking spaces, are designed to be inviting and conducive to interaction, encouraging residents to spend time together.
Measuring Customer Satisfaction, Resident Engagement, and User Experience
We employ a variety of methods to measure and improve the satisfaction and engagement of our residents:
Resident Surveys: We distribute detailed surveys that cover various aspects of the living experience, including amenities, community events, and management responsiveness. These surveys help us identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
Feedback and Testimonials: We actively seek and showcase resident feedback and testimonials. Positive feedback highlights our strengths, while constructive criticism guides our improvement efforts.
Engagement Metrics: We track participation rates in community events, usage of communal spaces, and involvement in interest-based groups. High engagement levels indicate a thriving community.
Social Media and Online Reviews: We monitor social media platforms and online review sites to understand public perception and resident sentiment, responding promptly to feedback and inquiries.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuously improving the user and community experience at Wanna Colive. We regularly review our feedback mechanisms and engagement metrics to identify areas for enhancement. Our goal is to create a supportive and enriching environment where every resident feels valued and connected.
res:harmonics not only supports customers to choose the best software for their business. By combining their feedback with continuous product innovation to build apps and identify trends in the coliving industry, our development team are constantly updating the platform and keeping up-to-date with the latest tech requirements.
Our online knowledge base announces updates, which are automatically rolled out across our customersâ systems (these are also used to efficiently onboard new team members).
res:harmonics regularly releases new features. Over 40 innovations were released in 2023 with more released throughout 2024. The most recent major updates include: the white-label guest app, long stay bookings process automation, flexible reporting dashboards and unified communications inbox.
By constantly striving to meet the needs of the ever-evolving innovative living sector, res:harmonics gives coliving operators peace of mind that theyâre using the latest version of a high-performing system to run their businesses.
With our long-stay booking software, operators can better understand potential residents to ascertain whether theyâre a good fit within the community, with Know Your Customer (KYC) questions and verification checks. Our integration with Canopy credit and referencing tool calculates residentsâ affordability and ability to pay while protecting operators from financial risks.
After passing verification checks, the reservations team selects an appropriate contract from a pre-created list and sends it to the prospect via a document-signing integration with DocuSign. Digital inventories, with integration partner Inventory Hive, and virtual tours, widen the reach for international residents to explore the property and community vibe without in-person viewings.
âOur integration with res:harmonics provides a âhands-offâ tenant referencing service, delivering results quickly without sacrificing thoroughness and quality."" - Lee Power, Head of Sales at Canopy.
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At You&Co, we prioritize fostering authentic engagement, social interaction, and a strong user and community experience among our residents. We believe that creating a vibrant and supportive community is essential for the well-being and satisfaction of our residents. Here's how we achieve this and measure customer satisfaction, resident engagement, and community experience:
Fostering Engagement and Community Experience:
- Community Events: We organize regular community events, such as networking sessions, workshops, cultural exchanges, and social gatherings, to encourage residents to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with one another.
- Shared Spaces: Our coliving spaces are designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration, with communal kitchens, coworking areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces that encourage residents to come together, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Resident-Led Initiatives: We support resident-led initiatives and projects that promote creativity, skill-sharing, and community contribution, empowering residents to take ownership of their experience and actively participate in shaping the community culture.
Measuring Customer Satisfaction and Resident Engagement:
- Surveys and Feedback: We regularly collect feedback from residents through surveys, questionnaires, and feedback forms to assess their satisfaction, gather insights on their experience, and identify areas for improvement.
- Net Promoter Score (NPS): We use NPS surveys to measure resident satisfaction and loyalty, gaining insights into how likely residents are to recommend our coliving spaces to others and identifying opportunities to enhance the resident experience.
- Retention Rates and Referral Rates: We track retention rates to understand resident loyalty and satisfaction, as well as referral rates to evaluate resident advocacy and community growth.
Specific User Data and Insights:
- Testimonials on OTA: We collect resident testimonials and reviews to showcase the experiences and perspectives of our residents, highlighting the value they derive from our coliving spaces and the sense of community they experience.
- Application. We also have a guest application through which we receive feedback from guests. This application allows us to gather valuable insights and feedback from residents in real-time, enabling us to address any issues promptly and continuously improve the resident experience.
By actively measuring customer satisfaction, resident engagement, and community experience through various metrics and feedback mechanisms, we continuously strive to enhance our community culture, strengthen resident relationships, and create a welcoming and supportive environment for all residents.
POHA House Preuswald has significantly improved the quality of life for residents, staff, and locals. The diverse apartment types cater to various needs. The communal spaces and regular events enhance social interaction, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The emphasis on sustainability and circular design resonates with environmentally conscious residents, contributing to a sense of wellbeing and responsibility. Feedback from residents highlights increased satisfaction with the living environment, while staff appreciate the efficient, adaptable design that simplifies maintenance and operations. Overall, the project has successfully created a cohesive, supportive community with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
SOCIAL IMPACT: Our events bring together our Coco colivers, locals in Le Marais neighborhood and our extended network of friends and family. These efforts ensure opportunities are created for new connections and idea-sharing from both sides, fostering vibrant exchanges between expats and English-speaking locals, therefore promoting social impact.
