Urban Campus is rapidly expanding their portfolio of innovative housing solutions. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban development, Urban Campus has emerged as a pivotal force. The company is fundamentally transforming the essence of city living. Founded in 2016, Urban Campus has established itself as more than just a housing provider. It is a community builder, crafting coliving spaces that foster connection and growth among young professionals across France and Spain.

Maxime Armand, Urban Campus COO and Co-Founder, recently sat down with Le Figaro to illuminate this journey. He spotlights how Urban Campus’s unique approach—merging private units with state-of-the-art common spaces—has not only redefined residential living but has also catered to the modern needs for flexibility and social integration. This model has proven successful, challenging traditional living arrangements and responding to the growing trend of remote work and urban isolation.

 

More than just Coliving

However, Urban Campus’s operations are extending beyond coliving. Throughout 2024, the company is set to triple its portfolio. In addition to coliving, they will be introducing multifamily complexes and LLI affordable housing. In this way, Urban Campus is quickly broadening its reach to encompass multi-generational residents. This expansion is rooted in the company’s unwavering pillars of affordability, quality, and community spirit, aiming to make urban living accessible and enriching for a wider demographic.

 

The Foundation of Urban Campus

The foundation of Urban Campus is built on addressing the challenges of high living costs, social isolation, and the absence of a supportive community in cities. By blending private and shared spaces, Urban Campus has created environments where individuals can thrive personally and collectively. They promote a lifestyle that values mutual support and shared experiences.

As urban landscapes continue to evolve, Urban Campus is not merely adapting but leading the change. They are focused on ensuring this growth encompasses inclusivity and sustainability. The companies exisiting residencies are testaments to the transformative power of innovative housing solutions. With each new opening, Urban Campus proves that cities can indeed become places of rich community and inclusivity.

 

The Way of the Future

Through continued expansion and commitment to addressing the diverse needs of urban dwellers, Urban Campus stands as a model for future urban living solutions. Maxime Armand’s insights from the Le Figaro interview not only highlight the company’s past achievements but also pave the way for its future endeavors. They continue to focus on creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments for everyone to enjoy.

Keep an eye on Urban Campus as we proudly expand our portfolio. From our new Avenida America, Madrid Coliving to our novel La Maillerie, Lille Coliving coming in the summer of 2024, we’re not just growing — we’re evolving. Our strides into multifamily and affordable housing further showcase our commitment to diverse, quality urban living. We’re not just building spaces; we’re creating the future of city living. Stay connected for more developments!

 

Watch the full interview…HERE!

March 1, 2024

Read the full article HERE.

• The 2024 finance law in France signifies a paradigm shift by focusing on affordable housing, creating a legislative framework that benefits both citizens and investors while fostering social inclusion.
• Urban Campus is actively involved in shaping policies to ensure access to affordable and sustainable housing, offering services and rentals at fixed prices.
• The French initiative could serve as a model for Spain, suggesting a collaboration between the public and private sectors to solve the housing crisis.

 

Progress in the Affordable Housing Sector in France

Ana Martínez, the Chief Operations Officer for Iberia at Urban Campus, discusses the impact of the new housing law in France, highlighting how this legislation brings significant changes to the sector by emphasizing affordable housing and social inclusion. The law benefits not just French citizens but also investors committed to the affordable housing sector.

Urban Campus plays a significant role in this transformation, working with lawmakers to develop policies that not only facilitate housing access but also promote sustainability. By adopting an approach focused on shared economy, Urban Campus is redefining the concept of urban community through projects that offer included services such as Wi-Fi, gyms, and coworking areas. These are also part of their “Build to Rent” schemes, located in places such as Colombes and Le Bourget.

 

Affordable Housing in Spain

This approach contrasts with the situation in Spain, where despite efforts, there is still room for improvement in collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the housing crisis. The French legislation could inspire new legislation in Spain, promoting a collaborative model that benefits all involved parties.

Urban Campus’s strategy, aligned with ESG principles, proposes eco-friendly buildings and housing that not only meet current needs but also set a standard for the future of urban housing. This combined with their sharp insight towards the ever-changing needs of urban dwellers is marking a new paradigm in the European real estate sector.

Want to read more about Urban Campus? 

