The House Of Arnhem & Groningen are co-living buildings where young professionals between the ages of 23-35 can rent high quality, affordable apartments with shared common areas. Developed by Curlew, the House Of properties are located in top university towns paying special attention to the wellbeing and enjoyment of its residents.

With this in mind, D/DOCK was assigned to design and build a community space in the entrance hall of two apartment buildings. This common area would feel like  an extension of the  inhabitants  private living spaces and enhance  the  shared community feeling. Our concepting phase started with an extensive research on the different ways of co-living in different demographic groups and social, environmental and financial  developments. Followed by distilling key insights regarding the particular target group and its needs, social and cultural  desires. From that perspective, we  researched the available space and surrounding environment.

As soon as one enters the space, the home atmosphere sets in. A home where the residents live, are free and feel comfort all around.  Everyone can use  the area  in their own way, according to their needs.  We created a  multi functional  open space where you can meet new people or be on your own reading a book. This “community living room” brings  a new  social  dimension  to the buildings  from  inviting  your friends over  to have a drink, to  play ping  pong, to  work: the possibilities are endless. In this communal space different social developments and opportunities are instigated, further elevating the quality of life in the building. In turn, increasing the public’s interest in the property and demand thus making the overall  economic  value of the owner’s property higher.