Page 92 - planet_rent

5.10 Residents handbooks

The starting point for conceptualising the residents’ handbook is be the list of plant and equipment
within the development. Typically we take the M&E write up of heating controls and services within
apartments and re-write this in plain English in an upbeat ‘neighbour to neighbour’ style tone of voice.
The handbook should also be used to share also history, influences and to build a story about the
building, history of the site, design influences as well as to demonstrate the low carbon footprint,
features and efficiencies that living at ………. provides and the facilities, services and amenities on offer
and how this will enhance the living experience.
Example topics to be included:
 influences architects drew from in building design,
History, why certain materials, colours and styles were chosen,
 your security USP:
nd
2 line of security, keyless technology, access zones, alarms to ground floor flats, lock up times,
 the building’s environmental credentials:
carbon footprint, standards exceeded e.g., BREAM, intelligent energy consumption,
positive contributions to the environment e.g., solar energy, heat recovery,
resource saving devices installed, e.g., short flush toilets, grade A white goods.
 value for money:
utilities costs vs typical apartment rates,
 sustainable living options,
 your BUILD TO RENT vision,
the lifestyle choice, upgrade choices,
 dwelling operation and maintenance of the apartment,
 development amenities and facilities,
social events, clubs, private hire
 housekeeping information such as refuse & recycling strategy,
 resident services (hotel style aspects),
 the locality & travel plan information,
 some councils require tenancy agreements to commit tenant’s to waste
segregation and recycling, either way, freecycling and re-cycling should
be promoted.

Hard copies should still be printed for bedside cabinets, e-copies to be trigger
at key milestones. Our desk top publishing team in-house who can put
together documents based on guidelines in the operational brand toolkit.

Architects will need to create a simple plans showing routes to:
1. residential bin stores,
2. commercial bin stores,
3. move-in including temporary store, loading, parking & goods lift,
4. access entry points and door lock down timings.

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