• La Maillerie, Lille Coliving, coming in summer 2024!
• Urban Campus announces new Avenida América, Madrid coliving
• Casilda Mulliez y Urbanitae discuss the growth of coliving

The concept of Build to Rent (BTR) real estate is reshaping the traditional housing model. Build to Rent focuses on creating properties for renting rather than individual ownership. This shift in the real estate market is quickly gaining traction worldwide, with growing interest from European investors and developers. 

 

What is Build to Rent real estate?

Quite simply, Build to Rent focuses on creating properties designed for renting, rather than selling to individual owners. It is a modern real estate development approach that is growing in popularity. The model has gained significant momentum particularly in the face of escalating housing prices and the challenge of homeownership. 

Build to Rent real estate has several key features that set it apart from traditional housing models. Typically, a single entity owns a BTR community or building, usually an institutional investor or a real estate company. Professional property management is also a cornerstone of the BTR approach, which translates into consistent maintenance, services, and amenities for residents.

BTR properties often have a range of community spaces such as gyms and communal spaces. These features enhance the overall quality of life for tenants and make these properties more attractive to potential renters. Lastly, the Build to Rent model adopts a long-term investment perspective. It focuses on generating consistent rental income over time rather than pursuing quick profits through property flipping. 

 

Why is Build to Rent a growing trend? 

Build to Rent real estate has surged in popularity due to a variety of economic and societal factors. Firstly, the steep rise in home prices has made buying a home increasingly difficult. This has particularly affected younger generations.

Renting also provides greater flexibility, which is increasingly appealing in our rapidly changing world. This flexibility allows individuals to adapt to evolving job opportunities and lifestyle choices without the commitments and financial burdens of homeownership.

Build to Rent communities and amenity-rich environments also align with modern lifestyle preferences, making it an attractive housing option. More so, urbanization has intensified the demand for rental properties in city centers, further fueling the growth of BTR communities.

 

Build to Rent in Spain 

The surge of Build to Rent properties in Spain is closely related to the circumstances of younger generations. Many young people prefer access to rented flats over the challenges of buying their own home. However, these preferences are also extending to families who are grappling with the high prices of the housing market in Spain.

Major Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have emerged as hotspots for BTR development, drawing significant investor interest. The current scarcity of available rental housing in the Spain is further fueling the growth of BTR.

 

Build to Rent in France 

In France, the Build to Rent real estate sector is also experiencing notable growth. The BTR market in France is more niche than in Spain, however it is garnering more attention and investment every year.

The BTR sector in France attracted approximately €7.5 billion in investments from 2017 to 2022. There is a burgeoning interest in fortifying the French construction sector, which has contributed to the surge in BTR development. This trend reflects an evolving real estate landscape in France, as developers and investors recognize the potential in purposeful rental properties. As in Spain, this BTR growth also aligns with the fluctuating housing supply and changing personal preferences of the French population.

 

Invest in Build to Rent 

In terms of real estate investing, lower vacancy rates are a key benefit of BTR real estate. BTR properties are thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse tenant base, promoting longer tenant stays and higher retention rates. These long-term lease agreements provide not only financial stability but also increased predictability for investors.

Additionally, BTR investments typically offer investors reduced maintenance complexities. The modern construction of BTR properties minimizes the need for frequent repairs and replacements. This both lowers maintenance costs and also enhances tenant satisfaction. 

Overall, BTR investments align perfectly with the evolving demands of the growing rental markets, reflecting changing demographics and contemporary lifestyle choices. Properties cater to a range of tenants, from millennials postponing homeownership to young families seeking quality amenities. These diverse tenant profiles contribute to the appeal of BTR investments, with a broad tenant base enhancing overall investment stability.

 

Build to Rent vs. Coliving 

Coliving focuses on shared housing models, where multiple individuals reside together in a single property. Coliving seeks to foster a sense of community and social interaction among its residents. While BTR emphasizes private living spaces, coliving promotes shared accommodations, encouraging residents to share not only common areas but also experiences. 

Coliving properties appeal more to a younger and more transient demographic seeking a social living environment. Generally, Build to Rent offers private, long-term rental homes with professional management, whereas coliving promotes shared living and community experiences in a more flexible and cost-effective manner.

 

Build to Rent & Urban Campus 

Urban Campus has entered the dynamic realm of Build to Rent and is embarking on several exciting ventures. In collaboration with key investors, they are harnessing the full spectrum of advantages that Build to Rent offers.

Urban Campus in Saint-Louis

Urban Campus is partnering with Nexity to introduce a BTR venture in Saint-Louis. Saint-Louis is an economically dynamic region with a transitioning rental market. The future property will offer a “multi-family” rental concept, creating a budget-friendly community for local tenants. 

