Architect Nicholas Agius created a suite of different spaces in his 24sqm micro apartment by using a hybridised door and kitchen that folds like a toolbox yet complimenting the original design of the famous Melbourne Art Deco building – Cairo Flats.
Jan van Schaik is the architect for Shacky, a project that breathes life into regional communities with small living. The self-sustaining, intimate design brings comfort to Victoria’s High Country while benefitting the farmers who partner with them.
Complimenting a clients existing home, and using durable, hard wearing materials suited to the coastal lifestyle. Architect Rob Ashby designed a self-contained 60m2 studio as a retreat for visiting friends and family
Architect Ben Edwards created a 44m2 boomerang-shaped house using 3 shipping containers connected by an external deck on steel stilts which sit on top of a hillside. Internally the spaces are lined with marine plywood, the minimalist design is all about framing the view through the trees towards the ocean.
Douglas Wan turned his 28sqm micro studio apartment into series of small spaces, creating contrast and depth by smoothly varying heights and materials.
Apartment 6 comes with high ceiling, architect Cameron Neil saw the opportunity to insert a hybrid pod which incorporating kitchen, bathroom, dining area and a loft bedroom to maximise the 40m2 space.
Inspired by the Japanese 5S organisational method, architect Nicholas Gurney created a streamlined, minimalist 24m2 home. Neatly divided by a moving screens and a split wet and dry kitchen. Everything has a place in hidden storage including the portable cooktop and dining table, intended to never detract from the outdoor view.
Architect Jack Chen subtly altered his 1970’s, 35m2 one bedroom apartment to create an intricately designed space, interchangeable between office and home.
Completely rearranging a 27m2 apartment, Brad Swartz gave this Elizabeth Bay apartment a chance at longevity and an inherent warmth. The apartment allows free flow of light along it’s length, with windows leading out to sweeping city views.
A hotel-home hybrid created by an architect and graphic designer. Nestled amongst other unremarkable units Itinerant blends together it’s multicultural surrounds. Designed by Timothy Yee the apartment is a minimal yet luxe hideaway, consistent throughout it’s 29sqm space
Limited by it’s heritage status, Architect Brad Swatz designed this 27m2 space to accommodate vast amounts of internal storage. Simple panels allow light and air flow, opening the home up to city views. Hidden spaces and sliding walls creating a sense of luxury in a small space.
In the heart of London’s East End, Danish designer Nina Tolstrup converted a 40m2 carpenter workshop into a hideaway for more than just herself. Constructing enclosed sleeping pods and filling the home with bursts of colour and upcycled furniture, in a perfect example of mini living she created a small footprint luxurious home.
Yardstix takes advantage of underutilised space to bring functional architecture to backyards. Drawing character from the Queensland radiata pine, and framing the necessities within the walls themselves, Nicholas Gurney's 20m2 secondary dwellings provide green, economic, self-contained living spaces. That stay warm; and cool as needed, with every piece designed for function.
Tara was designed around large fluid spaces and compartmentalised, functional storage and furniture. White surfaces and metal cladding reflect and diffuse light inside the 30m2 space, allowing light to open up the bathroom and kitchen despite having few windows. Everything fits neatly together, all to make the best possible use of the apartments existing space.
Originally a 22m2 art deco apartment, Nanopad was redesigned to showcase its unique features and better take advantage of its shape. Floating and compartmentalised storage opened up previously closed in spaces, allowing the addition of a kitchen, and an extended battened bathroom. While still maintaining the art deco detailing inside.
Architect team Alex Nielsen and Liz Walsh repurposed and upgraded an existing 1970s bed-sit apartment into a sleek yet functional micro-home. With the wall and ceiling wrapped in plywood, insertion of two skylights and variation in ceiling height creating a unique vaulted volume.
OPod Tube House is an experimental, low cost, micro-living housing unit to ease Hong Kong’s affordable housing problems. Constructed out of low-cost and readily available 2.5m diameter concrete water pipe, the design ultilises the strong concrete structure to house a micro-living apartment for one/two people. OPod Tube Houses can be stacked to become a low rise building and a modular community in a short time, and can also be relocated to different sites in the city.
Treehouse offers a bespoke split-level design strategy with a touch of arboreal whimsy. A box-loft sleeping area is clad in natural pine and seems to float like a tree house with a strip of window glazing looking out at the forest. Architect Nelson Chow created a unique, playful sense of space that maximises its panoramic forested context within a decidedly compact, urban setting.
Architects and interior designers PMDL Architecture + Design renovated a 1960s five-storey walk-up building on one of Hong Kong Island’s busiest thoroughfares. The building consists of five apartments above retail at ground level. Each apartment, with an area of 25m2, is designed around a service wall which implies a subdivision of the apartment while not minimising the sense of space.
Architect Jean Graham from Winter Architecture together with the client and their carpenter designed a unique space designed for a family of four. The Compartment Apartment divides and arranges the 45m2 space to allow every family member a sense of privacy. Scandinavian-style interior fittings using re-purposed joinery for kitchen and new converted Ikea furniture expands the utility of the space and storage. While curtains separate rooms from each other but still allow light to pass through; maintaining a sense of what’s beyond.
Unique among 18 other 1960s walk-up apartments, Nicholas Gurney extensively reworked The Warren as a seamless space, drawing the eye deeper into the apartment. Removing the previous partitioning walls allowed all of the 49m2 space’s necessities to be framed within a joinery concealed kitchen, and an inventive mirror clad central pod. Creating a calm, airy space; both art studio and home.
Aptly named Boneca Apartment (doll’s house in Portuguese) by the client, designed by architect Brad Swartz – this 24 square metre Sydney apartment has a sense of luxury and refinement way beyond its size. Realigning the bathroom and kitchen created a long living and dining zone, and a screened sleeping alcove, both oriented to the view.
