Aperture gives students at University of Central Florida (UCF) a refreshing choice for smartly designed off campus living. This elevated student apartment community, located in Orlando, Florida, offers 680 beds throughout its 204 fully furnished apartment homes comprised of studio, one, two, and four-bedroom units. Designed for well-being, Aperture serves as a respite through intentional use of color, refined detailing and feature elements, and an integrated palette offering a hospitality-like feel. Proprietary Built to Spec furnishings promote a homey, wellness-focused environment not typically found in student housing.
About This Project
The Challenge:
Aperture’s tucked away site exhibited a smaller scale footprint that presented unique design challenges. The team recognized that highly flexible spaces would need to accommodate varying programs throughout the day, as well as utilize every square inch to their full potential. Strict budget parameters required the team to design with focused intentionality and efficiency to ultimately deliver an exceptional living experience suited for UCF’s student demographic.
Coinciding with the academic calendar, a tight timeline necessitated a high degree of flexibility and momentum throughout the project. To ensure a sustainable competitive position, the project demanded a forward-looking mindset and design elements that would ensure Aperture’s relevance and ability to perform over the long term.
The MCA Solution:
From programming, to materiality, to the FFE selections which feature MCA’s proprietary Built to Spec furnishings solution, wellness was integrated to promote an engaging, invigorating, and intentional lifestyle. The team prioritized comfort, personalization, and a sense of home to create an environment that would help students rejuvenate and thrive.
Built to Spec customizable furniture elements and details, such as deeper headboards that integrate power for device charging, were designed to enhance everyday living. Each unit’s aesthetic was created to align seamlessly with amenity spaces to foster a cohesive experience throughout the property.
With a smaller amenity footprint and a more isolated site, the design focused on maximizing functionality and creating a self-sufficient environment. High-impact amenities such as an oversized fitness center and smart grab-and-go vending support daily needs on site, while the café offers a flexible social and coworking hub that makes Aperture feel completely livable without requiring students to leave.
PROJECT
Aperture
TARGET AUDIENCE
Culturally diverse UCF students, pursuing undergraduate and graduate educations who are seeking an elevated living space that’s well-built for well-being
LOCATION
Orlando, FL
TYPE
Elevated off-campus student apartment community with 204 units and 680 beds
CLIENT
Toll Brothers Campus Living
COMPLETED
2025
Category
Case Study, Student HousingThe R.O.E.® (Return on Environment)
Aperture was fully leased three months before opening demonstrating the design immediately resonated with students. Early leasing helped drive revenue and strong demand while reducing lease-up risk.
The Built to Spec furniture, especially in the pre-leasing office, allowed prospective residents to actually see it, sit in it, and experience how it worked before signing a lease. The ability to experience the uniqueness of the furnishings helped bring the design story to life and showed how the units, amenities, and technology were intentionally designed to support the student lifestyle while adding long-term value.
Aperture connects with both students and parents whose feedback reflected a special confidence. One designer overheard a prospective resident with her mom touring the property. The mom exuded even more excitement than the student, pointing out the unique spaces and furniture, which perfectly reflect how the design builds confidence for parents while still feeling modern and comfortable for students.
