BELLEVUE - How to Build Today: Ecologically, Economically, Flexibly, and Representatively

11DECKS - COMMUNITY SPACES Especially in the luxury segment, it is not enough to simply build spectacular homes. Clients expect cohesive overall concepts. Modern luxury apartments today offer a variety of amenities and features to meet the needs and desires of their residents. This typically includes high-quality fixtures and materials, innovative technologies such as smart home systems, energy-efficient solutions, and thoughtful spatial design. Additionally, buyers of modern luxury apartments increasingly value extra amenities like concierge services, fitness centers, spa areas, community spaces, and, if possible, even private access to exclusive facilities like pools or rooftop terraces.

Of course, location remains by far the most crucial criterion when deciding to purchase a property. Address, surroundings, view, sun exposure, micro-location, macro-location—these factors are especially important in the luxury segment. Then criteria such as architecture, floor plan, quality, features, materials, comfort such as elevators, underground parking, EV charging stations, security, services, etc., come into play. The following trends are currently emerging.

Give the project a fitting name!

It is increasingly important to offer a cohesive package, ideally shaping the project into a true luxury item—even before the first shovel breaks ground. "Construction Project Beautiful View 48–52" might be informative, but "The Bellevue" simply sounds better. Add an elegant logo, a high-quality brochure, an emotional mood spot, and a perfect animation on the internet.

Traditionally, well-known brand names also help position the project in the appropriate price tier right from the start. This includes designer kitchens from Bulthaup, fixtures from Dornbracht, sound systems from Bang & Olufsen. A touch of luxury brand sparkle from the name-dropping signals that nothing is spared here, and it’s all about the best quality.

In Asia, Arabia, and even the USA, they go even further, naming entire projects after globally recognized brands, such as Bulgari Resort, Lamborghini Villas, or Porsche Tower. The brand names are generously compensated for these endorsements. Therefore, this approach is worthwhile only for large resorts or skyscrapers. Additionally, this strategy might be considered a bit too ostentatious for many in Europe.

Not everyone needs everything!

Do you use a private sauna? Experience shows that it’s used a lot in the first few weeks, but less and less over time. Is having a personal pool table or an expensive home gym worth it? They all take up space and cost money. Younger people especially have a different attitude towards ownership: "I don’t need to own everything myself; I can share it with others." This is more economical and ecological. Sharing is also the zeitgeist in construction—community spaces like fitness rooms, spas, party kitchens, co-working spaces, playgrounds, bicycle repair shops, and even a small pool or shared rooftop terrace are popular. While all this sounds nice and sensible, it is integrated into the purchase price of each apartment and must be reliably maintained over time. Without a management company, this is difficult to achieve. This, in turn, leads to higher monthly operating costs. Are the community facilities equally valued by everyone? If not, they become a permanent topic at homeowners’ meetings.

As green as possible!

Today, new buildings must come with a convincing concept and intelligent technology. The days of wastefulness are over. Alternative construction methods are in demand, which poses a real challenge for large and tall buildings. Despite intensive research into techniques, concrete remains a significant climate killer.

Less is more!

About half of all urban apartments are occupied by singles. Therefore, even in the luxury segment, smaller apartments with clever, space-saving layouts are affordable and reflect the zeitgeist. Developers and architects have responded to this by increasingly involving interior design experts in the planning phase. Many clients simply lack a flair for interior design and prefer to rely on professionals. Thus, model apartments are often furnished, decorated, and offered in three or more different styles. Developers quickly learn from experience or other projects, sensing what appeals to clients and what doesn’t, and how a property should be presented to attract suitable buyers as early as possible.

MEDIUM:
BELLEVUE Magazine - No. 2/24 March/April 2024

LOCATION:
Hamburg

LINK:
www.bellevue.de/stories-und-ratgeber/so-baut-man-heute

AUTHOR:
Claus-Peter Haller

Download:
Download PDF of article here