Dusky Parakeet is a one-bedroom modern houseboat designed by 31/44 Architects. It has been decorated with a calm, natural palette, perfectly suited to its watery surroundings. It is the sort of comfort and quality that you would expect from a high-end apartment. Finishes, door hinges, appliances, positioning of walls, storage, and lighting: every decision was made with both a need to be space-saving and practical, but also create a generous and calm contemporary home.
This off-grid cabin is an escape from the high stress of busy work life. The brief was to capture that and design a building as a piece of furniture with everything the client needs built-in. The only furniture allowed was a low table and mattress on the sleeping loft. The cabin opens onto an east and west deck, capturing morning and afternoon sun while affording views to the south. A high roof allowed solar panels and a skylight to catch sun from over the trees.
For this significant downsize, designer Nick Gurney worked closely with his clients to design a unique 38m2 small apartment in Sydney that favours accessibility, functionality and storage. A lengthy side by side hallway storage unit and kitchen joinery that extends to a 7m long credenza, expand the utility and storage of the space, whilst demarcated zones that can easily be transformed, ensure that each occupant has the opportunity for privacy and solitude.
In Sydney’s Pyrmont, two neighbours have come together to replace their car spaces with identical 35sqm footprint one-bedroom tiny homes. Loft House x2 by Architect Brad Swartz provides an innovative template for how neighbours can cooperate to unlock underutilised inner-city land.
UKO is Australia’s first co-living space in Stanmore, in the inner-west of Sydney, Australia. Architect Ashkan Mostaghim from Mostaghim and Associates presents the smallest of UKO’s footprints, a 19sqm micro apartment. Including a small bathroom and kitchen, a flexible layout is made possible by cleverly designed joinery that maximises floor space by ensuring essentials, including a dining table and sofa are able to be packed away under a queen bed when not required.
Nestled in the UNESCO Amsterdam Canal District World Heritage Site, this 15.8m2 micro-apartment was comprehensively transformed by Studio Piet Boon. Studio Piet Boon’s design approach creates a great sense of luxury by incorporating as many (hidden) functionalities as possible, and while historical features such as the original beam work have been preserved and featured, the use of rich materials throughout delivers a stylish Amsterdam base for their client.
Bao Living is preparing for change; by 2030 an extra 40,000 people will have moved into Antwerp’s centre, driving demand for compact, affordable homes. The SAM micro apartment was built around Bao Living’s Smart Adaptive Module (SAM) module, a hybrid, modular cabinet system that encourages a circular layout, dividing the home into tailored zones and allowing the space to be transformed over time.
It’s rare to see a small apartment remodel where density is added, and space is removed. At first glance, it looks like that is what’s been done at the Loft Buikslotherham. And while the timber selection is light and creates warmth and texture, there’s no denying the rather inconvenient lump of plywood that’s been plonked in the middle of a not very large 45 square meter (485 square foot) footprint.
Set within lush green communal gardens, the art deco Cairo Apartments are a landmark in Melbourne’s architectural heritage. Designed by Best Overend and completed in 1936, they were (and remain) an exercise in minimal living. Architecture architecture have completed a fit-out of one of the Cairo Studio Apartments – an study in creating a fully functional abode within a mere 23m2. In a studio apartment of such modest dimension, the smallest modifications make a significant difference to the feel and functionality of the space. Compact robes and clever storage solutions are integrated with a fold-out bed and a handsome full-height curtain, creating the flexibility to quickly convert the single-room space from a study to a bedroom to a dining room or party space.
CABN was established to provide people with a means of disconnecting from the mayhem we have brought upon ourselves. CABN is designed to be completely off-grid, sustainable and eco-friendly relocatable; transforming some of Australia’s most stunning and stimulating landscapes and offering an ideal escape. This CABN is named Jude, after the mother of CABN’s founder. Jude is warm, caring and inviting and has always welcomed everyone into her home and life. It’s those same feelings that you can expect when you stay. Adventurous, warm and welcoming – the perfect tiny escape.
Nightingale 1 is a revolutionary low footprint and sustainable small apartment building, designed by Breathe Architecture to encourage connection and the use of communal spaces. The 50m2 space has a limited palette, using linear joinery to unite the living spaces, but allow for separation through depth and height in the 2.7m width. By exposing the ceiling, Breathe Architecture allowed for a greater sense of volume, further opening up the space by curtaining off the bedroom, and eliminating additional internal walls.
Never Too Small EPISODES Ep 36 — Barbican Studio April 22, 2020 WRITTEN BY Joel Beath Built in the 1960s, Barbican Estate is a utopia for inner city living. The estate is a massive complex of 2000 apartments, surrounded by gardens, lakes and arts spaces. Its iconic Brutalist design has seen it voted as one of London’s ugliest buildings. Architect Melanie Schubert from SAM Architects, redesigned the 41m2 apartment, dividing the existing open space with a multi-functional central unit that subtly organises each area. Concealing a washing machine, a wardrobe, and allowing for flexible storage. The apartment can be further divided with layered curtains, separating the living space from the bedroom. Restrained materials and colours throughout allow the apartment to retain its historic character and blend division elegantly.
Artist Daniel Dorall redesigned his 50m2 heritage small apartment in Melbourne’s southeast to better utilise the limited space. High ceilings allowed him to purpose build a study area into the bedroom, that functions both as work space and as additional storage. Collections of books and artworks are deliberately grouped in compositions lending to the home’s sense of visual balance. While throughout the apartment modernist concrete pieces and hacked Ikea furniture create the opportunity for recessed storage, and the inclusion of a small fireplace, allowing for a continuity that previously did not exist.
