Thinking

No longer a stopover. The new look of the ApartHotel.

How we live is constantly evolving. Whether it is social, technological, or cultural movements, our communities are changing; and as developers, we need to look at these shifts thoughtfully including looking closer at unexpected housing forms. 

The past few years have seen the growth of various housing alternatives that support different lifestyles. With the expansion of working from home, with virtual and digital spaces creating fluidity in our daily lives, flexibility and movement have become increasingly important to the way we live.

Given this shift, developers are looking at the apartment-hotel hybrid, or aparthotel, in a different light. In the past, aparthotels have been seen as the less-fashionable options for transient travellers. 

But recent growth in the sector has developers looking at this hybrid housing alternative differently. Aparthotels are no longer just a commuter concept and newer establishments are all about enhancing apartment living spaces with hospitality services you would normally find in hotels. From communal dining areas to co-working spaces, a new generation of aparthotels are building for more than just in-between workers, but for the new culture of live and work.

We look at the new generation of aparthotels and the amenities that make them an attractive choice for people looking for flexible living, and why living spaces can include hotels too. 

High-Function Design at Buckle Street Studios

This aparthotel is an energetic example of urban living, blurring the lines of ​​public and private space. Designed by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pon, this 13-storey East London building consists of contemporary studio spaces, a concept store, a co-working area, a coffee shop, and various social spaces. ⁠Shared spaces anchor the building, creating ample opportunity for the community to interact.

Courtesy of Grzywinski+Pon. Photos by Nicholas Worley.
Courtesy of Grzywinski+Pon. Photos by Nicholas Worley.
Courtesy of Grzywinski+Pon. Photos by Nicholas Worley.
Courtesy of Grzywinski+Pon. Photos by Nicholas Worley.
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Home Away from Home at Roost 

Designed to feel like a home away from home, Roost’s roster of apartment hotels offers an elevated version of your day-to-day environment. Your short-term stay makes you feel like a local, but with the perks of a boutique hotel. Need a book to read? There’s a lending library. Want to cook something special? Get groceries delivered to your room. Must love dogs? Pets are welcome.

Photos Courtesy of Roost.
Photos Courtesy of Roost.
Courtesy of Roost. Photo by Matthew Williams.
Photos Courtesy of Roost.
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Eco-friendly Comforts at Boat&Co

In Amsterdam’s Houthavens neighbourhood, Boat&Co brings an eco-conscious perspective to aparthotel living. The entire building was made using sustainable construction materials that produce zero waste, while there is an innovative thermal energy storage system in place along with solar panels on the roof. And no matter how short or long you stay, you get a bicycle to ride around Amsterdam for free!

Photos Courtesy of Boat&Co.
Photos Courtesy of Boat&Co.
Photos Courtesy of Boat&Co.
Photos Courtesy of Boat&Co.
Photos Courtesy of Boat&Co.
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Beyond The ApartHotel

At Rize, we continue to explore how to build for the evolving housing segments in the Lower Mainland. In our Thinking, we’ve noticed how private and public spaces are blurring, with shared environments becoming more normal for residents. And with new models for living and working influencing the blended building model, imagine rentals with co-living and hotel-like services, there is plenty to learn about how we can adapt to the flexible mindset of the future. 

Watch this space as Rize Thinking explores the evolving landscape of urban living.