Urban Campus in Massy & Marseille

Primonial REIM has collaborated with Nexity to acquire two BTR buildings in Massy and Marseille. Urban Campus will work in partnership to design these BTR properties.

The properties feature environmentally conscious design, offering a total of 175 units with private and shared outdoor spaces. They will also provide furnished common areas, enhancing the modern, community-oriented living experience. 

When it comes to the world of real estate investment, there are two primary categories that prospective investors often consider: commercial and residential properties. Both of these categories serve distinct purposes, offer unique advantages, and require different strategies for success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of commercial vs. residential real estate, as well as emerging real estate trends. Plus, we will outline some essential steps to embark on a successful real estate investment journey. 

 

Types of Real Estate: Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate

The fundamental distinction between commercial vs. residential real estate lies in their intended use.

Commercial properties encompass a wide range of real estate assets, including office buildings, retail spaces and industrial warehouses. These properties are primarily used for business activities, typically housing commercial tenants who rent space for various business operations.

Residential properties, on the other hand, include single family homes, duplexes, apartments, condominiums and multifamily properties. These properties are designed for individuals and families looking for a place to call home. 

 

Benefits of Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial properties offers a range of advantages for real estate investors. First, commercial properties often provide higher rental income potential compared to residential properties. Businesses are usually willing to pay a premium for space in areas with high foot traffic and visibility, making commercial properties a potentially lucrative investment. Stable, long term leases are also a common feature of commercial real estate. Commercial leases can be more lengthy than residential ones, providing more security for the investor. Commercial tenants often commit to multi-year leases, reducing turnover and vacancy rates.

Residential Real Estate

Residential leases typically come with predictable rental income, as residential tenants are often individuals or families seeking a stable place to live. Lease terms are generally shorter, providing opportunities to adjust rental rates more frequently. Managing residential properties can be less complex, especially in the case of single-family homes or small multifamily properties. Plus, residential properties can also experience property appreciation over time, contributing to the overall return on investment.

 

Steps to Embark in Real Estate Property Investment

Depending on your interests and goals regarding commercial vs. residential real estate, it is important to consider the following…

• Educate Yourself: With commercial properties, begin by thoroughly understanding the types of commercial properties available and their associated risk profile. Consider the specific requirements of businesses in your target market. For residential properties, gain a deep understanding of the local residential real estate market, property types, and tenant demographics. Stay informed about current market trends.
• Secure Financing: Explore various financing options, including initial costs and loans with lower loan-to-value ratios. Assess your financial capacity to determine the best financing approach.
• Conduct Due Diligence: Conduct thorough market research, evaluating property potential for long-term growth. Assess factors such as location, market demand, property condition and property management requirements. 
• Network: Focus on building relationships with commercial or residential real estate agents, brokers, and property owners, and even local real estate investment groups. Networking can provide insights into market trends and opportunities.
• Lease Negotiations: Develop strong negotiation skills, and familiarize yourself with applicable laws in your area. Understanding the needs of your future tenants is crucial to this step.

 

Residential Real Estate in Spain

The residential real estate market in Spain remains a robust sector for investment. In 2022, home sales in Spain increased by 14.7%, totaling 649,712 transactions, as reported by the National Statistics Institute (INE). This figure is the second-highest in history, only surpassed by the year 2007. Notably, the most significant transactions occurred in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Sevilla, and Valencia, where populations exceed 50,000. 

The entire year of 2022 marked a historic high in residential market investment, totaling 15.4 billion euros. This demonstrated a 35% growth compared to 2021 and a 21% increase over the previous peak in 2019. Additionally, investment in Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Private Rental Sector (PRS) projects reached a historic high at 2.6 billion euros in 2022. These numbers highlight the enduring strength of Spain’s residential real estate market.

 

Coliving 

Coliving is a rapidly growing real estate trend gaining popularity not only in Europe but on a global scale. It involves residents sharing a property, often a spacious house, building, or multi-bedroom apartment, with private rooms for each tenant and communal spaces that foster a sense of community. The growth of coliving can be attributed to shifting socioeconomic dynamics like increasing housing costs and changing lifestyle preferences. All of these factors offer promising prospects for the continued development of the coliving sector.