Lauren and Nicholas Russo found Karoot while searching for a home for their growing family, together they lovingly converted the 40sqm mid-century apartment into a two bedroom home. Focusing on supporting the existing feature wall and full height windows.
Nightingale 2 is a continuation of the revolutionary sustainable and low footprint apartment project, designed by Six Degrees as an affordable, vertical community; connected to the streets around it.
Just outside of Auckland, Architect Karin Montgomery has transformed an above garage storage space into a bright home for two.
Cushla and Richard Thurston, utilised the extra space in their backyard to build a 36sqm studio with a unique view over Wellington.
Among a collection of 8 heritage listed art deco apartments, Sophie Bowers of Strutt Studios, meticulously crafted a unique, compact home.
In redesigning this Chippendale warehouse apartment Folk Studio, and interior designer Mariah Burton, stripped the space bare and started from scratch.
Inspired by modern European architecture and Japanese design. ATOMAA brought new life to a 32sqm 18th century apartment in the heart of Milan’s medieval Brera district.
Aptly named Tansu after the traditional Japanese mobile storage cabinetry
Hidden on the top floor attic space of an historical 19th century Milanese building is the aptly named, Chambre de Bonne (maid’s room in French) designed by nonestudio. Every millimtere in this tiny 10m2 studio + 4m2 loft/mezzanine has been meticulously designed with comfort and function in mind.
Once a cramped apartment with an irregular form, the 30sqm TAAAC! was completely transformed by ATOMAA into an adaptable, spacious and playful space.
Located below street level but with a Sydney skyline view, Brad Swartz found a uniquely challenging project in this 49sqm Basement Apartment.
Within Hong Kong’s typically cramped living spaces, Absence from Island has designed a transforming 40sqm home for a young family of three. Rattan in Concrete Jungle was converted from an aging 90’s apartment, to a neat, airy home.
Small Footprint living has more advantages than most think. In episode one of this new series Colin steps out of his own 37sqm/290sqft apartment to meet the architects and city planners resisting urban sprawl. As well as returning to The Warren with Nicholas Gurney for a deep dive into its space efficient design and the role small, well designed apartments have in our future cities. In Melbourne, architects Michael Frazzetto and Ellen Kwek share how small footprint architecture and an innovative bedroom design have afforded them a family home in an area they were priced out of. reflecting on how Australia might be lagging behind more considered European cities like Amsterdam.
In our cities, small footprint living is associated with tightly packed, dark homes. But they don't need to be that way. In the Netherlands, Heren 5 is designing small footprint 110sqm/1180sqft Houthaven homes that are open, bright and functional for families, using the building's surroundings as extensions of it’s living spaces. In Melbourne architects Nic Aguis and Brad Swartz are drawing inspiration from cities like Amsterdam with their infill projects as they ‘fill in’ unused space in city blocks. These are homes designed to contribute to their communities, putting happiness above profit for an investor.
Across the world, the design of our city homes has been increasingly shaped by an investor first market. Melbourne is facing some of the highest housing prices in the world and local developers Nightingale Housing & Hip V Hype are creating alternative models for home building that are more sustainable and livable.. In the rapidly changing suburb of Brunswick, Hip V Hype has reworked the site of a 140sqm home to accommodate three homes the same size with shared spaces and exposure to the street. Nightingale is building a new ‘village’ purposefully designed to accommodate families alongside singles and couples in sustainable small footprint apartments. These projects represent a change to home building in Australia and worldwide, where affordability and sustainability are quickly becoming the focus, and developers are expected to build communities rather than just homes.
Small footprint design presents an opportunity to radically change our approach to affordable housing. Not only on the scale of individual apartments but also in the planning of our city blocks and existing buildings. Throughout these areas, Rob McGauran see’s large amounts of ‘lazy land’, space that could easily be occupied by uniquely designed affordable housing that brings those in need into our communities, rather than moving them into high rise towers. In Amsterdam, Heren 5 has designed a unique neighbourhood of housing units, featuring tailored apartments fit for different stages of life. In a post-COVID world, with housing becoming less affordable in many places, these projects are designed to bring a diverse range of people together in areas that they may have been unable to access, and build new communities as the way we live changes.
What does a small footprint city look like outside of our homes? How do we use small footprint thinking to better connect ourselves with nature and culture? This connection helps us live happier, healthier lives, but as Rob Adams shares in Melbourne’s Southbank suburb, better planning is often set aside in the name of maximising building space. Landscape architect Claire Martin and Victoria's first registered architect with an Indigenous background, Jefa Greenaway are taking on the task of improving Melbourne’s public, cultural and green spaces by finding Innovative ways to incorporate them into the identity of our growing city. Giving everyone in the city an opportunity to reconnect with nature and a true sense of place.
COVID-19 has highlighted some of the biggest problems with the way we design our homes and the cities around them. But it’s also given us a chance to reset, reflect on, and amplify what is good about them. Rob Adams and Claire Martin believe that considered small footprint design can radically change the way we use our cities post-COVID. Particularly if we move away from the city centre being a hub for everything. Jefa Greenaway and Paty Rios want to make it possible for our suburbs to serve us in the way our city centres do now. From a 20sqm apartment to streets, blocks and suburbs, small footprint thinking gives us an opportunity to build inclusive, connected, happier cities that have the space for us all.
Inspired by the tightly designed interiors of sailing boats, llabb architecture converted this 70’s open plan studio apartment into a two-bedroom home without expanding its 35sqm footprint.
In order to maximise space in this small 44sqm apartment ATOMAA had to completely reimagine it’s floor plan, moving a troubling central bathroom that awkwardly split the home in two.