Beyond our events, we also regularly organize private sessions between colivers and local businesses, such as photography training, exhibitions, and historical and cultural walks with local tour guides.
We also take requests from our colivers who are in need of specific coaching - by matching them with our wide network of professional creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, professors and more.
By connecting our colivers with neighboring businesses and people, our social impact goes beyond the immediate community and engages people from all walks of life.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: In an effort to reduce plastic waste, we have switched over from stocking apartments with plastic shampoo, conditioner and body wash bottles to using HomnĂšs, a local company based in Le Marais, offering a collection of artisanal care products that are free of plastic packaging.
Additionally, Coco Community promotes the Parisian way of living to its colivers: an uplift in walking and cycling as a mode of transport, taking the stairs, living without air-conditioning and using heating more reasonably during the winter. People of our community discover that you can live very comfortably with a much lower consumption of energy.
ECONOMIC IMPACT: Colivers have also been able to benefit from the coworking space and exposure to one another at our social gatherings.
Sylvain, a former coliver who is currently involved in the organization of the 2024 Olympic Games, employed another coliver, Maria-InĂšs.
Our branding agency The Letter O. has since hired two colivers as part of their team, bringing an international outlook to their projects and work.
Francis, a local guide living in the neighborhood organizing tours in Le Marais, enjoyed being part of the community, so much so, that he has also become an investor in COCO.
Thanks to the strong focus on customersâ satisfaction, resident engagement and our overall excellence in community experience with a reactive operational approach, COCO Community has achieved the following results: 4.9 on Google Reviews, Superhost status on Airbnb and being awarded as the finalist in the Branding & Marketing category from the Coliving Awards in 2021.
Many of our colivers leave incredibly in-depth and euphoric testimonials about, ranging from their experience in Paris and the game-changing role we played during their stay, giving them a sense of network + community and how excited they are to be repeat customers.
Our project supports the integration of social, environmental and economic impact. The social impact is integrated through local activities such as: supporting small local businesses, offering jobs and purchasing products from local companies or materials: favoring products from nearby areas and green certified materials. The environmental impact is integrated through energy. It is essential that the former convent is powered by energy from renewable sources such as solar panels, wind energy, hydroelectric energy and ecofuel. The economic impact is integrated through energy saving, more efficient use and good recycling and reuse of materials.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. It only begins with the interior design of our spaces and extends to the ways how we bring the POHA Community together. Our goal is to make sustainable living easily accessible to everyone. In our POHA App we give residents practical sustainability tips and our on-site events include upcycling workshops and vegan cook classes, to name just a few initiatives. For every month a resident stays with POHA House 1kg of ocean-bound plastic are collected together with our Partner everwave. Together with Plan A we created an overview of POHA's carbon footprint. These numbers will help us track our efforts in becoming even more environmentally-friendly.
We pursue profit for a greater purpose. Our goal is to create life-changing communities all over the world. A set of 3 different products (Long-Term Apartments, Short-Term Stays and Office-Memberships) gives us flexibility while we are pushing our expansion throughout Germany and beyond. With cross-sells and discounts between our products we are creating further financial stability. On top of that we offer a wide range of additional services including, cleaning and the exclusive use of spaces for events. Through our POHA Shop we sell merch items that also help to create more brand awareness.
At POHA House large parts of the daily life are organized digitally. Starting from the move-in of residents, over help requests to the announcement of events or maintainance work - everything is managed through digital tools. In our resident onboarding we make sure that future residents get all the important information to be as independent as possible.
Through the definition of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and the cooperation with external partners for areas like cleaning we ensure operational efficiency.
Our community team onsite plays a crucial role in the building of the POHA community. Being on site the community manager will actively connect people, spark conversations and invite to come to one of the events or even host one themselves. Through the POHA App residents can chat with their neighbours and organise get togethers. It's also the shortest way to ask for help or book additional services like cleaning.
From time to time the community managers will schedule 1:1 interviews with the residents to get an in-depth feedback. This way we strive to learn and make our product even better.
This developed project will provide economic contribution by preventing space loss as it offers a private room solution with minimum square meters. Socially, users staying in private rooms more suitable for their own cultures and living habits will enable them to integrate more easily into the coliving culture. This thesis study aims to help with architectural solutions by examining the coliving housing model under various design headings. This presents the most economically suitable design framework to coliving sector developers and institutions that will newly enter the sector.
