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Future-proof your scheme by planning digital infrastructure early in your design

Digital infrastructure is too often overlooked by the residential sector. This leads to clients’ requirements not being met, or being second-guessed by design teams, and costly, late-stage compromises caused by value engineering.

The following highlights how digital infrastructure impacts resident experience and investment opportunity. Ìý

There are three areas of focus:Ìý

1. Design Principles – Managing Project Risk
2. Digital Connectivity Services – The Resident ExperienceÌý
3. Digital Infrastructure – Managing Investment Risk Ìý

Design PrinciplesÌý–ÌýManaging Project RiskÌý

An owner / developer must have a vision of the technology / digital infrastructure they want to deliver from the early RIBA [Royal Institute of British Architects] Stages onward for any Build to Rent development.

This design brief will play a critical role in engaging the wider design team, as the scheme’s plans areÌýformalised. Ìý

Taking ownership of these requirements enables the owner to identify any red flags, such as:Ìý

• A RIBA Stage 2 Report not having sufficiently detailed requirements for the digital infrastructure
• The site cost plan having limited information on digital infrastructure in the MEP [mechanical, engineering and plumbing] sectionÌý

These are common signs that the digital infrastructure is not being considered to the fullest, posing a risk to the future-proofing of the project from a technological perspective. Ìý

Digital Connectivity Services & The Resident Experience

There are six pillars on which to base a best-in- class residential experience.Ìý

1. Instant Connectivity:ÌýA resident must be able to connect to the internet from the moment they move into their new apartment. Delays to establishing connection have a negative impact on renter experience.Ìý
2. Reliability:ÌýIs the building vulnerable to network outages caused by damaged internet infrastructure? And, are provider down-timesÌýminimised?
3. Speed:ÌýCan residents connect to high-speed internet and can they upgrade their internet package if desired?
4. Connectivity Everywhere:ÌýCan residents maintain an internet connection everywhere in their apartments and common areas? Can the same be said for a mobile signal?Ìý
5. Choice of Providers:ÌýCan a resident choose from more than one internet provider?
6. Smart Technologies:ÌýAs an owner, are you delivering smart technology (such as a building app) to improve the renter experience? Is a renter able toÌýutiliseÌýtheir own smart technology (such as smart speakers) on their network?ÌýÌý