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More and more people are looking for flexibility in their daily lives, also in the apartments where they live. This has led to the takeoff of new housing formulas in Spain, halfway between residential rental and vacation homes. Thus, according to the real estate consulting firm CBRE, investment in flexible apartments will soar in Spain to almost 670 million euros in 2022.

According to the consultancy, at the close of 2022 there were less than 3,000 beds within this asset type in complete buildings in Spain, concentrated in Madrid (65%) and Barcelona (35%), to which another 8,500 will be added in development over the next three years.

This business is in an initial phase and in the process of professionalization, which is why during 2021 it accounted for only 7% of the total invested in residential assets, with around 200 million. During 2022, investment has shot up to €666 million (15% of total investment), multiplying by 3.5.

Types of Accommodation: Three Typologies

Within this type of accommodation there are three products. One of them is known as coliving, with complete residential buildings in city centers and few common areas. This is a community-centered product (in some cases with shared bathrooms and kitchen) with added services and for average stays of nine to twelve months.

Another category is the product developed in the outskirts of cities on tertiary land with an aparthotel license and for short and medium stays (weeks or even days). This type of property, which offers the greatest potential due to its size, has large shared areas with, among other services, parking, gym, coworking space, gym, social club, outdoor swimming pool and laundry. The price of the accommodation includes all utilities (electricity, water, heating, etc.), WiFi and cleaning.

The third product is more holiday-oriented, in coastal or rural areas, and is aimed mainly at digital or energy nomads (people looking to save costs in their countries of origin and move to warmer areas) with an average stay of between one and three months.

Noteworthy Operations

These include Be Casa Rivas, which opened its doors in early December last year to welcome the first tenants of its serviced apartments, as reported by idealista/news.

It is an asset located in Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Madrid), which has had an investment of 85 million euros, which have resulted in a property of 843 apartments with a multitude of amenities.

Momentum launched a second portfolio of serviced apartments in 2021 with Bain Capital, with 2,845 units under development in Alcobendas and Carabanchel, in Madrid, Sant Cugat (Barcelona) and Barakaldo (Bilbao). The management of these apartments will be entrusted to Node, a company specializing in temporary accommodation.

Argis, a Spanish fund manager of Israeli and Latin American origin, currently manages 800 flexible rental units through Flipco! and a month ago acquired a property on Cavanilles street to build 200 more units. The company’s goal is to add 5,000 flexible apartments in two years.

Other investors present are Round Hill Capital, which bought 230 apartments in Valdebebas for 30 million in 2021, or the real estate investment and asset management company Dazia Capital, with projects in Tetuán and Valdebebas.

Livensa Living (controlled by the Canadian fund Brookfield) has a line of flexible housing. Through Livensa Living Studios, it has projects in Madrid, San Sebastian, Malaga, Bilbao and Valencia.

As for operators, in addition to those already mentioned, Urban Campus, founded by John van Oost and Maxime Armand; Dovevivo, owned by Starwood Capital Group; the German company Habyt; Live It, a brand of the Spanish company SmartRental; ColivINN, founded by Alejandro Fernández Luengo, and the Spanish coliving company The Residential Club (TRC) are also operating in Spain. 

If you would like to read the original article in Spanish from Idealista please click here.

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.

How to Create a Thriving Community

Maintaining a happy and healthy community is key to its success, but it’s easier said than done. Having a dedicated Head of Community who is committed to the betterment of the community can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the steps that Urban Campus has taken to create a thriving community.

Understand the Nature of Communities

It’s important to understand that communities can be cyclical. Not every member will be equally driven or involved. As a community operator, you may experience down times, but it’s just part of the process. Our goal is to bring together a group of strangers who share similar values and lifestyles and help them build a home together. At Urban Campus, we strive for a self-sustaining community that relies on us for support and guidance.

Effective Onboarding

At Urban Campus, we believe in creating a strong and inclusive community from the very start. Before our tenants move into their new home, our sales team takes the time to introduce them to our community during their initial interview call. They will explain our values, events, community meals, and clubs that we offer. It’s important for us to carefully curate the people who join our community to ensure that everyone has an open mindset and is willing to get involved. We understand that a vibrant community requires a mix of personalities and perspectives, both extroverts and introverts alike.

Technology at Urban Campus

At Urban Campus, we have embraced technology to enhance our community experience. Three days before moving in, new residents receive emails asking them to register for our in-house app. A few weeks later, we send out feedback forms to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.

