Neither, or both. The Bikube concept oscillates between aparthotel and rental accommodation, between coliving and coworking, all in a lifestyle spirit. Developed by Vinci Immobilier's Operations division, this project, launched at the end of 2018, has materialised with a first establishment in Lyonin the IIIe arrondissement, just a twenty-minute walk from La Part Dieu station.
Hybrid by nature, the Bikube Lyon offers flexibility of use to meet the expectations of travellers, primarily business travellers, and professionals on the move. for one or more nights or for several months. Two-thirds of its 146 units are reserved for short and medium stays, with flats equipped with a kitchenette and a dining/office area, as well as a queen-size bed, storage space and a connected TV.
At the same time, the final third is dedicated to coliving With flats ranging from T1 to T3, each floor has a communal area with a large living room, a fitted kitchen and board games or other facilities to encourage the emergence of micro-communities between residents. All of this in a cosy atmosphere, with a different mood for each floor: in one case a very seventies yellow-orange, in another a more London rock tone, in yet another a contemporary green, combined with exotic, natural furniture.
Building on its expertise in senior and student residences, Vinci Immobilier has launched in a new niche. " With Bikube, we're targeting several types of customer: travellers passing through, whether for business or pleasure, and professionals on temporary assignments in companies in the area, but also, for the coliving part, young working people or foreign customers who find it difficult to find accommodation in traditional rental accommodation. And all this with a simple offer, with no need to visit beforehand" says Émilie Schlageter, Bikube Project Director.
The name expresses both the idea of modularity - bi and cubes - and effervescence, Bikube meaning "beehive" in Danish. Indeed, Lyon's first establishment sets the tone for a lively place, very much in tune with the times. The residence comprisesa living area on the ground floorA 200 m² coworking space will be available free of charge to residents, with a day pass for mobile professionals. Residents and neighbouring businesses will also be able to hold their meetings here, with a room for 10 people and, for events, a rooftop that can be privatised for groups of twenty or more. Apart from this, the centre is open to all, with an indoor area with a lounge and kitchen, and a terrace to enjoy on sunny days.
OTAs, GDSs, relocation agencies, direct sales, relationships with neighbouring companies: all options are open to reach corporate customers. " We are targeting travellers who might stay in apartment hotels or Airbnb rentals.but they don't find the same user-friendliness in these offers" This is the first time that Vinci Immobilier Résidences Gérées has been able to offer a coliving scheme," says Damien Odin, Deputy Managing Director of Vinci Immobilier Résidences Gérées. this concept is not yet well developed in Lyon" .
Based on the same model - 5,500 m² buildings with 180 flats - the Bikube brand intends to build up a network in the main French conurbations. Two projects are already underwayThe first will be in Montpellier, near Saint Roch station, and is due to open in 2025, while the second will be in Suresnes, near Paris, and is expected to open in the third quarter of 2026.
