Each month, Multifamily Dive highlights new products of interest to the industry across a spectrum of product types and applications, including building products, smart tech features and property management and operations software and services.
This month, following the National Apartment Association’s 2024 Apartmentalize Conference in Philadelphia, the roundup includes products introduced and highlighted at the show.
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Clad in style
The Qora Cladding Collection by Arcitell is a composite facade material series that mimics the look of stone, wood or brick walls. The collection comes in three varieties: Qora Stone, available in six colors; Brick, available in 20 colors; and Wood, available in three colors for accessories only.
The panels weigh 20 pounds each, measure 18 by 48 inches and include fiberglass-reinforced rigid foam core. The product is durable and resists rot, burning and delamination, according to the manufacturer.
Total control
Rently’s Access Panel with Intercom, designed for use in multifamily common areas, features an access control panel, a keycard reader, a contact sensor and voice and video communication capabilities, including a QR code-based intercom for one- or two-way communication.
The panel is compatible with Wi-Fi, cellular or ethernet connections and may be accessed via fobs, codes or Rently’s Smart Home app. Property managers can also access usage activity and photos taken by the device, according to the news release.
All-new storage
The Milano storage system by Modular Closets is a set of built-in wardrobes that take the place of closet space, built out of modular components that can be arranged in multiple configurations, according to the manufacturer. The modules measure 84 inches tall and 15 or 30 inches wide, and interior options include drawers, chests, cubbies, shelves, shoe shelves and hanging bars.
For multifamily projects, Modular Closets’ in-house installation process includes a review of architectural plans and consideration of managers’ budget and style preferences. The services are available for new construction and renovations.
AI assistance
Software company AppFolio has added a number of new features to its technology platform, including new capabilities for Realm-X, its embedded generative artificial intelligence; enhancements to its student housing and affordable housing packages; and new partners for the AppFolio Stack business marketplace.
Realm-X Assistant takes user prompts to generate reports, execute individual and bulk tasks or automate certain management processes. Realm-X Messages is a dashboard for responding to resident communications, which guides users on appropriate responses and provides real-time translation. Realm-X Flows, which is in its pilot phase, is a workflow automation tool for management processes, such as rental applications, rent collections and lease renewals.
Smarter access
The Level Doorbell by smart tech and automation company Level M is specifically designed for use in multifamily residences, according to the manufacturer. The device supports two-way audio and one-way video communication and stores 20-second video clips of visitors for up to 72 hours and recognizes when packages have been delivered. Users can choose between hard-wired or battery-powered hardware pieces.
Residents and managers can manage the doorbells via the Level app, which also supports an ecosystem of smart locks and other appliances. Recommended staff uses for the doorbell include managing access to the community for vendors and potential new residents.
Diverting waste
Addison, Texas-based CheckSammy is a nationwide waste disposal service with a focus on diverting certain materials from landfills and into sustainable re-uses. Materials diverted by the company include plastics, metal, cardboard, e-waste, textiles, construction debris and personal protective equipment.
Users also have access to the company’s data platform, Veridiant, which provides verifiable data on the property’s sustainable efforts, including job tracking, decarbonization planning, certificates of diversion and ESG tech stack integration. All of the platform’s data is auditable and verifiable, according to the company.
