The developer behind the BoKlok concept of housing in the UK will officially unveil its first show home in Gateshead this week.
Work on the first block of apartments (six units) at St James Village in Felling is now nearing completion and for the first time in the UK, Live Smart @ Home is now able to show people what the homes could look like inside.
A two-bedroom show apartment has been fitted out, along with a two-bedroom unit converted to an office/marketing complex that features a BoKlok exhibition area.
Former leading IKEA interior designer Susanne Wilhelmsson is responsible for the vision behind the show apartment and has created what is described as "a spacious and realistic living space" designed to appeal to young couples and families in particular.
All the interior decoration and soft furnishings have been selected from IKEA’s current product range and people who buy a BoKlok property will receive a £250 IKEA voucher to help them begin furnishing their home, as well as having a consultation with IKEA interior designers.
The show home will be open to the general public from Saturday 2nd February.
Alan Prole, managing director of Live Smart @ Home, said: “Until this point, we have been effectively marketing the BoKlok homes based solely on artists impressions and the concepts unique selling points, and the interest has been amazing.
“By completing the first block of flats and unveiling the show home, the development is now very real indeed and for the first time in the UK, people will be able to experience what it could be like living in a BoKlok home.
“This is a very exciting time for everyone concerned in this development and we are now looking forward to welcoming our first residents.”
It is expected that the first residents will begin moving into their apartments in March. In total, Live Smart @ Home, which is the commercial arm of leading affordable housing provider, Home, is building a total of 93 BoKlok homes at St James, 36 one and two-bedrooms flats and 57 two and three-bedroom houses.
Keywords: BoKlok
