Here’s how to infuse durability for long-lasting student housing design
When designing for student housing spaces, durability should be a top priority. Many students in these spaces are living on their own for the very first time. Ultimately, this means their units are more like “starter homes” as they learn to live independently and care for the space around them. Units need to be durable to withstand the rowdy, inexperienced nature of the college tenant.
Student housing sees unique challenges that traditional multifamily spaces don’t experience. We’re seeing many students now getting their own private rooms (as opposed to the shared units of the past), , which means more units with more wear and tear. Turnover is also expected, so there’s a constant flow of tenants coming and going.
Your student housing units need to withstand these conditions. Here’s how you can include durability in your design without compromising appearances.
How can we balance aesthetics with durability in design?
Designing for durability starts with choosing materials that bring your design to life, but also stand up to traffic and wear.
For example, you can select low-maintenance flooring made from durable, commercial grade materials that still look good. Manufactured hardwood and vinyl flooring are two options that come to mind. Both come in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your overarching themes. Both are suited for high-traffic areas. And they’re both relatively easy to care for and clean. Unlike carpets, hard surface floors don’t harbor stains. And unlike tile, they don’t need to be constantly treated (e.g., regrouted).
Wall coverings can also improve durability without compromising your design. Choose easily replaceable wall covers like tile, faux stone, beadboard, or paneling. You can switch these out for new tenants or new designs.
Last but not least, consider the value of durable window treatments. Heavy-duty blinds, roll-down shades, or shutters can provide privacy and comfort but won’t need to be replaced constantly. They can also contribute to a space’s design by affecting natural lighting, making rooms feel bigger, reducing glare, and serving as focal points of a room. Quality window treatments can also help insulate your spaces better, and lowering your utilities costs as a result and using commercial grade products and finishes can also help with operation and utility costs as they have to be replaced less!
What are the best practices for durability in designing common areas?
When designing for durability in spaces like student housing, it’s important to think about the tenants and how they will use the space. Common areas in student housing serve a variety of purposes for multiple people. Let’s explore some best practices to make common areas more durable:
Identify high-traffic spaces and damage-prone areas
Part of the design process includes identifying how each area of the space will be used. This means knowing how people will enter and exit, where they may linger, and the space’s overall purpose. As part of your design research, consider the areas that will be most prone to foot traffic. In student housing, you might also think about the various tools and equipment families will use to move their students in and out of the building (e.g., carts, hand trucks).
Some areas may be more prone to damage than others. For example, areas designed for social interactions might experience more wear and tear compared to areas people simply pass through. Areas where people gather will need extra considerations when choosing durable furniture and fixtures.
Invest in modular unit furniture
Modular furniture and fixtures can be configured on a whim to suit the needs of your student residents. They can also be easily replaced or swapped out when they reach the end of their life without having to invest in completely new furnishings. If one piece becomes damaged, you can remove it and replace it with something else while leaving the rest of the pieces in place.
Choose stain-resistant fabrics
Low-maintenance fabrics will preserve the life of your interior design. Use upholstery and window treatments made from stain-resistant and antimicrobial materials to extend their lifespan. This can also help prevent mold that may grow after spills.
What are the best practices for durability in designing units?
The same considerations in common areas can apply to individual units. This is where students will arguably spend most of their time while at the residence. However, individual units aren’t likely to be subjected to as much traffic compared to shared spaces. Let’s look at some unique best practices for designing units.
Choose commercial furniture
In student housing, furniture faces wear and tear from daily use by multiple occupants, making durability a top priority. Commercial-grade materials like reinforced wood, metal frames, and high-density foams help the furniture to hold up over time.
Install industrial-grade plumbing fixtures
Commercial-grade faucets, showerheads, and sinks are designed to last longer and resist wear from heavy use. The finishes stay brilliant for longer, plus they tend to be easier to clean and maintain.
Opt for solid-core doors and reinforced hinges
Solid-core doors and durable hinges can withstand frequent opening and closing. Also, don’t forget to add door stops to prevent wall dings and damage.
What are the long-term benefits to property managers AND students?
Prioritizing durability from the onset benefits property managers and students alike. With durable materials, property owners and managers can replace pieces less often, which saves money, reduces disruptions to students’ lives, and may even lower overall housing costs. This also means less demand on your maintenance team, making it easier to keep your property beautiful and attractive to tenants.
Building durability into your student housing design
Durability needs to be part of your design and not an afterthought. With high turnover rates, high foot traffic, and a general lack of experience in living independently, property owners can get more life from their design when they choose durable materials that last for the long term. Find an expert in student housing to get the best value for your design projects.