An interview with, Etienne Chaumeton, Innovation Manager at Nhood, written by Anna Gnemmi, Junior End-User Marketing Manager at Sofia part of ISEO
Technology, innovation, and sustainability are playing an increasingly important role in the real estate market. Technological advancements have enabled real estate professionals to streamline their processes, enhance communication with clients, and provide more accurate and efficient services. Innovation has led to the development of new products and services that are reshaping the real estate industry, such as smart building technology, virtual and augmented reality tools, and online marketplaces.
Moreover, sustainability has become a major concern for real estate investors, developers, and tenants alike. As the impact of climate change becomes more evident, there is a growing need for sustainable practices in the construction and operation of buildings. This includes the use of energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources.
Overall, the integration of technology, innovation, and sustainability is transforming the real estate market, creating new opportunities for growth, and driving positive environmental and social outcomes.
Etienne Chaumeton, Innovation Manager at Nhood, a real estate services company that manage, animate, develop and transform existing sites into new living places, has illustrated us how the residential scenarios are facing all the new challenges . Nhood is a mixed real estate operator with triple positive impact (people-planet-profit), committed to a long-term responsibility to make all the neighborhoods where they are located lively, appealing, connected and human-focused.
During the interview Etienne Chaumeton explores the concept of sustainable architecture and its importance in addressing environmental challenges. It delves into various sustainable design principles and strategies that can be implemented to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment while promoting a healthy and comfortable living space for occupants.
The housing sector is increasingly embracing technology, innovation, and sustainability to address challenges related to population growth, urbanization, climate change, and resource depletion. Technology is being integrated into buildings through smart systems, internet of things devices, and renewable energy solutions. Innovation is driving the development of new materials, building techniques, and housing models that are more affordable, energy-efficient, and adaptable to changing needs. Sustainability is becoming a key consideration in the design and construction of buildings, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, improving indoor air quality, and creating healthy and livable communities. The integration of technology, innovation, and sustainability is transforming the housing sector, making it more resilient, responsive, and equitable for all.
In terms of urban development, how do you perceive the process of renovating and transforming buildings within cities?
The refurbishment of buildings can be a challenging and costly process, and due to economic and environmental factors, there will be an increasing focus on transforming existing structures rather than constructing new ones. Additionally, it’s important to consider the way we perceive cities and buildings. In the past, neighborhoods were segregated by function, but today, mixed-use facilities are becoming more popular. People want to live, work, shop, and be entertained in the same neighborhood, which is referred to as the “quarter-hour city.” It’s essential to have neighborhoods that offer a mix of amenities and prevent the development of residential areas without nearby jobs or shops, creating “dormitory areas.”
Telecommuting is also changing the way we work, and the evolution of e-commerce and quick commerce platforms is altering how we consume. Leisure and entertainment consumption is also evolving, with changes in formats and preferences. For instance, we can now stream Netflix from our couches.
All these changes require a rethinking of how we design the residential market.
As you said today the residential spaces have become also a place where people want to benefit from services. Do you think there is a link between housing and technology, also in order to increase the profitability of them?
Certainly, technology is revolutionizing many sectors today, with services playing an increasingly important role in connecting everything and bringing services that were once only available outside the home into it. This means that connected services in housing will gradually replace other forms of services that are no longer necessary. For instance, connected lockers can be used for receiving or sending mail and packages, and for shared tools, especially for students, young working people, and young households that do not need to buy a lot of household goods that are rarely used.
The connectivity of housing is linked to new forms of commerce, especially for deliveries. In the future, delivery people may come to your home and deliver your orders directly to your fridge. Despite the increasing connectivity, the paradox is that it can lead to lower energy consumption than before, as new buildings and innovative solutions are designed to be environmentally friendly. New housing models need to consider new mobility modes and incorporate solutions for powering the latest requirements.
How do you perceive the relationship between digital technology and humanity, given that digital services can range from hospitality and automation to environmental applications?
It is crucial that humans remain a priority, and digital technology should always serve them. However, the ownership and protection of data, which are obtained in large quantities today, pose a significant challenge. Digital solutions that may be implemented in the future raise questions about privacy and the extent to which people’s data will be respected. As the RGPD evolves through the CNIL, it is now possible to select which cookies to validate when opening a website, providing a first level of protection for data diffusion.
When designing shared spaces such as co-working spaces, it is essential to consider data to understand which spaces are most used and how they can be adapted to meet the needs of users. However, finding the limit between privacy and intelligent use is crucial when dealing with data. While it is essential to use data smartly, it is equally important to ensure that privacy is respected. Therefore, discussions around the intelligent use of data are fascinating. Big data and the level of information that can be rightly exploited are critical in analyzing occupancy rates, size of spaces, number of connections per space, and services offered, including catering, desks, and sharing of meeting rooms.
What is the economic impact for companies that have flexible offices and new generation buildings? Spaces like co-working, and pro-working.
The economic impact of flexible offices and new generation buildings, including co-working and pro-working spaces, is significant for companies. These solutions offer spaces that can accommodate a large number of people, from freelancers to corporate teams, without requiring significant capital investment or long-term commitments. Companies can take advantage of the mobile nature of these spaces, enabling employees to work in different locations depending on their needs, without the burden of leasing or buying traditional office spaces.
However, open space solutions may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for companies today. To attract and retain top talent, companies need to provide more than just a workspace. Real estate players must be agile and transform buildings to meet the needs of the future, such as converting offices into residential spaces. Additionally, the pandemic has created new challenges and opportunities for the industry, as office vacancy rates in major cities have increased and companies find it difficult to motivate employees to return to traditional offices. Despite these challenges, the economic impact of flexible office solutions and new generation buildings is significant, offering companies greater flexibility and cost savings while enabling them to adapt to changing business needs.