Once a cramped, dark and fragmented space, this 42sqm apartment in Buenos Aires was extensively re-designed by the talented team at Fallone
Determined not to let the limited square meterage and awkwardness of two pitched roofs affect the functional potential of this 1940’s studio apartment, Architect Pierluigi Colombo cleverly designed a few pieces of multifunctional furniture.
Once an underutilised narrow porch situated between two overlapping villas, Urban Cabin, designed by Italian architect Francesa Perani, is now a multi-purpose space that acts as a studio, retreat and guest house.
Mansfield Tiny Home Hosts, Alice and Robbie, offer guests the chance to experience life off-grid in ingeniously transformed shipping containers complete with custom-designed interiors and fold away flexibility.
Set on the 31st floor of a modern high rise, Desmond Wong meticulously designed his apartment to feel like a sanctuary amidst the bustling sounds of Hong Kong.
Gawthorne’s Hut’s hosts created a unique off-grid cabin on their 480-acre sustainable working family farm. Designed to ensure the farm remains profitable and remains in the family for future generations, this 40sqm home has been designed for paying guests to use, ensuring the owners, and any visitors can get the most out of this beautiful location. With solar power, battery storage and a rainwater tank, this home is the perfect escape for those that want to go off-grid and escape the bustle of daily life.
Set inside the heritage-listed Grand Hotel building in Melbourne CBD, the aptly named Small Grand Apartment has been meticulously transformed by the team at tsai Design into an open plan, minimalist space by the use of clever, multi-functional design.
In an inventive redesign of her 19th-century Italian apartment into a multifunctional home and office, Architect Caterina Pilar Palumbo transformed the formerly gloomy space into a bright and colourful home.
Designed by Small to feel like a New York style apartment yet appropriate for a regional setting, The Brook is a fully off-grid, transportable small house design that explores the use of recycled and restored materials.
Inspired by the Tasmanian landscape and her Danish heritage, host Alice Hansen created a simple yet elegant tiny home that heroes the local materials and products featured through-out.
With a focus on sustainability, quality and fostering a strong sense of community, 122 Roseneath is a project designed around flexible, shared spaces including a multi-purpose communal room, a bike workshop/communal laundry and an open terrace with a barbeque area and herb gardens.
Centrally located in Buenos Aires the 25sqm El Camarin apartment occupies a triangular space in a 1950’s building previously left empty due to its small size.
Airbnb Host Matt Cooper’s heritage-listed cottage was transformed from a dark and cramped space into one that is bright, airy and surprisingly spacious.
Almost completely submerged underground, this once dark and congested storage space was gutted by SOUTH architecture and transformed into a bright, comfortable and fully equipped studio apartment.
Located in a picturesque 1940’s building in the lively neighborhood of Palermo in Buenos Aires city, this spacious and elegant mezzanine apartment was previously a small and dark office space.
In search of an affordable home in Paris, Architect Matthieu Torres and his partner picked out a small, dark space with a beautiful view of the city.
Surrounded by mountains in Tai Hang, Hong Kong, the 59sqm Candy Cube residence is a warm, cozy space; designed by architect Nelson Chow to separate its owner from the bustle of the city.
Located on the 5th floor of a Parisian revolution era building, 7 MCH sits in a business district by day, and a cultural hub by night.
The leafy streets of Saavedra are among the most desirable in Buenos Aires, access to parks, recreational areas and sporting facilities means the price of a square metre is close to the highest in the Argentinian capital.
Once an uninhabited and dirty attic space, Villa Saint-Michel was transformed by Nicolas Bossard into a bright, compact and fluid space.
Located in a 19th Century Victorian building in the tree-lined cosmopolitan area of Belsize park in North London, Shoji Apartment brings it’s boho japanese brief to life with a simple structure, clean lines and flexible design.
Situated along the coast of Hong Kong, SmartZendo apartment was designed to bring Zen ideas into a small home.
This apartment is located in the downtown Athenian Quarter of Kolonaki, close to center of Greece’s capital. The 70’s style apartment complex has been carefully incorporated into the design of the interior by Lora Zampara and Michalis Saplaouras of Cluster Architects.
Introducing our very own small space, our studio. Our friends and long-time collaborators architects Ben Edwards and Nancy Beka of Studio Edwards completely redesigned our formerly open studio space, located in an existing warehouse in Collingwood, Melbourne.
Formerly a hotel built in the early 1900, this Upper West Side studio has been completely transformed into a bright and stylish contemporary home full of space-saving design tricks where a couple can comfortably cook and entertain.
With a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, Asprolithos Villa was designed to reflect the simplicity and aesthetic of traditional Greek design.
This 42sqm heritage-listed property is located near Camden Square, a conservation area close to Londons Regent’s canal and Camden Market. The area is famous for its bars, music culture, and entertainment, a vibrant suburb loved by Londoners.
In the oldest neighborhood in Athens, Plaka, just minutes away from the Acropolis, Elena Zabeli and Katerina Chryssanthopoulou from Architectural firm MoY Studio have created a splendid 50sqm home with two bedrooms, a living room, a dining space, a kitchen and a comfortable bathroom.
One of 6 small houses located inside a 19th Century villa in a peaceful neighborhood of Barcelona
This episode was filmed on February 12th 2022, 12 days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We have been asked by the designer of this apartment, Olga Bondar, and our NTS team in Kyiv to share the beauty of Ukrainian design in hope that it will bring further attention and support for the people of Ukraine and the inhumanity of their situation caused by an unprovoked war of agression.
Looking for a new home for them and their baby, architects Ophélie and Edouard, found Crussol apartment; a 54sqm mid-century home in the center of Paris, surrounded by shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
Nina Tolstrup and Jack Mama, of Studiomama, discovered this unique 13sqm space as a part of a series of projects exploring the potential for small footprint living.
