South Korean giant Samsung is providing smart building technology for a residential project in Cardiff, Wales.

Samsung has entered a long-term partnership with local firm Watkin Jones Group, a residential-for-rent developer and manager, for the flagship BtR (build to rent) project.

Set to be the largest BtR development in Wales, and part of a wider £1bn regeneration project in the Welsh capital, Samsung has been awarded an exclusive supply agreement to provide technology for 715 BtR apartments for the project at Central Quay, which broke ground a year ago.

As a partner to construction developers in the building industry, Samsung will provide technologies for multiple projects including purpose-built student accommodation, BtR and traditional homes. This includes air source heat pumps, in addition to domestic appliances across refrigeration, cooking and laundry.

In addition, Samsung is partnering with Fresh, Watkin Jones’ third-party operator of residential-for-rent properties, to provide exclusive discounts and offers to their residents. Those living in a Fresh-managed building will have access to exclusive promotions and discounts across a range of Samsung appliances and technology.

“This partnership demonstrates the commitment of Watkin Jones Group to deliver homes that are focused on creating dynamic living spaces that are future fit,” said Mark Seaman, head of Samsung’s B2B integrated offering team. “When paired with Samsung’s innovative technologies that can drive energy efficiency and make smart living seamless, we’re able to provide the full package.”

A recent Samsung survey of 1000 adults looking to move home (buy or rent) in the next five years, combined with analysis of Google search trends between March 2022 and March 2023 (stg-images.samsung.com/is/content/samsung/assets/uk/business/appliance-solutions/construction/Samsung_SmartHomeBuyersIndex.pdf) showed that almost 40% of Gen Z buyers want their next property to be a smart home. They are also prioritising energy use in the home, with 71% saying that energy efficiency is a key factor when considering a smart home.

“Watkin Jones Group is pleased to partner with Samsung to allow our projects and clients to stay at the forefront of technological advances, whether this be with energy efficient heating and hot water generation, cooling, or with high quality smart technology appliances for residents,” said Gary Denham, product development director at Watkin Jones. “We are proud to deliver the highest quality innovative accommodation and partnering with Samsung will be of great benefit to our clients and residents as well as to Watkin Jones Group, both now and in the future.”

Samsung (www.samsung.com) and Watkin Jones (watkinjonesplc.com) have also collaborated on purpose-built student accommodation in Colchester , England, which incorporates Samsung air source heat pumps. And they are working together on a live site at the Sydney Road New Home development in Crewe, England, where Samsung is providing domestic appliances for use in single-family homes.