Shared Living Spaces

It’s been some time since we have presented a Think Tank Partner and to make up for this, we have an exciting new addition: Yuno. This data-driven platform provides property expertise and compliance, on-demand. According to Yuno, “Every problem is an opportunity in disguise”, and the platform was built to take advantage of this.

Founded by Paul Conway, Yuno lends its services to Coliving companies, Property Management companies and Property Service companies, among many others; who are all looking to expand their offering. The data-driven platform provides details specific to every property in a portfolio, helping these companies and services to understand how to best advise their client. What do they advise on?

That would be their keyword: Compliance. Specifically, the compliance a property needs, for instance, the property location, number of tenants and number of households. Following this, they can become compliant with an easy booking system. This is put together by Yunos the qualified, experienced and accredited experts who are on hand to support property management companies and their clients. To find out more, we spoke to the founder, Paul Conway, who told us exactly how Yuno works and where we may see the platform and its services in action, particularly in Coliving.

Hi Paul! Could you please explain Yuno to us in your own words?

Yuno is basically data-led property expertise and compliance on demand so as well as the above we make sure that all the boring compliance stuff is taken care of on the platform and support is there from qualified, experienced and accredited experts. It works on the compliance model: ‘How to comply?’, ‘Comply’ and ‘Stay compliant’. So the tech takes care of 'How', experts take care of 'Comply' and the platform automatically monitors the compliance of your portfolio and notifies you of what you need to do and by which expert, so that’s 'Staying Compliant' taken care of.

Aside from Licensing support, what services does the Yuno platform support its operators with that could be of interest to a Coliving company or brand?

We support our Coliving operators with ‘planning’ specific to the issues they face and it can be manifested in really specialised support that is required and our experts have seen it all before. We can, of course, help out with ‘design’ right from the start where ARB Architects overseen by Environmental Health Officers create compliant designs to create amazing places to live and to increase yield. We, of course, have Fire Safety compliance covered too with competent fire risks assessors and accredited support on hand for any upgrade works. Asbestos can be a hassle too and that is, of course, a key part of the journey. And when all is said and done we have RICS surveyors to have your investment valued.

What would happen if a Coliving brand does not comply with all the licensing standards required to operate?

Unfortunately, it’s a real minefield out there and you can quite easily get £30K fine per office or an unlimited fine and even a criminal conviction. They may also be put on the rogue landlords & agents database and banned from operating property for a set amount of years, it can get really serious. Another huge thing that Coliving operators have fallen foul off is Rent Repayment Orders, this is where tenants can claim up to 12 months worth of rent from the landlord.

Have you worked with a Coliving brand & what is the typical licensing that Coliving operators need?

Yes, and these include Caledonia Lettings, Lyvly, and Living London. Coliving companies need a whole host of support and by using the Yuno platform they can get access to all the services we provide. Coliving operators come into contact with all types of licensing in the UK. Mandatory, Additional and Selective Licensing. They also face strong controls over Planning either locally or countrywide restrictions. They should focus on an all-round compliance ethos covering the 29 hazards of HHSRS, Fire safety under the RRO and Asbestos management to name a few.

On your website you differentiate between HMOs (house of multiple occupancy) and Bedsit HMOs, could you please elaborate on the difference between the two?

There are a few ideas around this but the basics are that if you create a common part in some way, to explain further if the tenants are on individual tenancies and/or there are locks on the bedroom doors, you are effectively saying that all the tenants do not have exclusive use of the whole property, thus it is a Bedsit HMO rather than a shared house. For completeness, a shared house is when tenants are on the same tenancy agreement, no locks on bedroom doors and have exclusive use of the whole property and can go into each other’s rooms if required. They act a one family unit and therefore risks are reduced.

Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to answer these insightful questions about Yuno which open up the Coliving world and conversation, even further. We look forward to more collaborations in this Think Tank Partnership!

For more on the work of Yuno, take a look here and don’t miss their Twitter.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

As Coliving continues to push boundaries, the interest for niche spaces and values within the industry has increased. Coming up with innovative coliving concepts not only helps one gain a foothold in the market, but also provides opportunities to stimulate creativity, solve social problems, and simply bring together like-minded individuals.

This is why we have compiled a list of our 5 favourite niche coliving spaces, each with their own unique characteristics.

Haven: A community for wellness and personal growth

An unreasonably high rent to income ratio, experiencing loneliness despite spending hours on social media, and not finding the time in the day to exercise or meditate are problems experienced by many. These kinds of modern problems are precisely what the founders of Haven wanted to solve.

Providing a place to live at half of the regular rental price in Venice Beach, LA, Haven offers its residents an opportunity to spend their money on experiences, rather than rent or furniture. Communication, a healthy lifestyle, and going carbon-free is encouraged at this coliving space, where each resident is also required to spend two hours a month dedicated to community service.