Coliving occupies a unique position in the real estate landscape, as coliving properties can be managed commercially or residentially. Urban Campus, for instance, takes a residential approach to managing coliving spaces. Our properties have a diverse range of private units and lively communal areas, such as lounges, coworking spaces, terraces, gyms, shared kitchens, and patios. An additional value of coliving is the strong sense of community. At Urban Campus, we organize engaging events that help facilitate these connections, which can be especially meaningful in the midst of a bustling urban city.

Check out Urban Campus’ most recent real estate projects here: 

• New coliving announced in Madrid, “Cuatro Caminos II”  coming in 2024
• Urban Campus opening 6th building in Madrid, near Plaza Mayor
• 78 studio coliving in Bagneux
• Two build-to-rent buildings acquired by Primonial REIM

September 14th, 2023

• In Interiors writes about Urban Campus’ expertise in Build-to-Rent (BTR) real estate, reflecting on the general growth of coliving and BTR opportunities. 

 

What is Build-to-Rent?

Build-to-Rent (BTR) is an Anglo-Saxon concept that spans much broader than just coliving. Urban Campus, founded in 2016 and with current operations in France and Spain, specializes in BTR. Build-to-Rent involves an investor purchasing an entire building for rental purposes and entrusting its management to a professional operator, like Urban Campus. BTR buildings typically include some form of private living spaces, ranging from shared rooms to one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. They also offer various shared spacious and optional services tailored to different target demographics.

Build-to-Rent differs from coliving in several ways. In coliving, rent typically includes utilities, internet, and cleaning services. Build-to-rent apartments may not always be furnished, and the services tend to be more varied. BTR complexes still feature shared amenities like coworking spaces, communal kitchens, fitness rooms, and game rooms. In both cases, common spaces are accessible to residents without the need for reservations or additional payments, creating a unique blend of private and shared living experiences.

 

Advantages of Build-to-Rent Real Estate

Maxime Armand, co-founder and director of operations at Urban Campus, emphasizes the benefits of BTR. Some advantages include well-designed apartments with essential amenities, simplified daily living, convenient services, and a strong sense of community. He also discusses Urban Campus’s ambition to create residential products that cater to a wider audience, building upon their current expertise in France and Spain.

Urban Campus is actively working on several Build-to-Rent projects in collaboration with real estate partners and investors. These projects include apartment complexes with various unit sizes, shared spaces, and additional amenities. Urban Campus aims to expand its portfolio to manage approximately thirty residences by 2026.

Read the original article from In Interiors here.

As more real estate investors turn their attention to the residential market it has become increasingly important to cater to the changing demographics of modern society. This is where Urban Campus comes in. We are a leading consultant and operator in the residential real estate market, offering data-driven solutions that match the right product to the right area and investors.

Our focus is on unlocking value and meeting the changing needs of society. One example of our work is a recent collaboration with a developer in France who was revitalizing a post-industrial neighborhood. By researching the area’s demographics and analyzing the surrounding projects, we were able to identify the ideal target market. We recommended creating Build-to-Rent buildings for families and coliving spaces for young professionals and digital nomads. We then spent the last year in the design phase, providing project management and optimization to ensure the best possible outcome. 

At Urban Campus, we not only design residential assets, but offer furnished and unfurnished accommodation with optimized layouts to create a comfortable living space for the tenants. Our focus on community building with the help of common spaces that include a gym, coworking area, extra shared kitchen, lounge to ensure that our residential assets are more than just a place to live; they are an opportunity for people to connect and thrive.

To guarantee the success of our projects, we pay close attention to the temporality of large developments. We arrive during the late phases of the projects, to make sure our tenants are not living around cranes and the neighborhood is ready for our BTR and coliving buildings to sell properly.

Our ultimate goal is to become the operator of the finished building. Our shared living approach has earned us recognition in the market. We have recently hired a specialist to industrialize our approach to analyzing target areas in Spain, Portugal, and France. This will help us identify opportunities for growth and continue to provide innovative solutions for our partners. 

 

Urban Campus and in’li are continuing their partnership in Île-de-France with the acquisition and co-living management of a new coliving residence in Bagneux by Nexity with 78 new studios at competitive rates and aimed at young working people.

Paris, March 16, 2023, Urban Campus , a French real estate player that designs and manages coliving and Build-to-Rent (BTR) residences, announces, in collaboration with in’li and Nexity , the signing of a new off-plan coliving residence, with 78 studios in Bagneux (92), the construction of which has been entrusted to Nexity with architects from V&A Société d’Architecture. 

