Developers Redesigning Projects For Post Covid World

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As People Adapt To A New Way Of Life In The Pandemic, The Developers Are Getting Ready To Incorporate Functional Design Changes Necessitated By The World With Covid-19. One of the biggest challenges thrown by the pandemic is the need for social distancing. Projects are now being designed with larger common areas and elevator lobbies while, some developers are also introducing separate areas for quarantine facilities within residential complexes. The 7 major design interventions being looked upon by realty firms are: 1. ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR WFH The work from home is here to stay. Builders are offering a 2.5 BHK instead of 2 BHK, the half being a home-office space. A study room will become a standard feature in apartments, according to Sathish Kumar M, President, NAREDCO, Karnataka. “A lot of people are returning to India from abroad and these issues will be among the selling points as well as requirements for builders,” he said. Akshaya, a Chennai-based real estate developer, has already made changes to its ongoing projects, where 2.5-BHK and 3.5-BHK apartments are being made to accommodate a separate small room for work along with basic infrastructure like electrical points, WiFi and broadband connectivity. 2. ADAPTABLE LAYOUTS With people staying more at home and working or studying at home, a greater need is being felt for flexible spaces that can adapt to various functions. A small nook for children’s online study, a recess near the entrance for a wash basin are some of the demands coming from the homebuyers. 3. POWDER ROOM AT ENTRANCE With heightened hygiene consciousness and mandatory washing hands before entering home becoming a practice, a powder room (Wash Basin+ Water Closet meant primarily for the use of guests) is becoming a common demand from homebuyers. Godrej Properties for example is considering re-modelling homes to have a washroom or a powder room just before the living room, around the entrance, Menka Desai, Principal Architect Desai Architects & Designer adds, “Entryways will become clearly defined transitional spaces where one can remove their shoes and sanitize their hands before entering. We are redesigning apartments with these provisions in mind,” stated. 4. BIGGER HOMES Staying at home being the best preventive measure against COVID, homebuyers are seeking bigger units for the extra space. Those living in smaller apartment too are actively looking at upgrading to a bigger unit. The major change brought by the pandemic is the need for dedensification. Space usage per person has increased significantly affecting the space-efficiency strategies implemented in pre-Covid times. There is already an increased demand for flats with bigger living area, and larger balcony, say realty developers. Renu Sud Karnad, HDFC Managing Director too had affirmed the same trend in a recent statement. 5. INDOOR GREEN AREAS Being in the lockdown for more than 3 months has increased the desire to be in the outdoors. As a result, the demand for better ventilation and larger balcony is seeing an upsurge. In the compact housing units, developers are including floor to ceiling windows to merge the outdoors and the indoors. Roof gardens are another way of providing green space for the residents. 6. FOCUS ON WELLNESS The emphasis on family’s health has taken a priority over all other aspects of home buying. The potential homeowners are ready to pay a premium for a LEED certified project with enhanced natural lighting and ventilation. In the premium segment wellness features within homes like a terrace garden, and gym fixtures to, yoga/meditation rooms and art studios in the complex are gaining traction. “Real estate that encompasses wellness elements in a building’s design, materials and amenities is a major global trend. Wellness features in a residential building enhance its desirability as it improves the overall environment and enhances well-being. Among the most popular wellness amenities are gyms, yoga/meditation rooms and roof gardens As we edge more into the luxury homes domain, buyers also seek projects with hobby rooms and Zen gardens where they can unplug and rejuvenate. The practice to get buildings certified for wellness is being followed by several international developer,” as per Prashant Thakur, Director & Head - Research, ANAROCK Property Consultants. 7. GOING TECH SAVVY Whether it is common area doors, lift buttons or home doorbells, the need to reduce touchpoints has made developers incorporate various technologies from video door phones to elevator mobile apps for residents. Furthermore, with people unwilling to step out to cinema halls and theatres for entertainment for fear of Covid, developers are bringing entertainment to their doorstep. For instance, in their upcoming township in Neral, Puranik Builders are offering amenities such as digital entertainment centres where residents can stream shows and watch films together, e-learning centers for webinars, skills development classes, a digital library, a silent disco and a digital gaming room with video games and virtual board games to choose from.