Summer 2022 The secret to installing 806 beds in less than 4 weeks

  • Client Core Spaces
  • Project HUB Tampa Florida
  • Install 4 weeks
  • Units 369
  • Bedrooms 806
  • Install 4 weeks
  • Completed August 2022

Our team successfully installed 806 beds in 369 units (one of our largest projects to date), along with custom built-ins like closet systems, open shelving, and banquettes, all within a tight 4-weeks.

Contents

Project overview

The main entrance to the Hub Tampa building is shown in the center of the image. Two large wooden doors are flanked by palm trees. There is green tropical foliage in the foreground.
Tampa project color palette

Common space @ HUB Tampa

This coastal-themed 4-story residence houses over 800 students in a range of studios to five bedroom apartments. It is located blocks from the University of South Florida.

Studio media stand

Five students sit on terracotta colored chairs around a white oval table. They are working on laptops and laughing with one another.

Scope

Qty. Product
Bedroom 806 Beds & mattresses
10 Closet systems
Living 318 Sofas
806 Coffee tables
293 TV stands
37 Open shelf systems
Dining 162 Kitchen islands
782 Counter stools
30 Banquettes
30 Banquette tables
Outdoor 72 Adirondack chairs
Total 3,346 Furniture pieces
The outside of the Hub Tampa building is visible. Three levels of balconies jut out from the building in a geometric pattern. A palm tree is visible in the foreground.

Living room @ HUB Tampa

Timeline

Step Duration
Phase 1 Design 4 weeks
Materials sourcing 4 weeks
Phase 2 Overseas production 4 weeks
Domestic production JIT
Phase 3 Overseas shipping 4 weeks
Domestic shipping JIT
Phase 4 Install—July 2021 4 weeks
Result Student move-in Aug 2021

Install, install, install

HUB Tampa is a colossal complex. It is split into eight connected stacks with an adjoining 4 level parking garage which would serve as our staging space. We had a very tight window to pull off a job of this size and complexity.

One of the courtyards @ HUB Tampa

This job was a challenge for two main reasons:

  • Complex install sequence

    Each of the stacks had to be installed in pairs from top to bottom before we could move on to the next. This differs from more standard jobs where you can install entire levels at a time.

  • Tight timeline

    Construction delays pushed our start date hard up against student move-in giving us only 4 weeks to get it done.

One piece of the 318 sofas installed

A dialed in system

We used our proprietary install tracker to plan and track our work, and provide real-time updates throughout the project. Additionally, we hired a local install coordinator who assessed the property daily for install-readiness, and provided progress updates during the installation process to ensure nimble execution.

ROOMY install tracker in the field

A close up image of many furniture components are stacked in a neat pile. Each piece is numbered with blue tape.
A man in a hard hat is assembling a cabinet. He his slotting an end panel in to a side panel using dowels.

No forklifts allowed

We had a dedicated receiving team for this project, and used our install tracker to determine the amount of product needed per level and area, and scheduled trucks accordingly. To work around point load and height limitations in the garage, we rented two pickup/trailer combos and used a round-robin system to ensure a continuous supply of products were available despite the need to transfer products from semis to the pickups and trailer by hand.

Bounce sofas stocked in the parking garage

Staying nimble

With careful planning in the weeks leading up to the installation, we collaborated with the client to create a schedule that allowed the contractors and waxing crews (a unique requirement for floors in this building) to work seamlessly alongside our team.

As with any construction project, unforeseen delays surfaced during the job. To keep things on track, our team met daily with the client, general contractor, waxers, and cleaners to devise a plan for the day. Our team’s smart organization of stock in the garage by level allowed us to move quickly and efficiently from one area to another without wasting time on redundant product handling.

Garage striping

In the last week of the project, the parking garage had to be cleared for power washing and striping. We formulated a strategic plan to store our products in the hallways and install furniture in the residential units. This plan allowed us to efficiently complete the installation process, resulting in a timely project completion that exceeded our original schedule.

The design process

Moodboard for HUB Tampa

Like our Auburn University project, Tampa featured our updated 2022 collection which we custom designed for Core over a period of 3–4 months.

The design process was split into three phases.

  • Concepting

    Given this was Core’s inaugural custom collection we devoted quality time to this phase. We went through multiple rounds of mood-boarding followed by concepting for each product. Simultaneously, we spent time on material direction and sourcing. Throughout we worked closely with Studio K, the client’s interior designer for this project.

  • Development

    Once the initial designs were complete we worked with the client on color selections, material options, and dimensions for each piece. As they were dealing with inconsistent floor plans and space constraints, we not only designed the collection to be modular but also produced different variants to fit each unit.

  • Sample production

    We then produced multiple samples for Core and Studio K to review in person. During this process we were able to value-engineer certain aspects of the products, and work out any kinks. Once samples were approved we moved to full production in early 2021.

Benches made from golden wood and pink fabric are shown in close up. There are marble tables between the benches and in the background is a plant wall and neon sign.

Manufacturing & logistics

A big group of roll-packed mattresses are shown leaning up against a wall. The mattresses are blue.
A man in a hard hat is using a router tool to smooth the edge of a cabinet.

In 2021–2022, we confronted the most difficult global supply chain challenges in half a century. Furniture demand surged while production slowed due to labor and raw material shortages, in addition to a container shortage causing port backups. Nevertheless, we collaborated with our partners to secure materials, production, and container capacity well in advance. Despite delays, we received all overseas products 100% on time.

Replacement program

A ROOMY mattress protector is shown in a nice blue box. The box has the product information written on it.
A ROOMY desk is shown in an expanded view where all the component parts are visible. The image indicates that the individual parts of the desk are replaceable.

Make your investment go further.

Our pieces are engineered for longevity, but things happen ... especially in student living :)

For this reason, we design our furniture with replaceable components. This decreases your TCO (total cost of ownership), and it’s better for the environment. For example, why replace an entire desk when you can replace the desktop?

Our reorders process is easy and transparent.

We also offer replacement logistics services from threshold delivery to full in-unit install and replacement.

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