Just three months after signing a similar project in Ivry-sur-Seine for 165 coliving studios, Urban Campus confirms its establishment in the Paris region, this time in Hauts-de-Seine. At the same time, the residential real estate specialist is continuing its development in France with, among other things, projects in Alsace and Hauts-de-France and is preparing to market its first coliving residence in Lille very soon.

A response to the shortage of attractive housing suffered by young working people.

Faced with the increasing difficulties encountered by young workers in accessing rental accommodation, Urban Campus and in’li, under the project management of Nexity, are offering in a competitive market, 78 new studios for coliving at competitve rates, which provides a more affordable option compared to traditional rental offers.

These new housing units with attractive rates, are close to employment markets and various transportation options, promoting residential and professional mobility for a whole segment of the population who today have great difficulty finding housing. The new arrivals will consist of young people at the start of their careers or employees on medium or long-term assignments are who will find this new rental offer an adequate response to their expectations and needs.

In order to guarantee these innovative real estate solutions, the residence will be managed by Urban Campus as part of a long-term management contract and the management strategy of in’li, an institutional lessor subsidiary of the Action Logement group. In’li’s mission is to develop an affordable and sustainable housing offer in tense areas to bring middle-class employees and young workers closer to their workplace.

The recognized experience of Urban Campus in the management of coliving residences provides the community of residents with support conducive to exchanges, sharing, and synergies. A whole program of entertainment and events promotes the feeling of belonging to a community wishing to move forward together on professional, associative and local projects.

A residence that participates in the redevelopment of an entire district of Bagneux

The building of 78 new studios in Bagneux will be designed in order to ensure the essential balance of coliving, between quality private and connected spaces, cozy shared spaces (kitchen, lounges ), and inspiring, functional, and user-friendly common spaces (coworking space, gym, rooftop, event spaces, projection room, terraces). The residence will house several shops and restaurants on the ground floor.

Connected by the RER B, more recently by the extensions of line 4 and line 15 to come, and close to employment hubs, shops and restaurants, the residence is part of the architectural and real estate redevelopment of the neighborhood.

The new coliving is certified RE2020 / NF Habitat HQE; labels that guarantee buildings that meet all of the housing quality criteria: comfort, quality of life, respect for the environment, and economic and environmental performance.

Anxious to limit the carbon footprint of its construction, Nexity wanted to keep the facade of the old building in the project.

Urban Campus is involved with Nexity from start to finish in the residence’s VEFA program and participates in the design of the space, at all stages of construction, until the opening in 2025.

Acting on behalf of one of its investment funds, Primonial REIM has signed the acquisition of two build-to-rent buildings, located in Massy and Marseille, with Nexity. This transaction is part of the partnership between the developer and Urban Campus, whose architects will design the spaces to optimize them for BTR use.

“After a first successful operation in Saint-Louis, we are proud to extend this partnership with Urban Campus and to have the confidence of Primonial REIM as an investor in this operation,” says Fabrice Aubert, Nexity’s Deputy Managing Director in charge of institutional clients. He adds: “The real estate market is undergoing a major change in usage, which is why we have chosen to make the managed real estate offer a strategic development axis; build-to-rent is one of the major vectors for us.

The Massy Atlantis residence (NF Habitat HQE level excellent, Biodiversity) will be built in co-promotion with Novaxia and will develop 100 units from one to five rooms in a landscaped “quality” block with a shared rooftop. The Marseille development (NF Habitat HQE level, BDM bronze level) will include 75 units from one to five rooms, all with balconies and terraces, both private and shared. They will also feature furnished common areas: game rooms, fitness areas, coworking spaces, etc.

“These two residences will provide all tenants with a quality living environment, in line with new lifestyles and work methods (telecommuting, sharing economy, local roots),” says Maxime Armand, Urban Campus’ COO.

In this transaction, Nexity was advised by 137 Notaires (Mathieu Simon) and Primonial REIM by Lexfair Notaires (Annamaria Brogna) and Ikory Project Services. The marketing was carried out by JLL (Florence Semelin) and Savills (Mathieu Guillebault).

To view the original article in French written by Business IMMO click here. 

The signing of a new coliving residence in Île-de-France took place between Urban Campus and in’li. They joined forces to acquire and manage 165 new studio apartments, offering young professionals long-term real estate alternatives in a tight rental market.

