Exploring Build To Rent in the UK

i2C is thrilled to announce the next iteration of our Ryder Alliance exchange series, in conjunction with international design practice, Ryder Architecture. i2C’s Associate Architect Marcus Greening is heading off on a four-week explorative trip that will help uncover the successes and challenges of Build To Rent (BTR) in the United Kingdom, with the findings to be instrumental in future projects undertaken by i2C|Ryder.

The Ryder and i2C partnership began in 2011 when the directors of both companies were introduced and were struck by the synergies and like-minded approach to design. Together they decided to start sharing knowledge and experience between the two firms, which are located on opposite sides of the world. The collaborative effort has become known as the Okana, and now encompasses a network of 12 partner firms with over 1500 people in 26 cities, spanning several industries. With more than 20 team exchanges successfully executed and more to come, the upcoming trip will focus on learning from established BTR developments. 

“Partnering with Okana is the unison of like-minded organisations, with individuals who leave their egos at the door and get together to share knowledge and communicate in an open forum about best practice and where we see the future of design,” said Marcus Greening.

Through the upcoming trip, Marcus will study the developing nature of BTR projects in London, Manchester and Birmingham, where this type of development model has been prevalent for decades. Marcus will meet with developers, managers and industry consultants who specialise in BTR, and whose experience will benefit i2C|Ryder projects in Australia and New Zealand.

“Experiencing elements of successfully functioning BTR projects that have been operating for years will prove to be an invaluable experience given that the housing model is relatively new in Australia – we’re looking for what does and doesn’t work in these projects that are by definition, adaptable, and rich in amenities that are specific to locality and demographic,” he said.

Just as the exteriors and amenities of BTR projects are purposely specific, so too are the interiors that are designed to feature longevity and provoke timelessness through simplistic styling.

“Due to the nature of Build to Rent, residents are moving in and out almost daily, we look to specify durable products when we create BTR interiors and focus on working with suppliers who have trusted reputations for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Traditionally, Build to Sell is designed with an approach aimed at creating spaces for a single market at a fixed point in time. However, for Build to Rent, we strive to create interior spaces and apartments that will always feel fresh and relevant. As new tenants come and go during the lifetime of the development for the Build To Rent model we are creating interiors that need to look and feel new for over a decade of use,” said i2C Associate and Interior Design Lead Mags Uscinowicz.

Upon return, i2C|Ryder will be running a short series of BTR workshops in our Australian studios to share the key insights and knowledge from the trip.

Stay tuned, we’ll share details on the BTR workshops as soon as get dates locked in.