Haven’s wellness-oriented quarters are designed to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to exercise their body or mind. The communal areas include a yoga studio, a gym, and an outdoor meditation area, as well as a movie theatre and a coworking space. It also offers an impressive range of activities, ranging from motivational talks and vegan community dinners, to star energy healing events and sound baths.

Its mission is to make larger cities more accessible, as well as to create a balance of the need for housing with community growth. As most of their residents work in the health or wellness industry, Haven also provides the opportunity of networking and mutual professional advancement.

Source: Haven Coliving

Nest Copenhagen: Coliving for the creators of tomorrow

At first glance, Nest Copenhagen seems like most other coliving spaces. Residents engage in communal activities such as movie nights and dinner parties, and developing close friendships while still maintaining their private bedrooms. However, what separates Nest from the others, is that they only accept entrepreneurs.

Founded in 2014, Nest is one of Denmark’s first coliving spaces. A non-profit run by the residents, it is composed of four connected apartments, each containing five or six bedrooms. Nest encourages entrepreneurial discussion and sharing innovative ideas, but emphasizes that it is neither a coworking space nor a “second workspace”. Networking is highly recommended, and they welcome visits by foreign entrepreneurs.

Only people who fit their values are accepted into Nest. The tenants must be trustworthy, creative, supportive, and warm-hearted. They must be social, as they say, that Nest is not a place where people can come and go without speaking to anyone. Each resident must actively contribute to the community, socially and as an entrepreneur. Sharing successes, failures, and advice to help each other grow is what Nest is all about, as well as creating the best home possible for people who understand one another.

Source: Nest Copenhagen on Facebook

G|Code House: Closing the gender gap in the tech industry

G|Code House is a brand new addition to the world of coliving, as it hasn’t even officially opened yet, but its purpose is important enough to be mentioned in this list! Two women, Bridgette Wallace and Carolle Nau, bought a 5,000-square foot Victorian house in Boston, with the purpose of combining affordable coliving, technology instruction, industry placement, and post-secondary education. Tired of the skyrocketing rents and increasing homelessness, they want to use this house as a means to contribute to society.

Realizing that many educational and professional triumphs are owed to people having stable homes, they will recruit young women of colour who have an interest in technology. They will welcome women who don’t have the stability in their lives required to follow their technological ambitions. Their two-year program, provided at the house, will include technical education, internships, and speciality training.

Despite not being opened yet, G|Code House has already started providing their services. They launched a 10-week “Intro to G|Code” program in February 2020 where they taught young women the fundamentals of coding. Originally hosted by the Boston Public Library, the course started providing online lessons when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Currently, they’re in the process of collecting donations and renovating the house, while also celebrating their first graduation; they have a bright future ahead of them.

Source: G|Code House

New Ground: A community built by older women, for older women

As waiting lists for retirement homes are steadily increasing because of the ageing population, and many senior citizens have had to relocate away from their loved ones to find appropriate accommodation, it is perhaps not surprising that some have started to take matters into their own hands. Enter the Older Women Co-Housing group, which founded the UK’s first senior cohousing community, New Ground, in 2016. Their mission was simple: developing a community that cares for one another and is actively managed by the women themselves.

Refusing to be confused with sheltered housing or a retirement village, these women look out for each other instead of relying on on-site care. They eat dinner together once a week, and have schedules for cleaning and tending to the communal garden. They even carpool to shops and doctor’s appointments!

Besides the financial benefits of sharing costs and utilities, cohousing also benefits the mental and physical health of its residents. Loneliness and social isolation is a common problem among retirees and is linked to health risks such as depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. Coliving can help alleviate these problems by providing opportunities for social interactions and helping retirees feel valued, independent, and a part of a community.

Source: Older Women Co-Housing Group

Suderbyn: Self-sufficient, sustainable, and socially positive

Whether it is intentional or not, there is no doubt that Coliving spaces are contributing to sustainability. Due to the sharing of food, furniture, and amenities, coliving frequently leads to less consumption and food waste. It also takes up less land space and is more energy sufficient. Some Coliving communities are taking the adoption of a sustainable lifestyle even further, and are trying to become entirely self-sufficient. One of those communities is Suderbyn.

Located on a small island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, Suderbyn was built on an old farm property. Their goal is to live in a way that creates a prosperous living environment while minimizing their environmental footprint. They place an emphasis on living close to nature and each other, creating a new model of society where everyone has a part to play.

While growing most of their food on their property according to Permaculture principles, they also buy organic, local, and seasonal food in bulk from farmers or wholesalers. Only biodegradable products are allowed, to avoid chemical residues in the soil where they grow their food. They live a vegetarian lifestyle and distance themselves from mass-consumption. Entrepreneurship is encouraged, but only when it stimulates sustainability.

Ecovillages such as Suderbyn are resilient and are not as affected by the goings of the outside world as others might. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made its mark on the world, Suderbyn claims that their daily lives have “barely changed” despite many of their projects and events having been cancelled. They attribute their resilience with their proximity and relationship with nature, as well as their access to a supportive and nurturing community.

