Hundreds of built to rent homes designed to inspire demand

The Background

Striking a balance between durability and efficiency is an essential component of any Build-to-Rent development’s design strategy and is every bit as important as creating appeal among any target demographic. Creating a look that appeals to tenants’ aspirations involves the usage of quality materials that can be sourced and installed in a way that is scalable, cost-effective and easy to reproduce. Large-scale, multi-phase projects come with their own unique challenges, but it is important that neither individuality nor cohesion should be lost in the process.

Our design partner’s proven track record in the BTR sector played a significant role in Vastint’s decision continue collaborating with them. Our involvement in the furnishing of hundreds of properties in Sugar House Island showcased our ability to smoothly project manage and execute operations effectively and on a large scale. This led to our involvement in the design of their most recent development – the iconic New Fountainbridge scheme in Edinburgh. Sleek, smart and colourful, this was a development that needed furnishings and design concepts that would align with the same energy.

Comprising 253 contemporary homes, the development offers a selection of properties that range from sleek studios to spacious townhouses. With the initial 50% already finished, the next phase is now underway.

The Challenge

The main challenges faced by our design partners were invariably logistical by nature as, by their very size, large-scale BTR projects will always involve phased rollouts. Extensive experience working in active construction sites proved invaluable as we were able to simultaneously plan, coordinate and provide aftercare for multiple properties. The team never lost sight of the need to establish each unit with its own individuality while tailoring them to their target demographic. Our mission was to create cohesive and consistent designs which would integrate with the desired urban lifestyle aesthetic yet leave space for uniquely personal touches.

Combining high-quality materials with high-spec finishes, the designs also drew references to the waterside location of New Fountainbridge and its views of the Edinburgh skyline.

The viability of BTR developments is of course linked to high occupancy rates and strong rental returns which in turn depends largely on the liveability and durability of the design choices. By astutely matching these choices with an attractive aesthetic, our design partners aim to deliver the ideal set of outcomes to the Vastint organisation.

Design & Furnishing

The initial rollout required us to furnish 123 apartments. Utilising turnkey furnishing solutions and window dressings, we were able to meet this deadline while also adding three show home designs. The show homes included one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom townhouse configurations. Each of them was home staged with unique colour schemes and high-spec finishes.

Phase two involves the addition of 130 contemporary apartments and will also include a three-bedroom penthouse show home that will employ similar design choices but with a number of specification upgrades installed in order to attract a premium price band.

BTR clients will always need to adhere to a realistic financial plan, and we can offer strategic advice regarding budget allocation. From decades of experience and proven results, we know where more investment is needed and when choosing the more cost-effective option works. The penthouse phase of New Fountainbridge is a case in point. This was an area that required the client to spend more in order to reflect its premium market position.

Operations & Logistics

Ensuring seamless progress without compromising quality or delivery times required a mix of innovation and forward planning. It also required close collaboration and communication with Vastint’s construction partners as our tailored logistics schedule fine-tuned and scheduled multiple deliveries and installations around and alongside ongoing site activity. Each property’s core design was evaluated and assessed before integration with the developer’s main construction plan.

Safety & Sustainability

Being regarded as a green and sustainability-forward company entails certain responsibilities. The recycling of materials and repurposing of installation by products were just two of the ways in which we demonstrated our commitment to the environment. In the same way, we take safety standards particularly seriously on BTR projects, which often involve complex and concurrent timelines and supply chains.

The Outcome

The collaboration between our design partners and Vashint on the Sugar House Island and New Fountainbridge projects has been an unqualified success, with immediate rental uptake and plans for future projects. In the process, both companies have shared knowledge and expertise that guarantee a shared commitment to thoughtful design and seamless delivery at scale. This mutual trust has been the key to the establishment of a vibrant new community in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Precise attention to detail covered all aspects of the project and the result was a comfortable and stylish space where tenants could feel excited to be a part of.