Build to rent developer launches industry leading partnership

Leading build-to-rent (BTR) developer and operator, Moda Living has announced a partnership with innovative technology provider Utopi, to build a complete digital infrastructure, and optimise smart building technology across it’s entire development portfolio including the 215 new homes at the first phase of its SoYo development in Leeds.

This new initiative will position the Harrogate-based firm as the first truly vertically integrated, tech-enabled BTR company in the country setting a precedence for the sector.

Moda states that this industry-leading collaboration will improve building operations and the sustainability of all its Living neighbourhoods, by identifying problems with energy consumption, faulty maintenance equipment and systems, ahead of time.

Utopi’s digital infrastructure blueprint designs will utilise the latest technologies to automate building management, including it’s own IoT multi-sensor. The device will be installed throughout Moda’s residential communities to measure humidity, temperature, CO2, light, noise, motion and occupancy, creating a wellness score. Theses sensors will automatically respond to adjust the environment to exercise real-time control of air-conditioning, security and lighting systems, optimising the space for residents and saving money on energy costs.

The benefit of this technology is the live nature of its data capture. Instant alerts will ensure that any maintenance and utility issues can be resolved efficiently or prevented entirely.

For instance a defective air-conditioning unit or contaminated tap would typically only be detected at the next routine service visit, however using the technology and real-time data management it could be identified at a much earlier stage. The final stage in this system is the use in some systems of machine learning to automatically adjust and redefine maintenance plans

Moda has always considered itself a forward thinking business, with Johnny Caddick explaining to TheBusinessDesk.com earlier this year that they are always monitoring consumer trends to ensure that they can develop buildings to meet these needs. Through this partnership the developer will now have access to the data generated by the sensors to better understand its residents and pre-empt their long-term lifestyle needs.

The developer also expects the technology to support its response to COVID-19, by enabling it to maximise the safety and health of its residents through facilitating social distancing, informing cleaning regimes and managing the ongoing operation of the building safely, using real-time data through the platform.

Oscar Brooks, Director at Moda, said, “The technological advancements of IoT in real estate will forever change how we interact with the structures in which we live and work. We need to ensure that Moda is truly tech-enabled – to really understand the behaviour of our residents and help us build the best homes of the future. Moda is a vertically integrated housing brand, and Utopi is the cornerstone supplier for our new build-to-rent operating system.”

Jonathan Burridge CEO at Utopi added, “Moda is the biggest and fastest-growing purpose-built BTR company in the UK and our brief was to keep them at the cutting edge by helping deliver innovative smart building technology for their portfolio. By using tech to change the way buildings are designed, we create safer spaces and better places to live. We are always looking ahead at Moda’s next development to they continue to lead the way in technological advancements in the BTR space.

“We support their mission to become the greenest BTR in the country, and IoT and data analytics has a leading role to play in a Net Zero Carbon world, helping reduce or avoid consumption, whilst saving residents and owners money, and greatly enhancing the living experience.”