Source: Suderbyn

Looking at these 5 diverse homes, it seems that there are endless opportunities for creativity while designing Coliving facilities. Does the future of Coliving lie in niche spaces? Only time will tell, and we can’t wait to find out!

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

This month’s Think Tank Partner is Spatial Experience, founded by Bart Sasim, an expert in designing the utilization of spaces to optimize the customer experience. This fundamental idea is where the agency gets its name: Super Positive Experience, of which Bart is now CEO. Their mission is to create and develop brands which connect to the hearts of their customers through experience-driven real estate. This mission is achieved through innovative and sustainable tools within new media including VR and AR which they believe can enhance the experience of the customer, especially within Coworking, Coliving, Student Housing and more.

SALTO KS is excited to present this guest blog written by the Spatial Experience, in which they take us through their inception and provide us with their take on the future of experiencing real estate.

SALTO KS is excited to present this guest blog written by the Spatial Experience, in which they take us through their inception and provide us with their take on the future of experiencing real estate.

In the early 2012s, Europe was still in the middle of a real estate crisis and it was a challenging yet exciting moment for the student housing industry to discover new possibilities.

As the demand for student housing was stimulated by an immense influx of students, student accommodations were moving from a public, standardised offer to a privatised model with an experience-driven focus. That is when, as a fresh interior architect, Bart Sasim, CEO & Founder of Spatial Experience, was introduced to the Student Housing Research Foundation, The Class of 2020, to develop their branding and corporate identity.

Having acquired work experience from various architecture- and design firms throughout, and after his studies, he had been trained to develop concepts from an architectural standpoint, adopting the ability to revitalise spaces and envision their potential beyond their basic functionalities.

Possessing a genuine interest in understanding the perspective of human interaction within constructed spaces and community, he welcomed the opportunity to bring the experience-design methodology to his next project—cooperation on building up Student Housing Brand (The Student Hotel).

After overseeing the successful launch of The Student Hotel in several locations, it soon became apparent that a great number of other parties involved in micro-living developments were in dire need of similar services and support to take their brand to the next level. It was evident that the new generation of students and young professionals expected brands to find better and more innovative ways to deliver experience.

Inspired by the new energy that he brought into the market at The Student Hotel, Bart ventured out on his own to help other housing players grow and push the bounds even more. With the mission to help brands connect to the hearts of their customers through super positive experiences, Spatial Experience was brought to life.

Inspired by the new energy that he brought into the market at The Student Hotel, Bart ventured out on his own to help other housing players grow and push the bounds even more. With the mission to help brands connect to the hearts of their customers through super positive experiences, Spatial Experience was brought to life.

We bring our expertise and knowledge of target needs to real estate developers and operators to ensure that the schemes that they develop are truly elevating the lives of inhabitants. As creative partners in business, we support our clients in the full spectrum of branding and marketing-related activities to help roll-out their brand and take the overall student experience to new heights. In addition, we offer innovative tools within new media such as 360-degree video & photo, VR & AR to help our partners adapt to the digital-driven times and take on a more 'hospitality-like' approach to attract customers, providing them with an information-rich & more memorable customer experience. We believe this is the way of the future.

We believe our goal of bridging the gap between hospitality and the real estate sector will help to enrich the lives of young people by bringing back the ‘human’ factor within constructed spaces, community & experience building to support them on all levels of their personal and professional development.

By helping to shape and build student housing, Coliving and Coworking brands from concept to development, we also strive to foster a sense of social responsibility & sustainable growth in brands to positively influence the cities & communities of tomorrow.

By helping to shape and build student housing, Coliving and Coworking brands from concept to development, we also strive to foster a sense of social responsibility & sustainable growth in brands to positively influence the cities & communities of tomorrow.

To achieve this ambition, we partner up with enthusiastic frontrunners who leave ordinary behind as they race toward extraordinary the same way we do. We are excited to work alongside SALTO KS to innovate the ways people experience the spaces and to co-create a better future.

To achieve this ambition, we partner up with enthusiastic frontrunners who leave ordinary behind as they race toward extraordinary the same way we do. We are excited to work alongside SALTO KS to innovate the ways people experience the spaces and to co-create a better future.

In Coliving & student housing industries today, what speaks to people is not just finding a place to sleep, eat, work and repeat, but it is the promise of community, convenience and fulfilling experiences that foster both their personal and professional growth. And with the power of our niche expertise along with our think tank partners, we hope to create more super positive experiences and influence the way cities & communities of the future develop.

For more on the work of Spatial Experience, take a look here. If you’d like to get in touch, contact Spatial Experience through this form.