Our app serves as a vital tool for transparency and scalability, providing a platform for both Urban Campus staff and community members to create events. Tenants can join clubs that interest them and are automatically added to group chats, encouraging them to connect with others who share similar hobbies, regardless of which building they live in. This app has become a hub for members to connect and has greatly streamlined communication and event planning. Since its introduction in September 2022, we have seen a 60% increase in club interaction.

Urban Campus Community Co-Creation Sessions

Our co-creation sessions are designed to foster open communication and gather valuable insights from our community members, known as colivers. These quarterly gatherings provide a platform for our colivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer suggestions on how we can better serve their needs.

At Urban Campus, we believe that our community is the cornerstone of our success. That’s why we encourage active participation and value their opinions in shaping the future of their living experience. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to make positive changes.

By gathering feedback, addressing any tensions or misunderstandings, and making necessary adjustments to our spaces and processes, we strive to continuously improve and provide the best possible living experience for our colivers. We acknowledge that frustrations may arise, but together, with open and honest communication, we can overcome any challenges and create a thriving community.

Fostering Community Interests through Events

We believe in supporting and promoting the passions and interests of our community members. That’s why we make an effort to bring these projects to life and showcase them within our spaces.

For instance, Albus Burger, a company started by one of our colivers in Mellado Madrid Coliving during the pandemic, offers a unique Uruguayan recipe and brings members together for delicious meals. As a testament to our commitment to supporting our community, we are proud to announce that Albus Burger is our official burger partner. Every quarter, we host a Welcome BBQ where current and new members can enjoy their offerings and learn more about their business.

We understand that our community members have unique interests and talents, and we strive to provide opportunities for them to showcase and share these with the rest of the community. If there is a way to support and bring attention to a community member’s passion, we will do everything in our power to make it happen.

Building Strong Community Partnerships

Creating a positive impact not only within our spaces, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods is extremely important to us. Which is why we form partnerships with local businesses to enhance the value of the area and bring added benefits to our colivers.

Our focus is on supporting sustainable and local businesses, and we continually seek new and innovative ways to collaborate with them. Whether it’s through formal agreements or tailored events, our goal is to strengthen the community and promote the growth of local businesses.

By forging strong partnerships with local businesses, we aim to create a vibrant and thriving community that benefits everyone involved.

Continuous Improvement through Community Learnings

As the Head of Community at Urban Campus, I have been committed to finding ways to enhance the community experience for our colivers. One initiative I launched was the community catalyst program, from which I have gained valuable insights and lessons.

Initially, the idea was to have a designated member from each space encourage and foster community spirit for a few months. However, I soon realized that our colivers preferred not to have additional responsibilities and felt that the program added unnecessary pressure. Despite this challenge, I have learned that finding the right framework for a community catalyst role remains a work in progress.

Our community is one of the three core pillars of the company, and we are dedicated to continuously improving and adapting to meet their needs and expectations. By actively seeking feedback, refining our processes, and making necessary changes, we strive to create a happy and thriving community.

Urban Campus Mellado is the first coliving to achieve the BREEAM In-Use green building certification! This is just the beginning of our sustainable path. 

What is BREEAM In-Use?

The purpose of the certification is to provide building owners, facility managers, investment managers, and building occupiers with a consistent and credible means of determining the impact and performance of their buildings, and deciding the areas for improvement. Many factors are considered, such as: materials, energy, water and utility usage, and management processes put in place, among others.

Our building not only provides greater health and comfort for those who live in it, but it also means greater profitability for those who build, operate and maintain it.

Why Mellado?

Mellado was our first coliving building in Madrid. It was originally built in the 1960s and has been renovated to be more circular. Since 2018 it has been operated as an Urban Campus coliving. The building layout was optimized and the envelope was improved to reduce energy consumption which in turn has a direct effect not only on the environment but also on operational costs. It was during the refurbishment phase that the space was optimized to create common areas that added value, reduced loneliness, and promoted social moments between tenants. 

We have put in place policies and communication to promote a responsible community and encourage healthy spaces. Some examples include, waste management protocols (recycling and reducing), shared appliances in certain areas, and reduced water fixtures. 

Mellado is also a smart space that is digitally managed. By tracking and measuring consumption patterns, we have proactively solved overconsumption, and reduced emissions with the help of power meters like Wibeee.

All these factors were taken into account upon being rewarded with the BREAAM In-Use certification. Usability and comfort will always stand for all of our buildings.

