BTR Apartments & Shared Amenities for Barrings on behalf of Aware Super

Build to Rent is redefining what it means to feel at home. More than simply providing a place to live, it creates communities where thoughtful design supports the way people connect, work, relax and belong.

At WeAreLiving Preston, BOWERBIRD was engaged to bring that vision to life across three marketing apartments, 62 fully furnished residences and an extensive collection of shared amenity spaces. 

The brief was clear: embrace bold forms and warm textures while creating environments that feel welcoming, adaptable and genuinely lived in. Every space needed to balance contemporary design with everyday comfort, ensuring residents could seamlessly transition between moments of productivity, connection and retreat. 

Creating Spaces That Bring People Together 

Shared spaces are the heartbeat of any Build to Rent community. They set the tone for daily life and shape how residents experience the building beyond their own front door. 

At WeAreLiving Preston, we approached every communal area with flexibility in mind. Rich, inviting colour palettes create warmth and energy, while layered textures soften contemporary architectural forms. Carefully selected furniture encourages multiple ways of using each space, whether it’s enjoying a quiet morning coffee, settling in for a day of remote work, gathering with neighbours for an impromptu conversation, or simply taking a moment to unwind. 

Rather than designing rooms with a single purpose, every area was curated to evolve throughout the day. 

Designed for Everyday Living 

From the first marketing apartment through to all 62 fully furnished residences, every apartment was designed to feel calm, comfortable and genuinely lived in. 

The marketing apartments were carefully styled to showcase more than a floorplan; they demonstrate a way of living. Warm timber tones, tactile upholstery, sculptural forms and earthy accents create interiors that feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door. Natural light and a restrained material palette allow each space to breathe, while thoughtfully layered furnishings help prospective residents imagine themselves at home. 

This same design language extends throughout all 62 fully furnished apartments, ensuring every resident enjoys an interior that balances contemporary design with everyday comfort. 

At BOWERBIRD, we believe exceptional interiors are measured by how they make people feel. At WeAreLiving Preston, every space was designed to foster belonging, encourage connection and create homes that residents are proud to return to each day. 

Photography by Kate Hansen Photography