Shared living is more sustainable and beneficial for both colivers, investors, and the environment. 

Our dedicated team of architects has this as a leitmotif and says the key to success is in being part of all projects from the very beginning to enhance the value of the building and improve the user experience while minimizing the impact of the building. Read the 5 drivers of sustainable colivings. 

Spatial Optimization

Traditional residential buildings are obsolete and unoptimized, with large corridors, and apartment units that promote loneliness and replicate underused spaces . The average number of single-member or 2-person households is rising and the city’s portfolio is not prepared. Our team studies each building to get rid of unnecessary or obsolete spaces and seaks for optimized spaces that add value and promote large and comfortable shared spaces that reduce loneliness and promote social encounters between tenants.

Shared living is no longer about mini flats with 20-75sqm private space, but approximately 100-300sqm of extra shared amenities to enjoy on a daily basis. A coworking, gym, cinema room, lounge, common kitchen, and outdoor patios are no longer a luxury, but a mutualized space that adds value. These common areas are enablers of community, they make users feel at home and nourishes bonds. 

Each building has its unique character, therefore our architects give a special character to each of them tailored to the location and user needs. 

Passive actions, sustainability from the skin to the core of the building

The scope of interventions relies on the state of the projects, we study the buildings from the outside, aiming to reduce energy demand by improving insulation, windows, and overall envelope. In the case of greenfield projects, we design our buildings aiming at cutting energy consumption. The purpose is not only to minimize environmental impact and raise awareness but also to reduce operational costs. Once inside, our buildings are composed of natural materials, warm finishings, and some vernacular taste in the way furniture is designed and creates that “hygge” atmosphere. At Urban Campus we study each item, supplier, and brand we incorporate to promote a conscious design, together with the selection of colours, finishings and spaces is the “feel at home” atmosphere that characterizes our colivings.

Active Solutions (energy efficiency systems)

After reducing energy demand for climate comfort, Urban Campus strives for fully electrified buildings by reducing other sources of energy such as gas. Apart from demand, we also promote sustainable energy production or management like  solar panels and energy-efficient machines (HVAC and aerothermal systems). We work with sector experts to boost climate-proof buildings that are cutting edge within the real estate market.

In a coliving we share spaces, and appliances, reduce water from fixtures, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption per capita compared to traditional residential buildings, which also reduces cost. Overall, our buildings reduce emissions, and waste and are in general more sustainable compared to others in the residential or BTR sector. This facilitates the attainment of green certifications but also creates a huge added value for our residents providing them with a conscious and sustainable living, all while saving money. 

Seamless technology

The best technology is the one you do not see but that makes your life easier. We create smart buildings and connect them directly to our in-house designed platform, internally known as “Dunbar”. Our technology enables us to have a flagship residential building that lowers operational costs throughout its lifetime due to its capabilities. 

We offer seamless technology that works for our residents. One main example is our digital smart key locks, which are installed in all common areas and private units. They allow us to manage the building without having to be there, as we are able to modify the opening and closing times of specific areas. The data gathered, enables us to optimize the shared spaces, the maintenance (use time), and the energy efficiency of those spaces. We have optimized the usage of the space, while designing multipurpose spaces,  for example, common areas, that are used for coworking in the morning and for events in the evening.

Community, feel at home

Is at the core of everything we do. We co-create our spaces, with our residents, through co-creation sessions, consultations, and feedback sessions. . All decisions made, take our community needs into account, and we involve them in the whole design process so that they collaborate with us on achieving the sustainable impact we are striving for.