Thank you, Spatial Experience for collaborating with us on this edition of our Think Tank Partner series and we look forward to what the future of Spatial Experience has in store!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Access control is more commonly being used across different types of businesses today. By using access control, an admin has full control over who enters their spaces and what certain time of day they want to grant that access. Physical keys are becoming a thing of the past and access control systems are more commonly being installed for higher security and safety. In the coliving industry, it is clear to see that many businesses are modernizing by implementing access control systems in their spaces for greater control. Throughout this blog, we’ll take you through some of the reasons that our access control system, SALTO KS, will monetize your coliving business.

Access control is more commonly being used across different types of businesses today. By using access control, an admin has full control over who enters their spaces and what certain time of day they want to grant that access. Physical keys are becoming a thing of the past and access control systems are more commonly being installed for higher security and safety. In the coliving industry, it is clear to see that many businesses are modernizing by implementing access control systems in their spaces for greater control. Throughout this blog, we’ll take you through some of the reasons that our access control system, SALTO KS, will monetize your coliving business.

SALTO KS provides you with the ability to customize what kind of access rights you want a specific user to have. As an admin, you can control this by providing open or limited access to a user. For example, say you want to provide a tenant of your coliving space access rights to your common room facility, but that you don’t want them being there overnight to avoid disturbances. With SALTO KS, you can customize that user’s access by blocking their entry from a specific time period. Not only can you customize what time period someone has access, but also which certain facilities they are permitted to enter besides their own rooms/apartments.

SALTO KS provides you with the ability to customize what kind of access rights you want a specific user to have. As an admin, you can control this by providing open or limited access to a user. For example, say you want to provide a tenant of your coliving space access rights to your common room facility, but that you don’t want them being there overnight to avoid disturbances. With SALTO KS, you can customize that user’s access by blocking their entry from a specific time period. Not only can you customize what time period someone has access, but also which certain facilities they are permitted to enter besides their own rooms/apartments.

Providing your users with higher security is a huge boost to your business. The technology used in SALTO KS offers you the advantage of having greater security measures that prevent break-ins and keep your users safe. By controlling who has access to your space, you have the ability to minimize security threats and maintain the safety of your space.

Providing your users with higher security is a huge boost to your business. The technology used in SALTO KS offers you the advantage of having greater security measures that prevent break-ins and keep your users safe. By controlling who has access to your space, you have the ability to minimize security threats and maintain the safety of your space.

Ever had to run to a store to make copies of your keys? Yeah, we’ve all been there before. The risk around that is having too many copies, losing one of them, or having your keys stolen. If that happens, it increases your vulnerability to a break-in. SALTO KS offers you an immediate solution for such or similar cases. With SALTO KS, you are able to instantly block a tag if someone has lost it. By simply removing a tag from a user’s page, you are fully protected against the risk of someone entering your space with a stolen/lost tag.

Ever had to run to a store to make copies of your keys? Yeah, we’ve all been there before. The risk around that is having too many copies, losing one of them, or having your keys stolen. If that happens, it increases your vulnerability to a break-in. SALTO KS offers you an immediate solution for such or similar cases. With SALTO KS, you are able to instantly block a tag if someone has lost it. By simply removing a tag from a user’s page, you are fully protected against the risk of someone entering your space with a stolen/lost tag.

Generally, having multiple coliving locations makes it more difficult to provide access and have control over all locations. SALTO KS offers a high-end solution to this issue. By simply adding certain users to different access groups, your users will easily have access to multiple locations. For example, say you need your receptionist to work at a different location for the day. Without providing them with a new key, just simply assign their tag to have access rights for the new location and they’re good to go.

Generally, having multiple coliving locations makes it more difficult to provide access and have control over all locations. SALTO KS offers a high-end solution to this issue. By simply adding certain users to different access groups, your users will easily have access to multiple locations. For example, say you need your receptionist to work at a different location for the day. Without providing them with a new key, just simply assign their tag to have access rights for the new location and they’re good to go.

One of the highlights of access control is the ability to integrate it with other systems and software. SALTO KS also offers you the opportunity to do this. By getting access to the SALTO KS API, you have the opportunity to advance your spaces by doing more with our smart locks. In the coliving industry, SALTO KS has already partnered with several coliving spaces to offer a customized cloud-based locking system. Some of these partners include Cohabs and Obeyo.

One of the highlights of access control is the ability to integrate it with other systems and software. SALTO KS also offers you the opportunity to do this. By getting access to the SALTO KS API, you have the opportunity to advance your spaces by doing more with our smart locks. In the coliving industry, SALTO KS has already partnered with several coliving spaces to offer a customized cloud-based locking system. Some of these partners include Cohabs and Obeyo.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

The Coliving movement is taking the world by storm: Particularly metropolitan areas in which rapid urbanization calls for tools to combat the shortage of affordable housing, reduce the number of commuters, and ultimately improve infrastructure.