The POHA Community Team plays a crucial role in creating a unique experience. Starting with a social vetting process that includes 5 dimensions we make sure that we will welcome only residents that fit our community's values that want to actively participate in it. When a new resident moves in he or she will take part in a welcome brunch to get familiar with the house, the guidelines that ensure a harmonious coliving and already meet a few other new members. Being on site the community manager will actively connect people, spark conversations and invite to come to one of the events or even host one themselves. Through the POHA App residents can chat with their neighbours and organise get togethers. It's also the shortest way to ask for help or book additional services like cleaning.
From time to time the community managers will schedule 1:1 interviews with the residents to get an in-depth feedback. This way we strive to learn and make our product even better.
Utopi engages with and positively impacts local communities and neighbours through comprehensive resident feedback and pilot programs that cater to their environmental living needs. By implementing data-driven initiatives, such as temperature sensors and financial incentives, Utopi encourages sustainable behaviour and highlights the collective impact of individual actions. Engagement campaigns, like the 'Progress to Pizza' initiative, further motivate residents by offering tangible rewards for energy-saving efforts, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility towards environmental sustainability. Our wider engagement with and knowledge of the shared living community has also been advanced by our market research, including our recent Changing Behaviours Report 2023, where we alongside CampusLife completed focus groups with 60 students around the UK to understand what they want, need and care about when it comes to environmental living.
Hereâs what we found in our Changing Behaviours Report;
Need to get the basics right:
- 75% have no room temperature indication
- 90% use windows to regulate overheating
Residents care about the climate, but are unconvinced of their personal impact:
- 83% concerned about climate change
- >50% thought behaviour in their accommodation had small or no impact
Residents favour a financial incentive:
- 50-68% said personal financial incentive would be most effective
- 60% supported âGetting money off my rent at the end of my tenancy if I limit my energy useâ
Residents want to be educated and feel part of a collective effort:
- Positive messaging on saving energy would be welcome
- Visibility of the cumulative effect of everyoneâs actions is crucial
Mezzino App Rollout
We most recently partnered with Mezzinoâs Compass for the pilot of our Resident App - piloting incentivisation and gaining valuable feedback from the student community. We ensured we were present to speak to residents and understand their needs, their living behaviours, their wants when it comes to heating and cooling, to ensure we design an App that really speaks to their experience. Â
""Our experience with Utopi has been incredibly positive thus far, largely due to the outstanding support and assistance provided by the Utopi team. The Utopi team has been there every step of the way, guiding us through the capabilities of their platform and helping us familiarise with the features and functionality of the new app. This hands-on approach allowed us to gain firsthand understanding of how the app works and how it can benefit both our team and our residents."" Anie Dearden, Operation Manager - Mezzino
Progress to Pizza
-Total Multisensors installed: 681
-Total Submeters installed: 297
-Total Environmental Data Points collected per hour: 38,500,200
Following installation, Utopi used their real-time data to complete a cost analysis on the direct result of over-consuming energy to the bottom line. We took the average temperature of each building and calculated the difference between that and the recommended 20°C. We then calculated the cost of over-consumption based on UK average costs for Gas or Electricity heated systems over a 200-day heating season. The results were astonishing, a potential saving of £102,108 was found.
We then launched a Resident Engagement campaign in partnership with Novel called âProgress to Pizzaâ. A campaign to showcase environmental impact and the positive difference residents can make â if they reduced their temperature from 24°C to 21°C, they would earn a pizza party. Ultimately, this showcases not just the value of Utopi ESG technology in automating data collection, but it also showcases how we gain true value for clients by using the data to make a positive impact and engage residents.
Assessing the impact of the building on staff, residents and locals
Since launch, a process of evaluation has been pursued to ensure that the building promotes the best resident experience possible alongside providing meaningful benefit for the local community. This process uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to test performance, attitude surveys and opportunities to improve. Methods include:
Post occupancy feedback surveys for residents to understand their experience, what works/doesnât work and what could be improved from a design/operational angle (see attached extract)
Feedback from on-site staff to review how the building design works for operation
Data usage counts (see graphic) to understand the frequency of use of communal spaces with an evaluation to understand how best to promote the use of communal spaces
Post occupancy design workshops with design peers to critically evaluation the design/implementation of aspects of the scheme
Bi-monthly catchup with an established local community group to understand their experience of having the co-living community within the neighbourhood; review the success of the events which have been open to the public; and discuss future opportunities to promote the public use of the buildingâs spaces.
At board/owner level, review of the feedback and an assessment against core strategic objectives including environmental performance and community engagement initiatives (e.g. success of charity partner relationships). Â
The output of the above processes is used to inform future improvements to the operational arrangements and design (where possible) of the building. For example, we introduced more second monitors in the co-working space at Florence Dock to respond to residentsâ working needs.
The output is also used to inform the design brief for the next generation of co-living buildings. For example, at Florence Dock we have found the provision of a self-service style bar to be a very popular amenity for residents and useful to activate the events programme. We will be looking to implement the initiative in future co-living schemes.
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