Multifamily Properties Incorporate Home Technology for Added Value
By Linnea Johnson

Today’s multifamily developments come in all shapes and sizes, from condo towers to luxury rentals loaded with amenities. While all of these properties have different footprints, price points and residents, they all have a unique vision set forth by developers, implement technology, differentiate themselves from the competition and provide added value to their customers.

This vision includes in-unit technologies ranging from basics like high speed internet to distributed audio, lighting control or whole-home automation. The multifamily dweller living in a technology-infused space has unique options for an automated lifestyle that connects their residential and commercial worlds.

Valet car service, spa or restaurant reservations for services in their building can be made via in-unit touch screens. These amenities are made possible through solutions the developer incorporated in the design phase of the new build process.

Building management systems (BMS) that provide the connected technology options for the multifamily home owner also offer centralized monitoring and control of the individual systems throughout a development’s public spaces.

The individual systems include security, HVAC and lighting control. BMS integration can even encompass residential units by incorporating keycard or key fob recognition.

When should a developer think about incorporating technology in their construction projects?

For mixed use residential and commercial space, the ideal design team includes the multifamily developer, ESC (electronic systems contractor), designer and architect. Depending on the size and complexity of a project combined with the wide variety of functions that span home and commercial use, developers may also include suppliers on the team as during the beginning design phase.

If a builder/developer is interested in a specific set of solutions, the project floor plans and electrical drawings need to accommodate the space and wiring requirements of those technologies. The space allocations are crucial—no one wants to tell the customer a technology isn’t possible because it wasn’t planned early enough.

Design considerations affect the ability to install standards or upgrades in the future and, more importantly, inspire a technology strategy for the property that sets it apart from the competition. In this market, differentiation is key.

What questions should builders ask in considering their product offerings?

Before technology solutions are chosen for a property, the build team should have a vision for the property, motivated by a list of considerations.

This vision asks a variety of questions.

• Who are the target residents?
• What is their price range?
• What motivates their purchase decisions? 
• What level of functionality or luxury is appropriate?
• What amenities–inside and outside their units–reflect their lifestyle?
• What amenities are going to distinguish this property from all the others?
• Does the organization have green building or sustainability initiatives?
• Are there established design guides for residential units and public spaces?

After the vision is clear, the set of technology solutions and product offerings explored should be directly tailored to suit that particular picture. This decreases the confusion that can be caused by looking a multitude of good-better-best solutions.

Residential Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) Review: Trump Tower, Chicago: staying true to the brand

Chicago’s Trump International Hotel and Tower offers private, residential living in the heart of downtown Chicago. The new Chicago tower needed to be consistent to the Trump trademark style.

Vision: Staying true to the established Trump brand of brand of distinction, luxury and extraordinary style. Technologies needed to address the highest level of convenience, automation, comfort and aesthetics.

Technology Offerings: The lighting control needs of the typical residents of each condo type and size were taken into consideration. Custom wireless lighting control packages were offered as a standard feature.

The wireless components provided residents with maximum functionality and convenience throughout their particular unit layout. Lighting scenes were set to provide ultimate comfort and highlight the fine interior finishes in the units.

Moreover, the custom-engraved, backlit keypads reflect the high design standards associated with this brand.

Linnea Johnson handles product marketing for residential mini-systems at Lutron Electronics.  In her previous role managing the multi-family/mixed use vertical market across Lutron’s residential, commercial and window shade product categories, she worked directly with regional and national developers and specifiers on condo towers and branded residential properties. She can be reached at ljohnsn@lutron.com.

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