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Increase your efficiency.
Reduce your emissions.
Build with SAM.

The Smart Adaptable Modular Solution
for space-saving and sustainable living.

Trusted by:

What is SAM?

SAM is an innovative, modular and circular furniture system that brings kitchen, bathroom, heating, ventilation, water, electricity and storage together in one prefabricated solution.

With SAM, you will achieve shorter lead times, more living space, a higher level of finishing and minimal building interventions. This makes SAM the solution for your next construction project - fast, efficient and sustainable!

Why choose SAM?

Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

3

month faster delivery

Offsite construction, fast onsite construction
One point of contact instead of several contractors
Consistent deliveries = faster sales/leasing

Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

~

20%

more living space

Eliminate technical storage
Fold-out furniture for extra space gain
Save on gyproc, quick construction bricks, doors, ...

Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

+/-

10%

increased rental income

Higher degree of finishing for the same construction cost
Up to 79% more storage space compared to conventional systems
Less vacancy due to high demand for furnished units

Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

5.5t

CO₂ - savings

Everything under construction = no grinding work on site
Recycling materials upon demolition much easier
Centralization of techniques and piping, positive for EPB

159

SAMs sold

15

cities

110t

CO2 saved

159

SAMs sold

16

cities

236t

CO2 saved

Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

Simplified
coordination

50% faster construction time

  • Digital first design and communication.
  • Spend less time coordinating with different installers. Reduce risk of project overruns.
  • Shorten your customers' decision-making process.
Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

Create added value

30% cost optimisation

  • Rent or sell your development sooner.
  • Save on installation and material costs as we replace the interior walls with cabinets.
  • Reduce on-site installation errors, maximise returns.
Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

Maximize the
livable space

10% more space

  • Fewer dividing walls and a great spacious feel.
  • High-quality cabinets instead of non-load-bearing wall walls. High storage capacity.
  • Eliminate the technical space from the design.
Bao Living USP - Affordable , Affordable

Lower environmental
impact

Up to 5.5t CO₂ - savings

  • Maximize the life cycle and recyclability of your building.
  • SAM is a prefabricated modular product, which contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.
  • We plant trees to compensate for the wood used in your SAM.

SAM vs. traditional construction

1.. 2.. 3.. Ready!

With SAM, we say goodbye to traditional construction methods. Everything is prefabricated off-site and delivered as one complete kit to your construction site. This allows our installers to work faster and more efficiently, saving you valuable time. Moreover, if required, we coordinate the entire installation process, reducing your need to manage and the risk of communication errors and better quality control. As a result, your project can be delivered an average of 3 months earlier.

Live spaciously through smart design

One of the great advantages of building with SAM is the savings in space within your project. Thanks to our modular and innovative approach to installing technology and living functions, for example, the need for a separate technical storage room is eliminated in the design. This increases the habitable area of a home by 10%. In some cases this can be as much as 20%, as seen in the example next to this text! This has a positive impact on residential enjoyment and translates into a higher rental or sales price.

Designed for a better environment

With SAM, you can save up to 5.5 tons of CO2 emissions compared to traditional construction methods just during installation. That's equal to the emissions of a car that would drive around the world! Thanks to easy disassembly and efficient use of materials, the impact on the environment is drastically reduced.

SAM vs. traditional construction

Live spaciously through smart design

One of the great advantages of building with SAM is the savings in space within your project. Thanks to our modular and innovative approach to installing technology and living functions, for example, the need for a separate technical storage room is eliminated in the design. This increases the habitable area of a home by 10%. In some cases this can be as much as 20%, as shown in the example next to this text!

This has a positive impact on residential enjoyment and translates into a higher rental or sales price.

1.. 2.. 3.. Ready!

With SAM, we say goodbye to traditional construction methods. Everything is prefabricated off-site and delivered as one complete kit to your construction site. This allows our installers to work faster and more efficiently, saving you valuable time. Moreover, if required, we coordinate the entire installation process, reducing your need to manage and the risk of communication errors and better quality control. As a result, your project can be delivered an average of 3 months earlier.

Designed for a better environment

With SAM, you can save up to 5.5 tons of CO2 emissions compared to traditional construction methods just during installation. That's equivalent to the emissions of a car that would drive around the world! Thanks to easy disassembly and efficient use of materials, the environmental impact is drastically reduced. Calculate how much difference SAM can make to your project through our ECOlator on the Eco-plan page."

SAM vs. traditional construction

Live spaciously through smart design

One of the greater benefits of building with SAM is the space savings realized in your project.
Through our modular and innovative way of installing the various techniques and living functions, we eliminate, among other things, the technical storage of the design. Thus, we increase the average living space of a home by about 10%. This can even go up to 20% as in the example on the right!

