Design, Technology & Service to Dazzle Renters

December 7, 2017

Digital Edition News Operations & Technology

New and innovative products in the multifamily market represent the latest design trends in the sector, as well as the priorities of today’s residents.

By Mallory Bulman

New and innovative products in the multifamily market represent the latest design trends in the sector, as well as the priorities of today’s renters. The ideal multifamily property in 2017 offers convenient, technology-enabled solutions, energy-efficient operations and transportation options, as well as communal spaces with a special emphasis on outdoor gathering. Whether seeking to provide this aspirational lifestyle or simply to combat everyday problems like lost apartment keys, loud neighbors or missed package deliveries, multifamily owners can upgrade their properties with a variety of products. Many of today’s products also electronically optimize operations, so property management staff can focus on what renters care about above all else: community.

HearthCabinet Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a charming yet high-maintenance selling point in any home. In a multifamily unit, it can be even harder to find an optimal spot for a fireplace that aligns with vents or electrical outlets. HearthCabinet Ventless Fireplaces are a clean-burning alternative to wood fireplaces that use alcohol gel cartridges to simulate real, crackling flames without the smoke, odor or ashes. Each cartridge lasts as long as two hours and gives off heat without electricity, gas, wood, a chimney or a flue, so they can be installed virtually anywhere, including outdoors.

MirageVision Outdoor TVs

MirageVision’s commercial-grade TVs create a luxury lounge experience outside. The Diamond Pro-C models are Samsung TVs that have been custom-tailored for permanent outdoor use. The screens are calibrated for clear viewing in sun or shade, and can withstand heat, cold, rain, snow and dust for year-round, durable entertainment. Features like reliable, 24/7 continuous operation and an auto-brightness sensor based on light conditions optimize viewing quality and operating costs.

EchoBlade Acoustic Damper

Varied schedules, preferences and habits can produce unwanted noise at odd times. EchoBlade is a decorative acoustic baffle designed by Kirei to fit with traditional T-Grid ceilings to absorb sound and add visual interest, while EchoPanels can be used in common areas and hallways separating units. The panels are responsibly sourced and made from recycled PET materials, qualifying for LEED and other green building certifications.

Maven by GM Car Sharing

Cars are hard to park and store in most metro areas, but public transit isn’t always reliable or convenient. Maven by General Motors is a car-sharing platform that allows properties to offer their residents premium cars for rent by the hour or day via phone app. Maven offers free membership to renters, so they only pay when they use a car. Rates start at $8 per hour. GM manages and owns the cars, which are available for consumers in 17 North American cities.

Latch Smart Access System

Latch, founded by a team of former Apple employees, has created a smart electronic access system specifically for multifamily users. It allows the residents to unlock their door with a smartphone app, keycard or special door code, while providing security through the lock’s wide-angle camera and digital log. The system supports a range of access-sharing features so residents can grant temporary entree to guests, delivery providers or management.

The Hub by Amazon Package Locker

As more renters shop online, management is challenged to cope with the heap of deliveries. Amazon rolled out its public Amazon Lockers in 2015. A new version for multifamily properties allows residents to pick up their packages safely and on their own schedule. The Hub lockers receive and store packages from all carriers and retailers, not just Amazon, with retrieval by entering a pickup code on a touchscreen.

Originally appearing in the December 2017 issue of MHN.