Once narrow and dark, this 1930’s workers’ cottage was reimagined by Dean Williams of Architect George, maintaining its heritage charm and expanding the home from a tiny 30sqm to 60sqm with the addition of a second story.
Taking inspiration from the 18th Century Shaker movement’s belief in maintaining tidiness in their spaces, Raimana Jones of Atelier Jones Design created the aptly named Tidy Space using intuitive, meticulously crafted built-in furniture.
In Ilioupoli, a quiet, residential district south of Athens in Greece, Point Supreme Architects were tasked with converting a cold basement storage space into a functional studio apartment.
It was love at first sight for Stewart Smith of Smith Architects when he saw this late 1800s workers’ cottage in Black Heath, in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Located near Paris’ Porte D’Ivry, Architect Olivier Menard of Archibien wanted additional space for his growing family without needing to relocate.
Set inside a 1978 high-rise Housing Development Board building in Singapore, this once dark and segmented Waterloo Street apartment has been transformed by a multi-disciplinary design studio three-d conceptwerke into a bright, comfortable, and flexible space where the owners can live, work and play.
Unchanged since it was first built in the ’70s, Aiginitou Street apartment, located in the popular east Athens suburb of Ilisia, was completely remodeled by Do Designers into a practical, inviting, and contemporary home, with lots of storage space, custom-built furniture, and a cozy Scandinavian feel.
The Ryokan is located in the heart of Manly, right in front of the famous Manly Beach, an iconic Australian beach frequented by tourists, surfers, and volleyballers.
Set on the top floor of a 34-year-old low-rise Singaporean public housing block, Project #13 by STUDIO WILLS + Architects is a creative reinterpretation of an original shophouse, splitting the unit down the middle instead of keeping the office at street level and the home above.
Located inside a former public housing block in the quiet but central neighborhood of Spaarndammer in Amsterdam, Tiny Loft is home to owner/architects Peter Canisius and Eline Degenaar of Studio Canisius Degenaar.
Located on the second floor of a 14th-century historic mansion, first converted into apartments in 1722, the 50sqm Apartment ‘Haut Marais’ is home to architect Thomas Fournier of Concina architecture et intérieurs who completely redesigned the apartment, restoring it to its former heritage glory.
Set inside a 1970’s building and untouched for 50 years, Nicholas Gurney and his clients wanted to create something open, light and airy whilst retaining the 1960’s and early 1970’s retro sensibility.
Spending a considerable amount on an apartment in Singapore’s highly competitive property market and handing over complete control to an architect to interpret your vision into a home you’re prepared to live in for the foreseeable future takes a lot of trust.
Located in the small coastal village of Walkerville, 2.5hours south east of Melbourne, architect Imogen Puller has designed a simple 30sqm beach shack with adaptable spaces, multifunctional furniture, and ample storage.
Nothing was removed by the design team in the creation of this apartment in Bukit Panjang, Singapore. Instead, Architect Woon Chung Yen from METRE Architects opted to add several custom elements. The most prominent new piece being a single sloped gradient containing a bed, a sofa, a working/ dining table. The space and function of the gradient adapt as one moves up or down the slope.
This home is in the trendy Berlin neighborhood of Friedrichshain. Designed by Architect Paola Bagna, the client had a clear idea of how he wanted to use the apartment, and his passion for cooking, art, and music needed to be catered for in a design that, despite the size limitations, allowed for him to pursue these.
With a population of 14 million people, space in Tokyo is limited and Architects are well versed in devising simple, minimal ways of living comfortably with less.
Flat Eleven was originally part of a larger home belonging to the parents of owner/architect Claudio Pierattelli, in a historic building opposite the famous Palazzo Pitti in central Florence. Creating a truly separate home, he added an independent entrance, and a kitchen, and opened up the space to allow rooms to flow from one into another.
This 15th-century building is located in the city center of the historical city of Mantua, a Unesco Patrimonial Site in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. The apartment is just 36sqm.
Set on a 31sqm plot of land in the central Bunkyo district of Tokyo, the uniquely shaped Love2 House belongs to Architect Takeshi Hosaka and his wife.
Located on the outskirts of Paris, this 50sqm apartment is home to a family of five. Once a run-down one-bedroom apartment comprised of multiple mono spaces including a separate kitchen, L’atelier – Nomadic Architecture Studio reworked the floor plan to create an elegant mix of open living and private areas.
Industrial and interior designer Nicholas Gurney approached this 27m2 studio apartment with one goal in mind, to conceal all of its functional requirements, sleeping, cooking, working and storage into a single joinery unit along the external wall.
Untouched since its construction in the 1950s, Luini, a once poorly organised small apartment located in central Turin in Northern Italy has been redesigned from the ground up by architect and owner Davide Minervini turning it into a colourful and practical home 39sqm.
Located in the bustling Seo-cho district of Seoul, the aptly named Seoul Seocho Studio was meticulously transformed by designer Pil Jung from Korean architectural firm Mies & Louis.
Inspired by her love of books and her time in Japan, architect and engineer Marlice Alfera from studio Maaxi redesigned her 19th-century 25-square-metre apartment to facilitate her need for more living space and a dedicated place to work.
Set in one of the oldest urban areas of Taipei city and inspired its traditional colours, the team at Republic Design have created a warm and elegant space using tones of earthy reds, grays, and light oak wood.
Designed around a 60 year old Pepper Tree, The aptly named Pepper Tree Passive House was designed and built to International Passive House standards by architect Alexander Symes and owner builder Adam Souter and makes use of salvaged and waste materials throughout.
Set in a quiet neighbourhood in Osaka, the newly built three-storey F-House is a compact, timber home for a family of four
Nestled tightly between a number of larger blocks in inner city Buenos Aires and measuring exactly 7m x 7m x 7m, the aptly named Casa Cubo (cube house) is home to owner/architects Matias Michatek and Torunn Vaksvik Skarstad of Arqs.