This results not only in a more pleasant living experience but also in a higher rental or sales price.

2 for the price of 1

With our standardised kitchen modules you get double value for your investment. Not only do they provide your kitchen with all the necessary appliances and counter space, in most designs their back side also serves as a bathroom wall.

This way you save space and budget for your project!

Space in small area

Our SAM specific storage cabinets replace the dividing wall between bedroom and living area.
This creates extra storage space in a space that
is difficult to provide in smaller homes.

You also have the option of fitting a murphy bed in the SAM. In this way, you save even more valuable space in your flat or studio.

As seen in:

The process

Developers & Architects:We meet for an initial introduction to SAM in our showroom, via conference call or at your office. We look at a possible project and immediately see what we can do for each other.

Project developers:
‍We
first determine the optimal SAM model for in your project. Then we can proceed very quickly to work out an initial price indication.
Architects:
‍The
design of SAM can be outsourced to us or you can get started yourself with our configurator. The 3D model can also be made fully BIM-compatible.
Residents:
‍The
finishing options of SAM can be chosen in consultation with the developer. Through our catalog, you can already get an idea of the different possibilities.

Project Developers: Most of SAM is assembled off-site. The industrialized process ensures that as little as possible remains to be done on-site.
Architects: Because the model is made BIM-compatible, we can prevent any construction conflicts in advance. As a result, the predetermined lead time remains guaranteed.
Occupants: Because we manage everything ourselves, we can offer higher quality in various areas.

Project developers:Because we take care of the entire installation process from A to Z, you have to manage fewer subcontractors, there is less risk of communication errors and there is better quality control.Architects:Only one manageable party that takes care of the complete installation of all utilities. This means fewer site visits.Residents:SAM's short installation time means you can move into your new or renovated home sooner.

What's in SAM?

Discover the versatility of SAM! Unleash your creativity, because SAM is so much more than a fixed design. It is a limitless modular solution that adapts to your needs. With an ever-growing selection of as many as 35 different modular cabinets in our SAM configurator, you are the architect of your own stylish and functional living environment.

SAM (Smart adaptive module) from Bao Living - Rethinking construction. An eco-friendly constructed module that bundles all utilities like heating, electricity, water, ventilation, home automation, kitchen and bathroom. Ventilation system. Type C, D or even centralized systems possibilities. Heating system
Shaft

Heating & ventilation

The heating pipes and ventilation ducts are neatly tucked away and run through the cornice around the module to the units.

Electricity

The central switchboard is seamlessly incorporated into SAM. All appliances and lighting are powered through this point.

Water

The plumbing and drainage systems for the sanitary facilities are integrated in SAM. Thanks to the smart design, you don't see the pipes but they are easily accessible for maintenance.

Meet SAM

SAM is a new revolutionary method of providing all utilities in an apartment, starting from a central shaft.
Heating, water, electricity, ventilation, communication, it's all in one SAM. The equipment, pipes and wires as well as the outputs.

Ventilation, air conditioning & heating

The heating pipes and ventilation ducts are neatly tucked away and run through the cornice around the module to the units.

Water

The plumbing and drainage systems for the sanitary facilities are integrated in SAM. Thanks to the smart design, you don't see the pipes but they are easily accessible for maintenance.

Electricity

The main electrical service panel is perfectly concealed in SAM. Through this point, all devices and lighting are supplied with power. Most switches are located on the module, but additional (wireless) switches can also be installed elsewhere.

Stop by and meet SAM!

Who are we?

Bao Living designs innovative systems that make residential construction more affordable and sustainable. Our young and dynamic team of engineers, product developers and marketers work together to have a positive impact on the construction industry, one of the most polluting industries.

With our smart and modular approach, we increase efficiency and living comfort, reduce costs and minimize the ecological footprint. This is how we build a greener world together!

What our customers say

Philippe Goossens
Property Consultant
ION

"A fantastic collaboration! This team acts as true partners with the goal of delivering an impressive project that they can be justifiably proud of. They stick to deadlines and budgets, with a commitment that I can only encourage. The first success is in, and we look forward to the next projects!"

Bernard Looyens
Co-captain
iState

"Smart, fast and very high quality module that can aesthetically fit anywhere and be installed seamlessly! Became a big fan!"

Peter Verhees
Owner
HABI

"In this project, the technical shaft is the central hub around which the SAM is designed. The apartments are heated by a heat pump that is nicely tucked away in the SAM. This eliminates the need for a technical room in the apartments and creates additional living space for the residents."