As a result of this, Coliving spaces strive to be both progressive and innovative in their approach to these issues, consequently attracting a millennial audience who mirrors these objectives. Coliving communities, therefore, cater to the lifestyles and needs of this demographic by providing attractive amenities which include communal spaces, furnished rooms, and even pet-friendly housing.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that Coliving caters to wider demographics and their respective requirements, one of which are senior citizens. Often referred to as senior Cohousing, this form of Coliving comes with its own perks and facilities.

In this post, we shed light on senior Coliving and its housing benefits.

The following are the 5 main reasons why Coliving attracts senior renters:

The following are the 5 main reasons why Coliving attracts senior renters:

While senior Coliving unites residents for a mutually beneficial environment, it also provides privacy and respect of individual space that is important for many senior citizens. Shared spaces such as communal kitchens and recreational gardens exist to benefit the entire community, however, private rooms and apartments are often available and prioritized for seniors. For those who wish to preserve their boundaries and personal space, Coliving provides the perfect solution while also preventing loneliness and isolation. Independence, however, does not only consist of privacy!

If freedom and flexibility are required, Coliving spaces such as Co-Wo-Li and Roam consist of a global network of private spaces that cater to all demographics ranging from nomads in their late 20s to early 70s!

If freedom and flexibility are required, Coliving spaces such as Co-Wo-Li and Roam consist of a global network of private spaces that cater to all demographics ranging from nomads in their late 20s to early 70s!

A fundamental requirement for seniors in their search for housing is security. While this can often be masked in comfort and community, Coliving spaces go beyond basic needs by catering to both the health and financial challenges that may exist or be anticipated by its members. This is manifested in environmental sustainability, accessible design, and amenity packages which make this a secure housing choice.

Some of these age-friendly Cohousing communities are proactively developed to support ageing and co-care for its members. Furthermore, the policies adapt to the needs and circumstances of its members as they age. In other words: They extend a responsibility towards their members which can only be delivered by Coliving.

Some of these age-friendly Cohousing communities are proactively developed to support ageing and co-care for its members. Furthermore, the policies adapt to the needs and circumstances of its members as they age. In other words: They extend a responsibility towards their members which can only be delivered by Coliving.

According to the Canadian Cohousing Network, seniors who opt for Cohousing live a minimum of ten years longer than if they chose traditional senior housing. This longevity is found to be a factor common to Coliving spaces and is supported by community life. For instance, if a member is not well, they will be checked on by other members of staff from the co-living residence. The supportive community and useful amenities have been found to make seniors happier and in better health. In other words: An overall positive impact on their well-being!

According to the Canadian Cohousing Network, seniors who opt for Cohousing live a minimum of ten years longer than if they chose traditional senior housing. This longevity is found to be a factor common to Coliving spaces and is supported by community life. For instance, if a member is not well, they will be checked on by other members of staff from the co-living residence. The supportive community and useful amenities have been found to make seniors happier and in better health. In other words: An overall positive impact on their well-being!

Finally, an important aspect of Coliving is the financial accessibility and support provided to members. For urban areas, in particular, the cost of housing for seniors can be fundamental in deciding the quality of life. Coliving allows for the sharing of resources which ultimately saves money. Nursing homes and assisted living are significantly more expensive and sometimes lack the benefits that cater to the emotional and mental health of its members, contributing to the overall experience that only Coliving can provide.

Finally, an important aspect of Coliving is the financial accessibility and support provided to members. For urban areas, in particular, the cost of housing for seniors can be fundamental in deciding the quality of life. Coliving allows for the sharing of resources which ultimately saves money. Nursing homes and assisted living are significantly more expensive and sometimes lack the benefits that cater to the emotional and mental health of its members, contributing to the overall experience that only Coliving can provide.

Coliving spaces are known for their highly desirable, and sometimes luxurious, amenities that are provided to all its members. When it comes to senior Coliving, these amenities are extended to cover transportation, wellness, exercise, and healthcare. Shared spaces that are common to all Coliving spaces include recreational gardens and laundry areas, and sometimes they can even include kitchens, guest facilities, a lounge, library and TV room!

One of the most attractive aspects of Coliving amenities lies in the customization and involvement of members in the design process. This implies that future residents have a say in their housing facilities and can be actively involved in the governance of the property even after moving in.

An important amenity often overlooked, is the incorporation of access control and management that provides both intuitive and easy to use technology. This comprises members, guests, cleaners, staff, etc. who may require access within the residences. Salto KS provides a solution for access control, improving both life and management within a Coliving space. Additionally, the Salto KS web app is flexible, which allows it to adapt to the needs of senior Coliving.

Wondering how you can attract senior renters through an easily accessible and user-friendly experience? Read about our Coliving solutions here: We are happy to inform you about the possibilities!

Contact us through this form for more information on the perfect access control solution for you.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

For our recurring ‘Spotlight on a dealer’ blog post series where we shine a light on the many professionals around the globe that are working hard on promoting and selling SALTO KS, we traveled to Switzerland to speak to Didier Kauer. Didier is Head of the Salto Hardware Department at Quincaillerie du Léman SA and knows everything there is to know about Salto products.

