YOUNIQ AG just introduced a new approach called "YOUNIQ designed by Matteo Thun" as the company continues to expand. Together with the internationally active architectural firm Matteo Thun & Partners, the company not only refined and upgraded the quality of its architecture, fit-out and style, but revamped its entire structural concept of student lifestyle projects. The new approach of YOUNIQ, Germany's biggest provider of student living, includes the use of modular construction and of timber as building material. The YOUNIQ projects on Schleissheimer Strasse and Georg-Wopfner-Strasse in Munich serve as prototypes of Matteo Thun's design and the modular construction method.
"The collaboration with Matteo Thun and the evolution of our product enhances the core of the YOUNIQ brand in regard to architecture and fitout. At the same time, it enables us to consolidate our head-start on the market and our unique selling proposition in the real estate asset class of student living," said Rainer Nonnengässer, CEO of YOUNIQ AG. "The objective is to create a highly coveted product for the end customer whose quality and brand value will keep demand on a high level irrespective of local headline rents and supply."
Matteo Thun was involved not only in the re-launch of architecture and design, but consistently helped to develop the new structural concept of YOUNIQ: "We created an entirely new way of building that combines flexibility, quality, and efficiency. Adopting a holistic concept of architecture, interior, and product design has made it possible to create a modern, forward-looking domicile for students. Wood serves as principal construction material, and, being a renewable resource, it meets our requirements in regard to sustainable building," commented architect and designer Matteo Thun.
All future YOUNIQ projects will be realised as modular constructions, using wood as climate-neutral and recyclable resource. Timber makes the construction process not just considerably more efficient, but it also optimises the environmental impact, conserves resources, and accelerates the construction process. "Following in-depth analysis of the quotes received, and meetings with 31 suppliers from 5 different countries, we signed a long-term contract with the company MHn Modulholz GmbH," said Nonnengässer. As one of Germany's leading providers of timber construction and modules, the Schwalmtal-based company will serve as prime contractor for YOUNIQ AG. In addition to the turn-key construction of the above-surface storeys in timber modules, the range of services to be performed by the company includes the completion of basements and underground car park in conventional construction, as well as the building fit-out, mechanical services and the complete furnishing of the apartments.
"The modular construction shortens the time to completion by up to 40 percent. This is in the best interest of both investors and students who have generated a vast demand. Moreover, we achieve top-level building quality through optimal manufacturing conditions and uniform standards," argued Nonnengässer, as he explained the new building approach pursued by YOUNIQ. Simultaneously, the timber construction greatly enhances the energetic characteristics of YOUNIQ properties. "Wood comes with superb insulating qualities, and creates a pleasant indoor climate through its capacity to absorb and release humidity. We intend to exploit these capabilities and to set new standards in multi-storey building and in student residences with YOUNIQ," said Nonnengässer With its new concept, YOUNIQ is seeking to obtain its first-time certification by the German Society for Sustainable Construction (DGNB).
Matteo Thun, architect and designer, was born in Bolzano in 1952 und studied under Oskar Kokoschka at the Art Academy of Salzburg and at the University of Florence. Together with Ettore Sottsass, he founded the Memphis Group in Milan, and partnered with Sottsass Associati between 1980 and 1984. Between 1983 and 2000, he taught at the University of Applied Art in Vienna. From 1990 through 1993, he worked as art director of Swatch. In 1984, Matteo Thun opened his own studio in Milan. The present company of Matteo Thun & Partners, which employs a team of 50 architects and designers, was formed together with his partners Luca Colombo, Herbert Rathmaier and Antonio Rodriguez in 2000.
YOUNIQ AG is a listed specialist for student housing with headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Under the name of YOUNIQ, the company develops, sells, and operates concept-driven properties for students that are managed on behalf of end investors or else are held in a proprietary portfolio. The design of the student apartments was masterminded by Matteo Thun, an internationally renowned designer and architect. In addition to conventional construction, the company is increasingly relying on a timber module construction and seeking a DGNB green building certification. Majority partner of YOUNIQ AG is a fund owned by the private equity investor and asset manager Corestate Capital AG with headquarters in Zug, Switzerland.
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