Paris, November 8, 2022, Urban Campus, a French player in coliving and Build To Rent (BTR), announces, in partnership with in’li, Linkcity, and Nexity, the signature of a new coliving residence under VEFA, i.e. 165 studios, in Ivry-sur-Seine (94). This project completes a portfolio of Urban Campus projects under development in France, notably in the Ile-de-France, Hauts-de-France and Alsace regions, with the first delivery in Lille at the end of 2022.

 

Enabling young workers to access housing more easily 

While young professionals are the most affected by the shortage of rental units and rising rents, Urban Campus and in’li want to make it easier for this segment of the population to rent by offering 165 new studios in coliving with rents that are lower than those on the open rental market.

By offering housing at attractive rental prices, ideally located in relation to employment opportunities and public transportation, Urban Campus and in’li are helping to facilitate the residential and professional mobility of a whole segment of society that is just starting out in its working life. Newcomers, young people at the beginning of their careers, and working people on a mission for a few months are thus offered a new rental offer in line with their expectations and needs in very tense real estate markets.

In order to guarantee these innovative real estate solutions, the residence will be managed by Urban Campus as part of a long-term management mandate and the management strategy of in’li, a subsidiary of the Action Logement group. 

Urban Campus’ recognized experience in managing coliving residences ensures that the community of residents is supported in a way that encourages exchanges, sharing, and synergies. A whole program of activities and events promotes a sense of belonging to a community eager to move forward together on professional, associative, and local projects.

“We are very happy about this partnership with the in’li teams, with whom we share strong values: facilitating access to housing for young professionals, contributing to the creation of lively and attractive neighborhoods, and promoting professional mobility. – says Maxime Armand, co-founder of Urban Campus

“Finding innovative solutions for housing young professionals in the Paris region is in’li’s DNA. The partnership with Urban Campus and the implementation of coliving management fully meet this objective in areas of high tension. – said Damien Robert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of in’li.

A coliving residence anchored in the city 

In Ivry-sur-Seine, at the gateway to Paris, the residence of 165 individual and shared studios is designed to ensure the balance essential to coliving, between quality and connected individual spaces, cozy shared spaces (kitchen, lounges) and inspiring, functional and friendly common spaces (telecommuting space, gym, rooftop, event spaces, screening room, terraces). The residence will be completed by a coworking space reserved for local SMEs at the foot of the building.

As part of one of the largest urban, economic and social development projects in the Paris region, “ZAC Ivry Confluences”, the residence will benefit from the development of public transport (T Zen line), the creation of large open-air green spaces and the construction of new urban heating, water and electricity networks that are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Ivry-sur-Seine residence is certified NH Habitat HQE, a label that guarantees buildings with a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy consumption. 

Urban Campus is involved from start to finish in the VEFA program to build the coliving residence.

The company participated in the design of the buildings in partnership with Nexity and Linkcity. It is continuing to support the project through all stages of construction, right up to its opening in 2025.

Urban Campus is thus continuing to expand its influence in the coliving and French rental market sectors. Other residential projects are already under negotiation in several European cities.

 

About Urban Campus

Founded in Paris in 2016 by John van Oost, Maxime Armand and Ana Martinez, Urban Campus is one of the leaders in multi-format managed residential in Europe. The company accompanies coliving and Build-to-Rent real estate projects from their conception, and then operates them through long-term management mandates. Urban Campus develops its own smart building technologies and applications to offer tenants a 360° residential service.

The company operates 5 residences in France and Spain and plans to open 30 additional residences in Europe over the next 5 years, in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. 

For more information: https://urbancampus.com/

 

About in’li

In’li, a subsidiary of the Action Logement Group, is the leader in intermediate housing in the Paris region, with nearly 50,000 units under management throughout the region. In’li’s mission is to provide access to housing for middle-class employees and young professionals in order to promote the employment-housing link, facilitate professional mobility and help revitalize the region. 

More information on: inli.com 

Twitter: inli_official https://twitter.com/inli_officiel 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-li/ 

 

About Action Logement

For more than 60 years, Action Logement has been the leading player in social and intermediary housing in France, with more than one million units, and its mission is to facilitate access to housing to promote employment. Action Logement manages the Participation des Employeurs à l’Effort de Construction (PEEC) on a joint basis to promote employee housing, business performance and regional attractiveness. The group has 18,000 employees in France and in the French overseas territories.Website: groupe.actionlogement.fr/

Twitter : @ActionLogement https://twitter.com/ActionLogement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uesl—action-logement/

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.