Read how this small Swiss hardware and security shop grew into a flourishing business with a staff of twenty-two employees:

How was Quincaillerie founded?

Quincaillerie du Léman SA was founded in 1996. At the beginning we were with only five employees, today we have a staff of twenty-two people! We have more than 10,000 items of hardware and security products in stock in our Store in Bussigny -Lausanne and more than 300,000 items in our E-shop. Our greatest strength: The study, planning and implementation of a project as a whole. We are able to advise, supply and install all components around the door.

What made you decide to become a SALTO KS dealer?

As a regional hardware company, our main customers are construction professionals and we had recurring requests for small and medium projects. It was essential to be able to offer a suitable cloud solution to our customers. We were already a reseller of Salto products and it was only logical that we decided, as a Premium Plus Partner, to offer this solution.

As a regional hardware company, our main customers are construction professionals and we had recurring requests for small and medium projects. It was essential to be able to offer a suitable cloud solution to our customers. We were already a reseller of Salto products and it was only logical that we decided, as a Premium Plus Partner, to offer this solution.

What were some of the challenges Quincaillerie faced during its early days

The first challenge for our security department was to introduce mechatronic locking systems to the market.

This locking technique was not yet known to everyone and the design of an organization chart required much more time and thought than the 100% electronic systems we know today. Setting up a team and maintaining continuous training has not been easy, but 20 years later it has definitely paid off.

How do you see the market evolving in Switzerland for access control systems?

The evolution towards cloud management is making its way. People are becoming more and more familiar with the use of smartphone as a key. Another foreseeable development is the merger between access control and building technology. One thing is certain: There is a lot of potential in the field of construction and access control.

What feature impresses you the most about SALTO KS?

I particularly like the integration possibilities such as video surveillance and management systems for coworking and coliving. The opening and control of the door by smartphone is obviously a big advantage.

But what I appreciate most of all is the reliability and constant evolution of the Salto product range.

Do you have a SALTO KS related anecdote you would like to share?

I remember it very well: This was following the completion of our first SALTO KS project.

This customer I had prospected was swearing by mechanical key systems. I might as well tell you that I had a hell of a challenge to succeed that day. A few weeks later, he contacted me again and told me that he had sold two other SALTO KS installations himself. As I tell all our prospects: Test SALTO KS, and you will love it.

How do your customers feel about using SALTO KS over other locking solutions?
They appreciate the fact that they can manage their installations remotely from their smartphones or tablets.
The app's simple and friendly interface gives the customer confidence from the very first steps of using it.

Who are your main clients?
We have all kinds of SALTO KS customers. We generally equip small and medium-sized businesses, retail stores, but also private owners.

We would like to thank Didier for granting the KS team time to pick his brain on his highly appreciated vision of access control.

Read more about Quincaillerie du Léman SA's projects on their website.

Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you scale your business? Contact us and we'll be to take you by the hand leading to a fitting access control solution!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

At Salto KS we aim to provide a product that's easy-to-use. Therefore we renewed the People page where you are able to keep a clear view of your Site's users and their permissions.

Let us take you by the hand and show you how this page works.

New People page:

When you are a space operator with a lot of members to maintain, big chance you have trouble keeping your overview. At Salto KS we want you to have the best customer experience possible so you can do your job with ease.

This is why we have worked on a new People page for app.saltoks.com: To manage and maintain your users, but most of all keep a clear outline.

What is the People page?

Within your Salto KS web portal, you are able to navigate to the page that’s called ‘People’. Here you will find all users in your system. Each user has its own tile which states all the information you need at one glance. To edit the rights of a user or gain more information you can search for the user in the right top corner and click on their tile.

After clicking on a user’s tile, you get redirected to the user’s designated page. On the left of the screen, you are able to edit the profile info of the user and see the tabs of which this page is built upon: Entries, Keys and Lock options.

Entries:

On the Entries page of this user, you are able to view all actions of the user and search for specific actions. You are able to browse:

· Entries and what way they are triggered (Digital Key/Tag/Remote opening etc.)

· On what lock this opening was performed

· Details on the opening if needed (start/end, lost or restored connection, battery level etc.). If there are no details to present, the page shows says ‘N/A’ (Not available).

· The start/end date and time

Keys

Below the ‘Entries’ tab on the left, you can find the ‘Keys’ tab. This tab provides an overview of the type of ‘keys’ a user has adopted and what the status of the key is. There are multiple keys you can edit on this page:

· Digital Key (Open the door by tapping your phone to the lock)

· Tag (Key fob)

· Pin (Pin lock)

In case a user needs different remote opening and lock mode privileges you can navigate to the third and last tab on the left that says ‘Lock options’.

