As millennials, we work hard and play hard. Unfortunately, not all environments are conducive to that, and we often find ourselves being stifled. Just take a look at the increasingly popular open concept office – being confined in a cubicle is now, to put it bluntly, unattractive to us. And god forbid that we’d have to live in such restriction as well.
For those who are dying to live amongst like-minded individuals, The Ascott Limited brings lyf, a co-living concept that promotes interaction between guests.
With the pleasure of attending lyf’s launch event, we were treated to a special sneak peek of what the upcoming co-living space will bring.
The outdoor chill area
Be prepared to feel like a kid in Disneyland for the first time as you step in – designed by millennials and managed by millennials, lyf will not fail to surprise with its quirkiness.
You would probably expect the typical hotel lobby reception area upon entering. But at lyf, the first thing you’ll encounter is a unique entrance – in this case, the “Wash and Hang” laundromat cum gathering area – where fellow residents could be playing foosball while waiting for their clothes to spin.
This is a prelude to the many social opportunities you’ll find. Next is the cafe, the first meeting point between you and a friendly lyf guard. More than just staff, lyf guards will be your guides and friends, helping you integrate into the resident community. Get the low-down from them if you’re looking for cool places to eat or hang!
Another key social space is “Bond”, a shared kitchen. Instead of cooking units against a wall, the social kitchen features kitchenettes in a centralised cluster, allowing better interaction while budding Masterchefs whip up a storm. Who says too many cooks spoil the broth?
To break the monotony of the day-to-day grind, lyf adds spice to its interior with ingenious design elements – for example, living room doors that can be flipped over and converted into ping pong tables. Adding a touch of cuteness is an exercise corner with a hamster wheel-shaped treadmill!
Imagine having a jamming studio in your house!
Modelled after popular hobby spaces, the various thematic rooms are also great for chillin’ at. The bird’s-eye-view model above is built like a jamming studio, complete with a cork wall for sound absorption.
“You and Me, like Chicken Rice and Chilli”
With plans to launch 10,000 units globally by 2020, lyf is also looking at locations other than Singapore such as Australia, Japan, Germany, and more. Expect a dash of local flavour distinct to each country incorporated into the deco – such as this cheeky Chicken Rice reference in the kitchens of Singapore’s units.
Whether you’re part of a group or a lone traveller, a selection of rooms are available to fit your needs. Project teams can book “All Together” business suites, equipped with projector screens for video conferences and digital whiteboards to draw diagrams on. There’s also the option of “Two of a Kind” twin rooms consisting of two private rooms and a shared kitchen.
Interactive wall design with an inspiring quote on removable plates
Made for versatility, a lot of the furniture at lyf is customisable – for example, large dining tables can be easily pulled apart to become individual work desks.
While living spaces at lyf are compact, they are also created with comfort in mind. Each unit comes with a sizable bathroom, and space-saving storage systems to declutter your life with. Instead of wardrobes, rooms are fitted with metal racks for you to hang your clothing or other bits and bobs – such as a lamp, or perhaps even a hammock for a laid-back touch!
Under-the-bed storage to hide your junk.
Other than the studio model tour, we were well-entertained at lyf’s launch event with good food and fun hands-on activities. Some highlights included a notebook customisation station, getting to do silkscreen printing on pouches, and a helluva wild show from local band 53A which got everyone on their feet.
The freshly-barbequed nosh we filled our tummies with.
Notebook customisation station by Bynd Artisan.
If anything, this vivacious launch party and its arts-related highlights offered us a large glimpse of what lyf stands for: imagination, creativity, and a sense of community!
Whether you’re an exchange student, solo traveller, or part of a group sent abroad for a business trip, lyf provides serviced residence with a unique vibrancy. With ample opportunities for you to interact with fellow dwellers, you’ll get to exchange ideas and experiences with others from different backgrounds, and draw inspiration from each other.
Keep your eyes peeled for the first lyf units to be available for lodging! More than just accommodation, lyf is like a live-in hub for like-minded young people to congregate for work and play – we’d totally move in there in an instant!
This post was brought to you by The Ascott Limited.
Just an hour away from KL!
Taichung is only an hour by High Speed Rail from Taipei or Taoyuan station.
No more stressing over what to get your loved ones for Christmas.
Gone are the days when family photoshoots used to be boring and extra formal.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Meet new-to-Singapore species as well.