So What’s Next?

We know this is just the very first step of the journey. In the next years, you will see many actions within this line from our partners and our company. Our objective is to reduce the carbon footprint and emissions of our present and future buildings. We strive for more efficient, modular, and responsible construction, and will continue digitalizing our operations further. The end goal is to provide our residents with healthy conscious spaces. 

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. 

You might be moving to Lille and are excited to make it your new home but also a little nervous about what’s to come. This article is to make you feel confident with your decision of moving into Urban Campus Saint So’ Lille Coliving. We will explain all that you will find in your new apartment or studio, how it is that you will have your friends literally at your doorstep, the cool spaces you will be making memories in, and just how easy this whole move is going to be!

What is inside your new home? – Apartments, Standard & Mezzanine Studios 

In Urban Campus Lille Coliving you have the option of moving into a one-bedroom apartment, standard studio, or mezzanine studio. All are completely furnished and equipped. What exactly does this mean? Upon arrival, you will not have to purchase anything. At Urban Campus our spaces are “toothbrush ready” and we pride ourselves on that. Your private unit will have everything from plates, glasses, mugs, wine glasses, teatowels, kitchen appliances including a microwave, toaster, coffee press, a bed, pillows, duvet, side table, hangers, cleaning supplies, and even some decor to make you feel right at home. The list goes on and on, but we recommend prior to purchasing anything for your new flat, on the first day you should explore every drawer there is. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

What are common spaces? 

Aside from having your newly renovated apartment, you will have access to 300 sqm of common areas. Why do we have this? We have comfortable shared spaces so that you are encouraged to have more encounters with your colivers, for you to truly feel like you are part of a community. This is why in Lille Saint So’ Coliving you will find; a coworking space to step away from your desk at home, a fitness area equipped with everything you need to be healthy, an additional shared kitchen to encourage you to spend time with your fellow colivers and share a delicious meal, a cinema room for the ultimate experience, a lounge to have the space to chill, a terrace to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and a laundry room.

COMMON KITCHEN
Coworking
Fitness

What is included? 

There are plenty of things that are included in the monthly rental. For example; wifi and all utilities are included, meaning water, heating, and electricity – you won’t have to worry about it! Which gives our colivers peace of mind. The maintenance of your flats is also included, so if something happens you can tell our support team right away. Weekly cleaning of the common areas and monthly cleaning of your private unit is also included. If you wish to have the cleaning done bi-weekly, or once a week you can let our team know and an additional service charge will be added each month. The best part of “everything included” would definitely be the community events we hold. The activities our Head of Community puts together can vary every month, but they are designed for you to turn your neighbors from strangers into friends. You will also have a monthly dinner sponsored by Urban Campus for the entire building. If you are curious about what some community events may be, take a look at our Instagram!

We are extremely excited for you to join our Lille coliving community! In Madrid, we have had people in our spaces build genuine friendships, some have become partners, not only in business but also in love. Coliving is to bring like-minded individuals together, to provide you with the best service possible and for the ultimate convenience when moving to a new flat.

Are you ready now?

We wanted to find the best ways to give back this holiday season, as this time of year is known for bringing people together and lending a hand. With the year ending, and everything winding down, you may feel as though you have a moment to catch your breath. Many take this period to reflect on all that they have accomplished in the last twelve months, and everything they have planned for the upcoming year. You may spend it with your family, from afar, or your friends in your coliving

We believe this season has a way of making everyone a little more kind, which think is wonderful. Many shop until they drop for their loved ones, but we asked our staff to do the opposite.

Last year at Urban Campus we donated books to Libros Melior. They sell second-hand and used books, donated by individuals as well as organisations, and give them a new life in solidarity. The funds raised are used to finance projects such as delivering textbooks and school supplies to families with limited financial resources.

This year in our Paris office our team came together and donated to Emmaüs, an international solidarity charity to help out this season. They are known for fighting against social exclusion and supporting the reinsertion of people in need by finding them a job in one of their various structures. The company regularly organizes big fund-raisers and resells all the donations they receive in their vintage clothes shops and furniture stores. The donation was made just last week to ensure the kids would have it in time for the holidays.

While in Madrid, we will have worked with our Head of Community to have a box donation set up inside each of our five colivings and our coworking for those who can and would like to donate canned goods and non-perishables to Foodie Angels. Their organization specifically helps families with economic difficulties by offering them surplus food. 