Lock options

On this page you have four options you can enable or disable for this specific user:

Remote opening*: The user is able to unlock or set a lock-in Office Mode** remotely

*A remote opening means you are able to unlock with your phone from an unlimited distance

**When a lock is in Office Mode this means the door will be unlocked until you take it out of Office Mode

Easy Office Mode*: Enable or disable the lock’s EOM (Easy Office Mode) schedule with a tag (key fob).

*With Easy Office Mode you are able to schedule when you want the lock to be in office mode (open)

Manual Office Mode*: Enable MOM (Manual Office Mode) by presenting a tag and holding down the inside handle / Present a tag (key fob) for more than 5 seconds on any type of BLUEnet lock.

*With Manual Office Mode you are able to manually put a door in Office mode (open) by presenting a tag and holding down the inside handle / Present a tag (key fob) for more than 5 seconds on any type of BLUEnet lock.

Override Privacy Mode*: Override a lock-in privacy mode with a tag (key fob).

*Privacy mode allows a person to lock a door from the inside, using a physical action.

Overall the People page has become clearer with more information you can collect in a short period of time.

The team behind SALTO KS is working continuously to meet the needs of our customers and implement enhancement whenever we can. So if you have new requests make sure to reach out to support@my-clay.com

More product updates? Check out the new and improved Access group page here.

Keep an eye on our blog to keep up with the latest product updates, event recaps and more.

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

We are happy to introduce Jacob Shapiro: A Coliving enthusiast who wears many hats. He works remotely for the Outpost Club, volunteers for the Coliving Hub, and is am currently on a Coliving tour, traveling to different Coliving spaces around the world.

Despite his busy schedule packed with activities to lift the Coliving scene to a higher level, Jacob sat down to answer our questions:

Who are you, what makes you tick, what is your passion?

I think my passion is best explained by a metaphor: I don’t want to be the guy who scores the goal, I want to be the guy who makes the incredible pass, which allows the goal to be scored in the first place. My passion is creating an environment that allows others to thrive.

Why do you feel Coliving is making a change in the world?

Coliving is (or should be) combating the loneliness epidemic, a by-product of our modern world. Everyone uses this as their main point when referring to the social good that Coliving brings. But while this may be a major change that Coliving makes in the world, it’s not the only one. I’ve seen Coliving spur new businesses, artistic projects, and accountability partners. I’ve seen community managers help Colivers find new passions. And while Coliving is helping build new relationships between Colivers, it's also reinforcing the existing bonds between people as well.

How are you making an impact in this field?

My partner and I are currently on a world tour of Coliving spaces in an effort to find out what kind of Coliving space we would like to open ourselves. We have been to, and will be traveling to Germany, Serbia, Switzerland, Armenia, Israel, Morocco, and Spain, and this is just the beginning. We have been consultants, community managers, and volunteers along the way, allowing the operators to utilize our knowledge, and to focus on bigger-picture solutions while we take on the day-to-day tasks.

We also volunteer our time for the Coliving Hub, a non-profit association of Coliving operators which strives to enable and empower people around the world to create and use Coliving spaces. We provide meaningful and targeted content to Coliving operators to help them thrive. I believe this is our largest impact on the field as a whole.

What can digital innovations such as SALTO KS do in this field?

With Outpost Club, we currently use digital access control solutions at our Coliving spaces in the US. Just the other day, I got a call from someone who was locked out of their Coliving in New York, and I was able to remotely open the door for them… from Switzerland. This is the power that SALTO KS can bring to Coliving companies: our companies are heavily location-dependent, so anything that can relieve that dependency is a huge benefit to us, and therefore our customers.

What is your hope for the future of Coliving?

I hope for added convenience that maintains privacy. I hope that Coliving companies can continue to grow in size, yet still provide highly intentional communities. I hope that people view Coliving as an incredible innovation on the existing forms of living, and not just a dorm for adults. And lastly, I hope that Coliving continues to be a place where digital innovations are there to better facilitate in-person community.

We want to thank Jacob for creating time to answer these questions and to see potential benefits in all ripple effects the Coliving scene causes.

Meet one of the SALTO KS team members or Jacob Shapiro on an event near you. Check out our Events page to find out where we will be next!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

The term Coliving is one that has gained momentum in the present climate within the landscape of housing, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. This has resulted in the term being broadly adapted so as to carry several misconceptions along with it. For some, the concept of Coliving represents a multi-billion dollar industry that is ever-growing in its scope, and for others, it exists only within a temporary and niche housing trend.

Therefore we compiled a list of the top 5 myths for you that we one by one will bust!

1. Coliving means life in a hostel or dorm

This myth classifies Coliving spaces as a subcategory of hostels or dorms which is false. This myth stems from similarities between Coliving and dorms which include reasonable pricing, convenient locations, and community-based experience. For instance, The New York Times referred to Starcity Coliving as “dorm living for professionals”. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the two as separate entities.

