Maximizing living space: When every square foot counts
In one year, the average Belgian lost about a fifth of their purchasing power, says Piet Derriks, managing director at Immoweb. “Every Belgian's purchasing power has fallen sharply by around 18 square meters - or a master bedroom - per person. For a working couple, we're already talking about 36 square meters.”
The trend is particularly noticeable in Brussels. “Brussels residents who had a purchasing power of 55 square meters on 1 January 2022 are now eligible for just 45 square meters for an average wage,” says Derriks. “So for the first time, couples in Brussels fall below the 100 square meter limit.”
The challenge and question to ask is: “How can we build smaller without sacrificing living space?” Sounds contradictory, but it's possible. It can even be done without sacrificing quality of life and comfort; on the contrary, you can even create extra storage space.
How, you ask? Well, to do that, we need to review our production processes and rethink them, optimize them. How do we make our traditional construction sector future-proof with high-quality, sustainable and circular materials and techniques? It is important to consider the functionality and usability of the space in terms of necessary amenities, storage, and residential facilities while maximizing the available square footage.
This is what we, the people at Bao Living, have done with SAM (Smart Adaptable Module) over the past few years. SAM is a modular and circular furniture system that integrates all techniques (kitchen, bathroom, heating, ventilation, lighting and electricity) within an efficient and sleek package centralized around the technical shaft.
One of the greater advantages of building with SAM is the space savings achieved in a project. Through our modular and innovative way of installing the various techniques and residential functions, we eliminate, among other things, the technical storage of the design. This is how we increase the average living space of a home by around 10%. Depending on the layout, this can even reach 20%.
Modular construction also enables much faster construction times than traditional construction methods because modules can be manufactured off-site and transported to the construction site for assembly as one complete kit. You also don't have to work with different subcontractors, which reduces the need to manage and reduces the risk of communication errors. As a result, your project can be delivered faster and more reliably. Efficient and creative use of space will also contribute to a more comfortable and satisfying living environment for residents.
Discover how, in collaboration with Immobel, Belgium's largest project developer, we are creating up to 25% more living space and 50% more storage space with SAM! Check it out here.