Beyond the Walls Inspiring Sustainable Living in the PBSA and BTR Communities
We have had the pleasure of working on some exciting projects in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build-to-Rent (BTR) sectors. With over 25 years of combined experience, we’ve seen sustainability emerge as a core focus in the design and construction of these developments. At N+L we believe that designing sustainable interiors goes beyond aesthetics - it begins with selecting furniture and finishes made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials of course, but can thoughtful, sustainable design do more than just look good? Can it inspire residents to contribute to a healthier planet and promote well-being? In this blog, we delve into how creative interior design and the creative use of amenity space can encourage sustainable living within PBSA and BTR communities, influencing not just where people live, but how they live.
Embracing Simpler Times
PBSA and BTR amenity spaces are becoming more versatile than ever. We’re seeing everything from podcast rooms to theatre kitchens, gyms, and even wellness suites. At N+L, we love thinking outside the box and finding fresh, creative ways to use these spaces. But the challenge is, how do we merge innovative design with promoting a more sustainable lifestyle?
Sometimes it helps to look back at previous generations before we look forward. I’m a proud member of Generation X (yep, 50’s are the new 40’s!). I can still just about remember my student days, but growing up in the 70’s was a different world. Simpler times, no social media – I didn’t even have a mobile phone when I was at Uni (it was 3 x rings to my mum to let her know I was home safe as an actual phone call was too expensive!) My mum was the queen of resourcefulness and the one thing she drilled into me (which I am so grateful for) was how to live resourcefully, ‘waste not, want not’ was her motto as she turned an old t-shirt into dusters! She inherited this way of thinking from my grandparents, who grew their own veg, cooked from scratch, charity shopped, sewed, knit and mended! And always and passed things on, finding new homes for anything they didn’t need instead of throwing them out and adding to landfill - one man’s trash and all that!
That approach to resourcefulness has really stayed with me. As an art student, I saved everything for potential creative endeavours- old clothes, packaging and skip finds to upcycle to make my student flat feel like home without breaking the bank. Even now, I can’t resist a good charity shop find or a car boot treasure to style my home! Maybe times were simpler back then, but I think there’s real inspiration in the “make do and mend” attitude of previous generations. Could we bring some of those values back into PBSA and BTR spaces today, finding joy in creating rather than just consuming and promoting a sustainable lifestyle and a sense of well-being for the residents? Here’s some ideas we are looking at for future amenity spaces.
Maker Spaces
Art and craft studios offer residents the space for creative projects like crafting and repurposing old items. These spaces need to be versatile and thoughtfully designed, with flexible furniture for multiple activities. Imagine bright, inspiring studios with modular furniture, sustainable materials, and splashes of colourful hues that energise and get the creative juices flowing. Practical features like sinks for cleaning, big project tables, and a mix of seating for workshops can create an environment where collaboration and creativity thrive. Whether it's sewing, crafting, or upcycling, these spaces can make sustainable living fun and engaging boosting mindfulness and well-being.
Vintage Clothes and Book Swap Shops
Introducing a vintage clothes or book swap shop within a co-living space can offer a sustainable alternative to buying new - no postage needed! It could be designed to feature carefully curated displays and creative storage solutions that become part of the aesthetic and make the space feel welcoming and inspiring. Tactile and vintage inspired patterned finishes with inspired colour combinations could add to the sense of nostalgia. Or these ‘shops’ could pop up! And be less permanent with flexible setups - foldable tables, collapsible rails, and storage on castors which allow it to appear when needed and disappear just as easily.
The idea is to encourage residents to take part in their own circular economy, swapping items instead of buying new ones, all while fostering a strong sense of community. Gen Z is reportedly already on board with second-hand shopping, so this concept aligns perfectly – as well as being a fun and affordable way to make a positive impact!
Community Repair Space
A dedicated space where residents can come together to mend, restore, and learn. These areas could host workshops on everything from mending clothes, fixing belongings, and even bicycle repair - all while creating a sense of shared learning and community. In many PBSA and BTR developments, residents span different generations - so why not embrace that diversity? Younger residents could offer tech support, while older residents pass on valuable DIY skills, empowering everyone to personalise and breathe new life into their items. It's a creative and inclusive way to make sustainability feel accessible.
Thoughtfully designed, these nurturing spaces could feature warm, comforting colours that invite, paired with soft, comfortable furniture and quiet, corners for socialising and learning. Practical worktables and benches make space for collaboration, while pegboard walls keep everything organised and within reach. An area for a resource library could be great for residents to borrow tools, books, and equipment needed for sustainable projects. This reduces the need to purchase their own, promoting a culture of sharing and collaboration. Repair spaces could turn sustainability into a communal, hands-on experience where residents aren’t just fixing things but building skills, exchanging knowledge, and contributing to a culture of care and responsibility. Plus, there’s something satisfying about transforming an old item into something unique.
Communal Kitchens
Communal kitchens are becoming a staple in many PBSA and BTR schemes, but what if they could do even more to promote sustainable living? Location is essential – if space allows, strategically placing these kitchens near outdoor areas can enhance that farm-to-table experience. With easy access to gardens, residents can incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables into their recipes, nurturing a thriving culture of sustainability.
Adjoining outdoor seating areas can further foster connection, creating vibrant social hubs. Large communal tables invite residents to gather, share meals, and make connections. With warm, natural colours and finishes that evoke a homely feel, these spaces can feature large islands and flexible seating options, accommodating everything from small social gatherings to cultural cooking demonstrations. Equipped with screens for learning and connectivity to family, communal kitchens promote a sense of belonging and well-being.
Green Spaces
Incorporating green spaces into PBSA and BTR environments is something we are seeing more of. The benefits of connecting with nature for our well-being are well-documented, but these abundant outdoor areas can be so much more than just spots to soak up some rays.
By dedicating space for residents to grow their own herbs, vegetables, and flowers, we could encourage a hands-on approach to a more sustainable way of living. Allotment style areas, raised beds, compost stations and rainwater collectors could feature amongst combinations of colourful and comfortable seating options providing the perfect opportunity for residents to benefit from affordable own-grown food whilst creating a vibrant community garden that nurture both sustainability and connection.
At N+L, as we continue to explore new concepts for PBSA and BTR developments, we have a unique opportunity to shape these environments and inspire the next generation to embrace sustainable living. This process is a true collaboration - understanding the space, aligning with the client’s vision, and working closely with the operations team to ensure practical and flexible spaces. Through this teamwork, amenity spaces can evolve into innovative, inspiring hubs where people can connect and form meaningful relationships. By blending sustainability with creative design, we aim to create spaces that foster engagement, resourcefulness, and community, enhancing residents' well-being while contributing to a healthier planet. Our passion is to craft spaces that celebrate connection, infuse colour to create happy spaces that inspire community building.
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