One of the biggest differences is that Coliving spaces are known for their impressive design which intentionally prioritizes beautiful interiors and shared spaces. This is also accompanied by a variety of state of the art facilities and utilities that come along with the contract in Coliving. The result is more space, storage, and eco-efficiency in one’s Coliving housing. Another key difference is that Coliving attracts a broader demographic that goes well beyond that of dorms which usually caters primarily to students or millennials. Coliving, is, therefore, broader in its scope and maintains a higher standard and quality of living.

2. Coliving means no privacy

Coliving is built upon the concept of community living and offers several communal spaces along with its in-built amenities. This does not imply, however, that Coliving means saying goodbye to one’s privacy. Coliving spaces promote open-mindedness and socializing yet always ensure a degree of privacy for their inhabitants.

Shared facilities such as laundry rooms, recreational gardens, and kitchens bring people together on a regular basis. Nevertheless, most Coliving communities have private living quarters wherein one can call a space their own and enjoy the comfort of privacy when needed.

3. Coliving caters to nomads and hippies

Another myth commonly associated with Coliving is that it is likened to a cult or a community for hippies and nomads. This is false, as Coliving does not cater to any niche audience in terms of backgrounds and beliefs. The only beliefs and values commonly associated with these spaces are that of open-mindedness and tolerance as this is considered a vital part of community-based living.

Coliving often attracts digital nomads and expats, yet can also become a fairly permanent address. Furthermore, they usually have shared responsibility for maintenance which ensures that no matter the lifestyle, all members contribute equally to sustain the quality of the Coliving space.

4. Coliving won’t be suitable for families

This myth dictates that Coliving is not meant for families and couples, which is not true. While certain Coliving spaces cater to a profile that is more suited to young professionals who are looking for short term housing, several Coliving companies look to attract and even benefit families.

This is built on the notion that families can share resources and connect with each other in an enriched way that only Coliving allows. The concept also resonates with more affordable options for (multi-generational) families. Coliving spaces can even host possibilities of child-care, community diversification, and support services for families who can aid from these advantages.

5. Coliving is not a business

This is arguably one of the biggest myths behind Coliving and is easiest to debunk. Coliving can be concretely defined yet is also in a state of constant development and growth which leads to confusion or misinterpretation. According to SALTO’s Christian Schmitz, “Coliving is the movement that enables people with common interests to share communal spaces and live together”. As a movement, Coliving is connecting the best of real estate, technology, and design industries to form a global network of professionals who believe in a future of sustainable community-based living.

Busting Coliving myths is what we do. RSVP now to The Coliving Meetup at Clay Solutions HQ on Friday, September 27th, at 5:30 pm to witness this in real life.

This edition of the #colivingmeetup will feature notable figures from the Coliving landscape including special guest Mischa Rus of Stichting Coliving NL, Coliving guru Gui Perdrix, and SALTO’s very own Christian Schmitz. The evening promises to be insightful, fun, and most importantly provide a platform for Coliving operators and enthusiasts to socialize and network in an informal setting!

See you there!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

At SALTO KS we care a whole lot about Coliving. We think it's important to change the world together. That's why we partnered up with several organizations that are disrupting the Coliving movement.

Every few weeks you can expect a blog post that will highlight the point of view of one of those Coliving movement disruptors.

We kick off this project with Kndrd, a coliving movement for driven and successful entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses to ultimately make the world a better place:

It’s never easy being one of the first to do something.

Especially in such a nascent industry.

Since we launched a year ago, Kndrd has been about redefining the way the world lives. We don’t think it’s okay to be ‘just okay’ with how your life is going. Everything, from your job to your home to your relationships, should be valuable and incredible.

And for this reason, we believe that it comes down to optimizing every aspect of housing, especially in major cities around the world.

Commuting an hour or two into the city center for work each day? Spending time with people who don’t uplift and inspire you? Feeling alone and isolated without meaningful relationships? These are all issues of time and spending it wisely.

On the flip side, we want to improve the efficiency of how people live and interact with each other. Including direct integration with IoT. Technology like SALTO creates automation and a great solution to home access.

In order for most people to live in the city and save precious time on their commute, they have to sacrifice cost by paying exorbitant rent prices. And it’s out of hand.

This is what drives us at Kndrd: PEOPLE. These lives and stories deserve nothing less than amazing. So we are building the software to connect humans with a CoLiving home that serves them in all parts of their life.

- Christine McDannell

We’re allowing people to travel and live globally in a way that is actually flexible and easy for the first time. Our hope is for this global interconnection to remind people that, deep down, we as humans are far more alike than we are different. And the more Kndrd is able to optimize CoLiving operations, the faster these properties can scale and serve more people.

This is what makes us tick. And the impact is profound: We can’t think of anything greater to do with a company than to help people live better.

Because, at the end of the day, that’s all we have.

Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you offer the most flexible customer experience for your tenants? Contact us and we'll be happy to show you!

-

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!