When Bisly first launched its intelligent building solution, we knew that finding partners who were already established, renowned, and reliable companies was going to be imperative to our success. Our partnership with Bonava, a leading Scandinavian developer, began in 2020 and has been instrumental in Bisly’s growth and success. Bonava has played a significant role in shaping our intelligent building solutions, whilst paving the way for smart technology adoption in the residential real estate market.
Joining forces
Back in 2020, only a small percentage of premium multifamily developments in Estonia had incorporated any smart solutions. Not only did they come with a hefty price tag, but many of those were far from fully functional. Bonava, not typically focused on the luxury market, marked a significant milestone for Bisly as it became one of our first major customers after launching publicly.
In the pilot project in the Pärnaõue district, Bonava strategically deployed Bisly’s system in two buildings, while the team installed KNX technology in two other identical buildings. This comparative approach helped the developer to evaluate both the pricing and performance of each solution, solidifying Bisly’s position as a smart building leader.
Since finalizing our first joint venture, Bisly’s relationship with Bonava has flourished, resulting in the successful completion of numerous multifamily residential buildings and continued collaboration. We are now gearing up to complete one of our latest projects, Pikaliiva Kaarmaja, by the end of the year. With an equally forward-thinking partner, we continue to innovate, Taking in all the feedback and integrating it to our product offerings to deliver smarter, more efficient homes for the future.
Hands-on approach
As we were still finding our footing on the real estate market, there was no room for error when it came to our first project with Bonava. This is why Bisly’s co-founder Mihkel Kõrgmaa decided to take the reins and personally led the project from our side. He oversaw every detail with care and ensured the team exceeded the client’s expectations. Kõrgmaa’s direct oversight allowed Bisly to gather invaluable insights and refine our solutions in real-time, contributing significantly to the project’s success and to Bisly’s rapid growth in the smart building industry.
Daniel Heinmaa, Bonava’s Object Manager, described Bisly’s planning as thorough, far-sighted, and precise. “The attitude towards the completion of the site was very constructive and they also contributed to the identification and solution of problems”. With this feedback in mind, our team knew we were on the right track and ready to take the market by storm.
Valuing speed
Because teams typically install automation technology during the final stages of a project, they must ensure both speed and quality. For real estate developers, it’s crucial to hand over sold apartments as soon as construction is complete. With traditional smart home solutions, the commissioning and setup process can be time-consuming and challenging, while homeowners are eager to finalize the deal and move in.
With Bisly’s digital twin technology, installation is instant, ensuring no delays and allowing the developer’s cash flow to remain uninterrupted. Bonava gained an incredible benefit, as our team installed the solution for the two Pärnaõue apartment buildings in just two weeks during Q4 2020. The impressive turnaround underscored the efficiency and precision of our team and gave us the credibility to onboard other developers.
A win-win partnership
With Bisly’s intelligent building automation, Bonava’s customers can benefit from an enhanced living space, providing more comfort, energy-efficiency, and lower living costs. The installed smart sensors automatically manage the operations of the heating and ventilation systems, while monthly expenses are kept under control. Residents also benefit from a smart video intercom, increasing both the convenience and security of the building.
The functionality of the first project with Bonava has remained largely the same over time. Although it has since evolved significantly, the base functionality that was HVAC controls, access control, and smart meter readings have largely remained the same. Pärnaõue was also the first project where BislyHub (control screen) was deployed as the in-apartment control hub. Residents were able to purchase additional packages from the developer that included shades and lighting controls.
As for Bisly, we couldn’t be more grateful to Bonava for putting their faith in us when we were new to the scene, and continuing to work with us now as we keep expanding. Bonava played a pivotal role when it came to introducing our automation solution to the market and positioning ourselves as the market leader in intelligent building solutions.