So as you know, Our coliving along with our coworking community and staff are getting ready for the season and love finding ways of doing these initiatives also throughout the year. If you have any recommendations or connections of more acts like these and how we can be a part of it, we invite you to get in contact with us and let us know. 

Happy Holidays! 

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.

 

It is time to explore the city of Lille, and what would be a better way than to start by discovering their coffee shops? From vegan-friendly to most local and traditional, as well as those known for their specialties, we know it all.


The Most Traditional: Aux Merveilleux de Fred

This beautiful cafe opened its doors in 1997. It began in Lille, and is now in various cities around the world due to the fame it received from its very first shop. Aux Merveilleux de Fred is three set locations in Lille that you can choose from, but the closest to the Urban Campus Saint So’ Coliving would be 15 minute metro ride to Montebello.

Nothing makes it feel more real than watching your baked goods be made right in front of you. When you visit, be sure to peak through the window so you can admire the pastry cooks doing their signature “Merveilleux cake”.

You must try the “Le Merveilleux”, which is a pastry composed of meringue domes and their secret cream. This particular pastry has many different flavors you can choose from; speculoos, coffee, vanila, and chocolate. 

Location: Aux Merveilleux de Fred, 336 Rue Léon Gambetta

The Most Local: Cafés Méo

Cafés Méo began in the 1920’s, in the North of France. It is the very first company specialized in high quality coffee beans. They opened their first location also in Lille in 1928. A spectacular place to visit, and worth purchasing a bag of their coffee beans to take home.

Location: 5 Pl. du Général de Gaulle

The Most Vegan Friendly: La Clairière

La Clairière has vegan, local and organic food (and bonus – they are pet friendly).

This coffee shop is a real reference in Lille for whoever wants to eat healthy in a cozy environment. Doesn’t this description just “scream” brunch to you? That’s right – its the place to be every Sunday.

Location: 75 Bd de la Liberté

The Most British: Elizabeth’s 

The name may have given it away, but this coffee shop is known for its various home-made British and American pastries (brownies, shortbread and of course, cookies). If you’re new to town you must try their scones with salted better and pair it with a hot cup of tea. 

It is important to note that Elizabeth’s is very small, but that is what makes it so unique.  

Location: 69-71 Rue Basse

The Closest: Café Augustin 

We believe that knowing the closest coffee shop to your new home is equally as important to the others. Within 5 minutes from the coliving you can find a quaint little café to have that mini escape. Café Augustin is very diverse, you can easily find yourself remote working, attending one of the workshops they offer, or even listening to some live music – all while eating delicious homemade food. 

Location: 57 Rue de Valenciennes

The Most Coffee-Oriented: Coffee Makers

In case you are a coffee fanatic, this is the place for you as it is both a coffee shop and coffee roaster. Coffee Makers is a great place to start the day and enjoy some of their delicious cinnamon toast. Looking for something a little more healthy? Ask for their homemade granola – for 11€ you can pair it with fresh fruit juice and a hot drink.

Location: 151 Rue Pierre Mauroy

The Best for Cheesecakes: Oxalis & Bergamote

Most likely this could be one of the most important places of the city. Oxalis & Bergamote’s high-quality pastries and cuisine is located in a refined place. Lillois (people from Lille) go here, so you know if the locals go, it’s for a reason. 

Location: 44 Rue d’Angleterre

The Trendiest : L’impertinente

L’impertinente auto-proclaims themselves as a “Pony-club” instead of a coffees shop. It is even visible in their entrance and Instagram “The only Pony-club in Lille that sells cakes!”

If you understand and speak French, they also have a lot of funny sentences inside their coffee cups, they are often puns, based on French proverbs. 

This trendy shop has two locations in Lille, however, you can also order their pastries and many other items directly from their website. 

Location: 9 Bd Papin

The Most Specialized: Briocherie Sylvana 

If you love the comforting smell of a homemade brioche that just came out from the oven, this is the place to be. Briocherie Sylvana offer’s a large choice of salted and sweet brioches, tasty babkas, and gourmet breads.  

Location: 24 Bd Victor Hugo

The Oldest: Meert 

Mentioned in all the touristic guides of the world, Meert 1677 is the oldest coffee shop in Lille. It is its luxury service and delicious vanilla fine waffles that made the reputation of the house. We will warn you that you will most definitely have to wait in a queue with the tourists, but this is worth it. 

Location:  25-27 Rue Esquermoise