Set in a post war apartment block on one of the oldest streets of Warsaw, the bright and cozy Studio H was originally only one small open room and bathroom, with no real space for a kitchen.
Inspired by his love of mid-century design, architect and furniture dealer Jacobo Valentí of Casavells estudio completely transformed this 34sqm attic apartment using a combination of original mid-century furniture he had been collecting for years and cleverly adapted Ikea pieces.
Located in the center of Antwerp, Studio 98 is home to interior architect Carolien Potter who did most of the renovation work herself.
The brilliant Sola House, which is situated in the bustling neighbourhood of Sol in the heart of Madrid, was influenced by the vivid hues and glitzy design of the works of renowned Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar.
This bright plant-filled loft situated directly on the waterfront in the Eastern Harbour District of Amsterdam is home to Koen Fraijaman, his girlfriend Fadime and their cat Sok.
Meguro Ward, Tokyo is home to a unique and compact residence designed by architect Motoki Yasuhara.
Gonzalo Pardo and the team at gon architects were tasked with redesigning a small one bedroom apartment in one of the busiest squares in Madrid. The apartment, which was originally built in 1910 and renovated in 2003, was in need of an update to make it more suitable for a young Italian woman and her partner. The team was inspired by the vibrant colors and geometric lines of Italian homes in the 1960s, and set out to create a space that was both functional and stylish.
Imani of Imani At Home is a home & lifestyle creator based in Washington, D.C. A thrifter, a dog owner (of Salazar Slytherin the Second) and a lover of Gin Cocktails.
When building in Krakow, a city that is experiencing a renaissance after years of neglect, the passion and attention to detail that Karolina Chodur and Malwina Borowiec from Interior Architect firm pigalopus have applied to this home is a heartwarming affirmation of the future ambitions of this city.
Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Whampoa Garden in Kowloon City, lies a diamond-shaped apartment (a common shape in this part of Hong Kong) that defies the traditional cramped and cluttered living spaces that one can associate with the hyper dense Kowloon City.
Bronte Beach, 10 kilometres south of Sydney is a 250sqm patch of sand and home to some of the most exclusive addresses in the world. Homes, and the land they sit on can reach astronomical prices, the median house price is AUD5.5 Million, even a small footprint home is a significant investment, and worth turning into a tranquil, luxurious sanctuary. This is precisely what Matt Reynolds from MattR Studio, the designer of beâCHâlet, aimed to achieve with this project.
Imani of Imani At Home is a home & lifestyle creator based in Washington, D.C. A thrifter, a dog owner (of Salazar Slytherin the Second) and a lover of Gin Cocktails. Imani is also a proud renter, ‘I spend a ridiculous amount of time upgrading my rental apartment and spending time with my friends and family’.
A house in the quiet coastal Kanagwa prefecture of Yokohama, designed to feel like living outside, was built by Associate Professor, Waseda University Art School Megumi, Takeshi Hosaka, also the CEO of Takeshi Hosaka Architects, who wanted a home that combined the elements of nature and city life.
Alicja Szmal-Baehr, owner and architect of Alicja Szmal Studio, lives in a cozy 42 sqm apartment located in the popular Jeżyce district of Poznań, Poland. As a lover of natural materials and colors of nature, Alicja decided to use only natural and organic materials such as wood, metal, linen curtains and woolen materials to decorate her new home.
Ophélie Doria & Edouard Roullé-Mafféïs of Space Factory, a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Paris are the creators of La suite Dolce Vita. Translating to ‘the Dolce Vita suite’, the concept was designed to offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and provide a taste of the sweet life, inspired by the Venetian palazzos and its arches, pink and green marbles, and dark woods.
Nestled in the heart of bustling Taipei City, Jungle Loft is a apartment that has been transformed from a small neglected rental, to a beautiful home for the couple that rent it. Mish and Ryan are the founders of Tangerine Living, an interior design business, and they have used their skills to completely transform this space.
With a population of 14 million people, space in Tokyo is limited and Architects are well versed in devising simple, minimal ways of living comfortably with less. Located just five minutes from central Tokyo, this 46sqm apartment is one of seven in the block built in 1979, each with a different floorplan.
Approaching Stella from the outside, the unassuming, undeniably Australian tin shed exterior is the first thing of note. It’s a design that sits comfortably in its environment, inspired by the most recognizable form of Australian design. But stepping inside, Stella reveals itself as a more complex and enigmatic structure, reframing what luxury truly means.
Located in the quiet suburb of Saavedra in Buenos Aires, this 28 sqm apartment is rented by Enrico Cavaglia of @ir.arquitectura, (previously featured by Never Too Small for his El Camarin conversion). Cavaglia is an Italian architect who has been living in the city for two years. His goal was to find an apartment that maximises light and ventilation, and he chose this l-shaped apartment based on its two balconies positioned on opposing sides of the home. Enrico’s interior design philosophy is all about simplicity, functionality, and flexibility, as demonstrated in his custom-made furniture and attention to detail.
Located in Brunswick, Melbourne, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, this apartment reflects the postwar architectural elements, such as timber paneling, mosaic tiles, and terrazzo floors.
The 6 Tsubo House, located in the bustling district of Yotsuya in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is an exceptional dwelling that showcases how creative design can make even the smallest living spaces feel comfortable and spacious. Designed by Arte-1 Architects, the narrow three-story house, measuring just 56 square meters, was built for the client, a young family of four who desired a small yet open house with a connection to the outdoors.
Transforming a blank canvas into a functional, comfortable living space is a challenging task, especially when dealing with a limited area of only 35 square meters. However, interior designer Mara Manalo was able to turn a small apartment in Quezon City into a cozy, well-designed home.