Bart Wouters
Technical Construction Director
Urbicoon

"I must honestly say, for me the cooperation with Bao Living has been very positive. I would give this one a 9 out of 10. Therefore, the probability of us working together again is 100%!"

Lode Goethals
Architect
BAST architects

"Bao Living's vision on the integration of utilities in their first product, SAM, has what it takes to tackle the need for innovation and to speed up efficiency in the building process. We were immediately sold on the notion of installing all the utilities of a living space with just one product."

Stijn Elsen
Architect
VUB

"Just like our TRANSFORM research group, Bao Living values sustainable material consumption and maximum flexibility. We are therefore delighted to install two SAM units in our Circular Retrofit Lab, the very first circular total renovation in Belgium!"

SAM in the press

Find out all about it in the articles below!

Testimonials

Philippe Goossens

Property Consultant

Bernard Looyens

Co-captain

Peter Verhees

Owner

Bart Wouters

Technical Construction Director

"Smart, fast and very high quality module that can aesthetically fit anywhere and be installed seamlessly! Became a big fan!"

FAQ

Hasn't prefabrication for small spaces existed for some time?

SAM modules have no fixed design, which makes them unique. SAM is a composable system with as many as 35 flexible closet modules in which the utilities (kitchen, bathroom, heating, ventilation, water, electricity, and furniture) are also all integrated. SAM thus allows for a complete decoupling between the structure of a building and its utilities, which is very advantageous for building reconfiguration and recycling at the end of its life span.

Architects can use Smart Adaptable Modules (SAM) to design a huge palette of homes and spaces: student rooms, studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments to entire modular homes and offices. Bao Living thus finally offers builders and architects the opportunity to implement prefabricated techniques in their construction projects on a large scale, in a flexible, qualitative and ecological way.

How flexible is SAM? Is there room for creativity in the design and construction process?

SAM offers excellent flexibility thanks to its modular system of 35 customizable closet modules, which integrate all utilities such as kitchen, bathroom, heating, ventilation, water, electricity and furniture. This allows SAM to easily adapt to various project layouts and existing buildings without the need for major changes to the building plans.

Although SAM can adapt well to various designs, it is ideal to involve the system as early as possible in the design process. This ensures that the benefits of SAM can be maximized and that the system fits seamlessly into the project.

In terms of creativity, SAM offers plenty of room for innovation. Architects can configure the Smart Adaptable Modules (SAM) themselves in SketchUp, experimenting endlessly with different layouts and finishes. Our extensive SAM catalog contains hundreds of finishing options, giving designers the freedom to create unique and customized solutions.

How is domestic hot water generation arranged for multiple residential units?

For the generation of domestic hot water, we prefer to use collective generation for multiple units, based on our mission of sustainability. This means that there is a central facility for supplying hot water to all residential units. This approach is more efficient and sustainable. However, if an electric water heater per residential unit is desired, we can also offer this.

How qualitative is SAM? Is SAM comparable to more traditional construction methods?

SAM consists largely of custom-made joinery, produced in a controlled environment. This means that we can produce the modules, including utilities, in the best possible conditions without sacrificing quality.

On traditional construction sites, installation takes place in much less perfect conditions. In traditional construction, builders take into account a margin of error of as much as 10% percent. Using SAM drastically reduces that percentage.

How far should sanitary drain and supply lines extend?

The sanitary drain lines should be carried through to the shaft. We then provide further finishing up to the final drain points.The sanitary supply pipes should be inserted through the shaft with an over length of about 2 meters.

How are lights, wires and outlets connected from SAM throughout the home?

The integration of lights, wires, and outlets into SAM modules depends on the type of SAM and the home in which it is installed. For smaller living areas, such as city apartments and student rooms, we can have all lighting and outlets start from the module itself. For larger living areas, we will also need to provide outlets elsewhere in the room. We offer several solutions to make this as minimally invasive as possible, such as installing wireless switches.

How long does it take to make and install a SAM unit?

Once we receive the final design, which can be provided by the builders, the architect, or in collaboration with Bao Living's design team, the average production time is 13 weeks. The earlier we are involved in the construction process, the better. Learn more on our pricing page.

Installation per unit takes only 3 to 5 days on average. This is significantly faster and more consistent than traditional construction methods, where we are not dependent on weather conditions or other external factors.

How much does Sam cost?

The cost of SAM varies based on several factors, such as the size of the SAM, the run of the order, the devices chosen, and the desired level of finish.

Although the price of SAM is competitive with traditional construction methods, SAM offers significant advantages in terms of execution time, level of finish, and space savings. This typically makes SAM much more economical than conventional construction methods. For more detailed pricing information, please visit the price page of our website.

At what stage of the construction process should SAM be installed?

