NESTBLOK: Pushing Boundaries in Student Living Design

At A Designer at Heart, we’re always looking for ways to innovate and create spaces that truly enhance how residents live, work, and play. That’s why we’re so excited to unveil NESTBLOK – our experimental modular system, developed in collaboration with LOFT – at this year’s Class Foundation Conference.

Where Innovation Meets Real-Life Needs

Developed in response to insights from The Property Marketing Strategists and shaped by our experience designing over 60 PBSA projects across Europe, NESTBLOK is designed with one thing in mind: the resident.

With thoughtful layouts, natural materials, and clever personalisation options, NESTBLOK addresses the unique challenges of student living while pushing the boundaries of what a student room can be.

What Makes NESTBLOK Different?

Every element of NESTBLOK has been carefully considered to make life easier and more enjoyable for students while supporting operators with a smart, sustainable solution. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Agile Layouts: Spaces feel more open and are designed to bring in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
2. Flexibility: The system adapts over time, evolving with the needs of residents and operators alike. It's fully customisable.
3. Features: From corkboards to pegboards and modular furniture, every detail can be tailored to reflect your brand and meet your residents’ expectations.
4. Biophilic Design: Natural cork materials promote well-being and a sense of calm, directly responding to what students want in their spaces.
5. Smart Storage: Clever solutions, like under-bed drawers and hidden storage, maximise functionality without compromising on style.
6. Durability: The modular design ensures longer-lasting pieces, with single components replaceable instead of the full unit – ideal for minimising maintenance costs over time.

 Colour Choices: Bold and Playful

One of the most exciting aspects of NESTBLOK is its colour palette, which was developed in collaboration with colour consultant and trend researcher Elisabetta Rizzato from Italianbark. Unlike many developments that use neutral greys in the bedrooms, which can end up looking bland and uninspiring, NESTBLOK dared to experiment with colour.

While many developers rely on grey because they believe students may be put off by bold colours or that institutional investors prefer neutrals, we decided to take a different approach. Elisabetta and I chose two gender-neutral colours for the furniture exteriors: a terracotta and a charcoal grey. These colours, which Elisabetta calls "new neutrals," are both warm and inviting, yet subtle enough to feel universally appealing.

The more daring pops of colour are tucked inside the pull-out elements of the furniture for a surprise, or used in small quantities in accessories like pegwall elements. Additionally, we used cork to add texture and warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere that balances style with comfort.

To further explore how colour influences perception, we designed two rooms: one with warm colours and the other with cooler tones. Elisabetta explained that people are naturally drawn to either warm or cool colours, much like their tastes in food, and wanted to see how people reacted to the two options.

At the events, the Loft team and I asked attendees which room they preferred. Interestingly, while the warm room was initially more popular, by the end of the week, the vote was almost evenly split. Many women, in particular, gravitated toward the cool room, suggesting that colour preferences might not be linked to gender but rather to individual taste.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many people commenting on how interactive and playful the system was. Colour played a significant role in this reaction, highlighting how non-neutral tones can create a more engaging, personalised space. Institutional investors may worry about bold colours, but NESTBLOK demonstrates that for certain people, too-neutral designs can feel off-putting. After all, if a development has striking amenities, students may find bland rooms underwhelming.

See It for Yourself

We were thrilled to debut NESTBLOK as part of LOFT’s House of Innovation at The Class Foundation Conference 2024. But if you missed the event, there’s still time to experience it. NESTBLOK will remain on display at LOFT’s showroom in Manchester until February 2025.

Whether you’re a developer looking for ready-to-install solutions or have a larger pipeline and need something more bespoke, NESTBLOK offers the flexibility to meet your needs. It’s available now – ready for installation with only minor tweaks – or can be customised to fit your unique brand vision.

Let’s Create the Future of Student Living

We’re passionate about designing spaces that are not only functional but truly inspiring. NESTBLOK is the latest step in that journey, and we’d love to show you what it can do.

If you’re a developer, operator, or investor, we invite you to visit LOFT to explore NESTBLOK in person. Can’t make it? No problem – get in touch with us directly for more information or to discuss how we can help bring your next project to life.