Creating a home that is both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing can be a challenge, but interior designers Jack and Jia Hui of Resistance rose to the challenge when designing an apartment in Ghim Moh Link, Singapore. The designers wanted to create a living space that would develop a patina over time and tell a story, while also retaining the original bones of the apartment.
This 48sqm cosy apartment is in the very densely populated area of Hong Kong, Kowloon and features a diamond-shaped layout, typical of large-scale private housing estates in Hong Kong.
Territorio de Arquitectura, owned by architect Jesús Huarte, was tasked with renovating a 30 square meter apartment located in the residential neighborhood of Recoleta in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The client, a sensory artist who uses different smells to create her pieces, desired a space in a central area of the city where she could live and work. However, the apartment lacked natural light, with the balcony windows being the main source of light.
An apartment that would relect the personalities of the clients. This was the goal for a recent project in Buenos Aires, where the clients, a young couple wanted to experiment with living in a unique home. The designers, Nahuel Alvarez & Florencia Aparicio of MoobArq, an Argentinian design firm were inspired by digital art illustrations with geometric designs and bold colors, and they set out to create a space that would be both functional and visually appealing.
The Marvila district of Lisbon, Portugal, has been undergoing a process of urban regeneration, with many of its old factories being transformed into galleries, creative studios, co-working spaces, and artisan establishments. Eliza Borkowska, Magdalena Czapluk, and the team at KEMA studio took on the challenge of revamping a small apartment in one of the district’s oldest buildings, which was built in the 20th century and located in a heritage-protected area.
The Jordaan district of Amsterdam was built in the 17th century as a working-class neighborhood, evolving over the years to become a vibrant and highly sought-after residential area. its layout of narrow, tree-lined streets and picturesque canals exemplify the traditional Dutch concept of a “grachtengordel,” or canal belt.
Nestled within the eastern suburbs of Paris, a two-story industrial building serves as a canvas for Zyva Studio’s architect, Anthony Authié, his wife Adele, and their beloved dog Nepal.
Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Orchard River Valley District, a one-bedroom apartment has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the creative vision of Vin Leong, the founder of Haelcyon Days Design, a prominent multi-discipline interior design studio in Singapore. With a keen focus on providing both comfort and functionality, the design team sought inspiration from hospitality venues to curate a living space that maximizes storage capacity while exuding a luxurious ambiance.
Designed by Yousaka Tsusumi of Arbol Design, this single-story house in Heguri, Nara is a testament to the belief that simplicity and nature can harmoniously coexist. With a focus on functionality and surrounding oneself with cherished possessions, this 45sqm/484sqft dwelling offers a Japanese family of five a serene living experience in a quiet residential area surrounded by picturesque mountains, rivers, and rice fields.
In a bustling city like Bangkok, finding tranquility and space can be a challenge. Mae Prachasilchai of Studio La Tarta Piccola, has managed to create a serene oasis within the confines of a limited apartment. Inspired by the calming ambiance of Japanese Ryokans, Mae incorporates elements of Japanese design, such as shoji doors, to achieve a softer aesthetic and maximize functionality.
Fourvière Apartment, located in Lyon’s picturesque Fourvière Hill, stands as a testament to the post-war reconstruction program of 1959. Designed by Maxime Hurdequint and Mary Bravard from the architectural firm MURA Architects, this apartment embodies a perfect blend of preserving the building’s original spirit while incorporating modern aesthetics and functionality.
In the leafy suburb of Toorak, just 10 minutes away from Melbourne CBD, stands a one-of-a-kind heritage listed building that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally constructed in 1951, the building consisted of three distinct structures—a crescent, a tower, and a garage—all interconnected by a series of sky bridges. The highlight of this remarkable building is its unconventional layout, with one flat per floor, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for its occupants.
Lush greenery and overlapping concrete buildings make a stunning backdrop to this beautifully reconstructed 33sqm/355sqft apartment, a modern respite in the midst of Taipei’s traditional Wenshan District. Drawing inspiration from the minimalist aesthetics of Japanese living, designer Anny Hong from AODA Interior Design blended natural elements with a contemporary colour palette to evoke a sense of tranquillity.
Perched on a hilltop just east of the Brasília city centre sits a rustic 57sqm/613sqft family retreat heavily inspired by traditional Brazilian farmhouses and surrounded by lush greenery. Matheus Carvalho, the founder of Coplanar Arquitetura, redesigned the original 1990s layout, embracing natural light and airflow to create an open, welcoming space.
How can we make an impact with the products we make? That was the question Dutch designers Pim Van Baarsen and Luc Van Hoeckel asked themselves when they founded social design studio Super Local in 2012. Frustrated that traditional design was geared towards serving the 10% of the world who could afford it, they wanted to explore what they could do for the other 90%.
Nostalgia meets contemporary flair in this 1970s-inspired apartment located on a former cabaret site, a stone’s throw away from the famous Moulin Rouge theatre in Paris. Home to architect Jean-Malo Le Clerc and his partner Victor, the apartment is a tribute to his favourite design era and the ideal stage to house the couple’s treasured collection of furniture from their favourite designers.
As our cities continue to grow, architects and designers are faced with the challenges of adapting and repurposing historic buildings for commercial and residential uses. In Rua dos Andradas—one of the oldest streets in Southern Brazil—a 1950s building is now home to both businesses and residents, including the owner of this 29sqm/312sqft micro apartment designed by OCRE Arquitetura.
Tucked behind the popular Lumpini Park in one of Bangkok’s upscale neighbourhoods lies the minimalist Japandi-style 47sqm/506sqft Room Langsuan, meaning “room behind the park”. Inspired by warehouse interiors, OPH Architects’ Pilin Hongwittayakorn designed a neutral space to play backdrop to the client’s collection of designer artworks and furniture.