Regarding the placement of the SAM in relation to the floor finish, this can be done either before or after. If a tile floor is being laid, we recommend laying it before the SAM is installed. This is more efficient and convenient for all parties. If using a vinyl floor finish, we recommend not installing it until after the SAM is installed, as vinyl flooring tends to set after the SAM is installed.

Please note that floor finishes are not within our scope of work.

Preconditions for taking back materials circular bathroom

The buy-back price we guarantee is applicable for materials delivered back in the correct manner. The customer is responsible for cleaning the repurchased materials prior to delivery to the Bao Living storage facility.

Residual value items:

- steel - no contact - TECE: 50% of the contract price
- steel - well contact - shower tray: 25% of the contract price
- brass - faucets: 50% of the contract price
- KS - exposed - walls, shower screen, piping: 20% of the contract price
- KS - not exposed - leg set: 20% of the contract price
- porcelain - appliances sanitary porcelain: 25% of the contract price
- chipboard - furniture: 10% of the contract price

Conditions:

- Materials must be free of residue of fasteners or the like.
- The materials should be cleaned and in clean condition.
- The materials should be undamaged. Defects will be reviewed upon delivery to Bao Living and the residual value adjusted accordingly if necessary.
- Packing materials may be used for transportation, but their removal and return are within the customer's responsibilities.

Framing return conditions

The guaranteed take-back price applies to materials returned correctly. The customer is responsible for cleaning the materials prior to delivery to our storage facility.

Residual Value:

When returned after first use, we assure a residual value of a minimum of 10% of the purchase price.

Conditions:

- The materials must be free of residual fasteners or the like.
- The materials must be cleaned and in pristine condition.
- The materials must be undamaged. Defects will be reviewed upon delivery to Bao Living and the residual value adjusted accordingly if necessary.
- Packing materials may be used for transportation, but their removal and return are within the responsibilities of the customer.

What types of homes is SAM suitable for?

The larger the building and the more units of the same type are produced, the faster we can manufacture and install them. This results in faster completions, lower production costs and less follow-up.

SAM provides an answer to urbanization and the challenge of dealing efficiently with smaller living spaces without compromising quality of life. Indeed, SAM adds value to these spaces. The system is suitable for a variety of applications, including apartments, renovations, new construction, wood construction and stone construction.

SAM is particularly effective in smaller living spaces such as urban apartments, care homes, student apartments and office spaces being converted into residential projects. In this context, SAM can create up to 24% more livable area. In addition, SAM also offers benefits for offices and modular homes.

Why is SAM more ecological and sustainable?

Centralized utilities: By concentrating all utilities in one central location, SAM reduces the materials, pipes and cabling required. This ensures more efficient use of resources and less waste.

Sustainable use of wood: The wood used for the SAM modules is FSC-certified, which means it comes from sustainably managed forests or is recycled. In partnership with GoForest we plant two trees back for every tree felled. You can find more information on our Eco-plan page.

Maximum recyclability: By producing the modules in one workshop, all materials can be optimally recycled, minimizing waste.

Avoiding waste: The traditional way of installing pipes, which involves grinding into the structure of a building, is replaced by SAM. This saves hundreds of pounds of waste per home.

End-of-life-cycle: At the end of the life cycle, the installed techniques can be easily recovered, reused, replaced or recycled.

What are the finishing options for cabinet modules, bathroom walls and floors?

We offer several finishing options for our cabinet modules and bathroom walls. As with all custom cabinetry, the possibilities are endless and will depend largely on the space available and your budget.

The basic SAM is a full-featured installation with all necessary amenities. For those with a larger budget, more exclusive materials and combinations are available. More details can be found in our SAM catalog.

In the bathroom, the walls formed by our SAM cabinets are finished with HPL panels of the same quality as the cabinet fronts. The color of these is freely selectable. Our showers are constructed from a waterproof Kerdi sheet, on which our shower wall panels are placed. Here you can choose between a PVC wall panel or Resopal.

In addition, we offer a circular option: a shower panel made from recycled material. More information on this can be found on page 65 of our catalog. Visible walls of the shell of the bathroom are not finished by us; we recommend finishing these walls prior to installation.

What are the options for inspection and flow measurement?

We offer inspection and flow measurement as optional services, as it may be more economical to perform them along with other building inspections.

What cabinets are used for technical installations and how much storage space do I lose as a result?

Depending on the amount of technology to be eliminated (such as ventilation C or D, electric water heater, etc.), 1 or 2 cabinets in the unit will be used for this purpose. The cabinets closest to the technical shaft will be used for this purpose. This way we can always create a nice amount of extra living space.

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