How a Pop-Up Coliving Project Rewrote the Rules of Real Estate

SSY            Pierre, could you introduce yourself and your role at Tracol Immobilier?

Pierre        My name is Pierre Descoubes, and I am a partner at Tracol Immobilier. I have been developing real estate projects in Luxembourg for more than 15 years. Each project is unique, but the coliving experiment we launched in 2020 really stands out. It was outside of our usual frame, and yet it offered us valuable lessons that continue to influence the way I see real estate today.

SSY            How did the idea of creating a coliving space come about?

Pierre        Real estate projects take time, sometimes several years before construction can even begin. We were facing an empty house on a site where we planned to build a new residence, Eden. Instead of letting it sit unused, we asked ourselves: why not make it a coliving? That’s how the adventure began. It was both practical and experimental, and it gave the house a second life while waiting for the next chapter.

SSY            What did this temporary coliving look like in practice?

Pierre        The house became a home for six people, with four private bathrooms and two shared ones. It was simple but well thought out. Over five years, tens of residents lived there. They came and went, each adding their own energy, and many told us they loved the experience. It proved that even with a modest budget, you can create a real place to live.

SSY            Did you expect the project to have such a strong impact?

Pierre        Honestly, no. At first, we thought of it as a temporary solution. But what happened was far more meaningful. The house turned into a little community. It showed us that real estate isn’t just about square meters, it’s about the lives that fill them. That gave us fresh perspective and encouraged us to look differently at future projects.

SSY            What lessons did you take away from this pop-up experiment?

Pierre        It reminded us that people don’t just want walls and roofs. They want connection, comfort, and flexibility. Real estate must adapt to these needs. The coliving was proof that with a clear vision and attention to detail, even temporary housing can be inspiring and fulfilling.

SSY            You talk about rethinking real estate. What does that mean to you?

Pierre        For me, real estate should not be rigid. It should evolve with lifestyles and technology. We want to reinvent the way homes are imagined and lived. At Tracol, we aim to offer solutions that are modern, practical, and a little unexpected. That’s how we break the old-fashioned image of the sector.

SSY            How did residents respond to this alternative way of living?

Pierre        They embraced it. Many were young professionals, expats, or people in transition. They valued the mix of privacy and shared spaces. The house became more than accommodation—it was a place to meet, exchange ideas, and feel at home, even for a short time. That was very rewarding to see.

SSY            Do you think coliving has a future in Luxembourg?

Pierre        Definitely. Luxembourg attracts a very international community, and not everyone wants to—or can—commit to a long-term rental or purchase. Coliving offers flexibility, affordability, and community. I think we will see more of these projects in the future, not only temporary but permanent.

And in fact, after the success of our first coliving, we continued working with ManyMany by entrusting them with the management of a 26-apartment building in the heart of Belval. This time, it’s not coliving but a range of high-quality studios and one-bedroom flats. The concept is the same: unique design, great flexibility, and a lifestyle offer that really fits today’s needs.