Old fabric scraps, wooden offcuts, and discarded chairs off the street. These materials, seen by most of the world as trash, are what Nina Tolstrup and Jack Mama, founders of Studiomama, used to create award-nominated furniture collections and exclusive quirky animal-like sculptures.
An architect’s design is only as good as their understanding of their client’s needs. In designing Koka Studio, husband and wife Kalina and Robert Juchvenic had two distinct advantages: a definitive brief and a unique opportunity for close collaboration given the client was Kalina’s sister, Katarzyna.
In an age where historical significance and old-world charm are often overlooked in favour of modernisation, Borrell is a shining example of how both can coexist harmoniously in an inviting, contemporary home. When architect and owner Carlota Siverio and her wife found the apartment building dating back to 1870, they immediately fell in love with the charm and character it exuded—the rest, as they say, is history.
An abundance of natural light in a home has many benefits, from making a space feel larger to enhancing well-being. As a result, cultivating natural light is often a key focus for the architects and designers of small-footprint homes. In fact, it became the guiding principle architect Taïna Pichon, founder of Meraki Architects, embraced in her transformation of a “soulless” 42sqm/452sqft apartment into an airy, light-filled respite.
Inspired by her time as an architect in India, Clare Kennedy based her own architecture and design studio on a Mahatma Gandhi principle; to build with materials found within a Five Mile Radius of their homes.
“I believe it is important to allow the variations of life, which include a diversity of colour, largeness and smallness, straight lines and curves, to permeate through the design”. To breathe life into a once-dark and cramped space, Benjamin Chan of Sam Crawford Architects used this as his guiding principle when redesigning Stanmore Apartment, the small home he shares with his partner Rafaella.
When Marijn Kruikemeier and his partner, Liya, discovered this narrow shell apartment devoid of the constraints of a pre-existing floor plan, they immediately knew it was their chance to “live big in a small space”. Inspired by their travels through Asia, they were emboldened to resist compromise when it came to the luxuries of a larger space, instead opting to maximise every inch of their 48sqm/517sft apartment.
When situated in the heart of a cosmopolitan city, a home should be a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of it all. Presented with an empty apartment within the vibrant streets of São Paulo, architects Samuel Garcia and Delia Sloneanu from Studio Papaya wanted their client to have a flexible, light-filled respite with “personality” when he returned from his many travels.
“Recycled materials can — and should — be as beautiful as new”. That was the perspective Adam Fairweather and Rosalie McMillan took when reviving the UK-based company Smile Plastics in 2015, aiming to bring out the functionality and aesthetics of materials traditionally classified as “waste”.
Making the most of space in a small footprint home is already a challenge in itself—to comfortably fit a family of five into a 28sqm/301sqft apartment is, undoubtedly, an even bigger one. Fortunately, designer Josef Karol Egwaras of Studio Josef Karol was afforded a few advantages before embarking on the project.
When living in a city with some of the most iconic architectural monuments in the world, inspiration is not hard won. Approached with a decrepit, dark apartment dating back to the 1890s, architect Flore Gustin of Amate Architecture immediately knew her muse: Le Corbusier’s Villa La Roche. Coincidentally, Gustin’s client had once resided on the same street as this architectural icon, adding a welcome personal resonance for the home’s owner.
The charming Triana district in Spain’s Seville is the birthplace of famous flamenco dancers and home to flamboyantly painted buildings flanking cobbled streets. Architects Antonio Mora and Eduardo Tazon, co-founders of Studio Noju, were particularly influenced by the latter.
Professor Veena Sahajwalla has many impressive titles to her name; internationally recognised scientist, materials engineer, inventor of “green steel Polymer Injection Technology”, scientia professor at UNSW, and not to mention, 2022 NSW Australian of the Year.
A bare “skeleton apartment” left unfinished for over 10 years might not sound like a desirable first apartment on paper, but for architect Franco Luiz Faust, there was nothing but potential. His vision for the 55sqm/592sqft space was a peaceful respite that would serve as a comfortable backdrop for unforgettable memories with his wife, Maria, with room for a growing family in the future.
There are common themes in a Brad Swartz-reinvented small dwelling: a restrained palette, clever storage solutions, and a creative touch when utilising space — and the tranquil Slow Down Apartment is no exception. The clients had briefly moved from Sydney to Brisbane during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to make the move permanent. They felt Swartz would be the perfect fit for their renovation on the back of his repertoire of turning small, cramped apartments into warm and spacious homes.
In the enchanting neighbourhood of Madrid’s Rastro, architect Mariana de Delás’s apartment symbolises creativity and innovation. The neighbourhood feels timeless — groups of relaxed neighbours gather on the streets and this strong community spirit has a special place in de Delás’s heart.
Located in the bohemian Paris neighbourhood of Montmartre, a stone’s throw from the historic Sacré Coeur basilica, this 37sqm/398sqft apartment ticks all the boxes needed for a bright and airy feel. Curved features, a light colour palette, and smart furniture choices — not to mention the healthy dose of natural light — were all key in transforming this young couple’s small space into a fresh and functional home.
Set amongst the cafés and galleries of Berlin’s Schöneberg neighbourhood, the home of interior decorator Kateryna Gonchar echoes the area’s eclectic, era-defying sensibilities through her personalised décor choices. This rental apartment is a testament to how thoughtful choices in furniture and layout can improve the functionality and feel of a space without having to make any structural changes.
Nestled in the heart of bustling Taipei City, Jungle Loft is a apartment that has been transformed from a small neglected rental, to a beautiful home for the couple that rent it. Mish and Ryan are the founders of Tangerine Living, an interior design business, and they have used their skills to completely transform this space.
