How to live Comfortably in a Shoebox Apartment?

Before we start off, let’s try to modify the terminology for “shoebox” apartments to avoid adverse priming effects. But I am not suggesting that we deny the fact that “shoebox” apartments, which are definitely cosy for two or less, can be overwhelming for family of five. Some good terms that I am going to refer to in this article are Integrated Loft, Versatile Apartment or even Mirco Loft (the last term has been widely used in the past to describe apartments lesser than 500sqft).

Now that you officially purchased your very own first 500sqft home, it’s time to indulge in designing and creating your space – this is a more fun and interesting way than just to describe the renovation process. Frankly, one major advantage of a shoebox unit is that since the space is relatively modest, remodelling of the unit would not burn a hole in your pocket – under normal circumstances. And the best take away is lesser housework for all (personally, housework are painful but necessary chore).

The chief (and important) characteristic of human beings is adaptability. Given any environment, we can, and will adapt. In some situation, more often than not, we even conquer. This is similar to our living environment – give us a 500sqft space and we will shift the settings to fit our everyday needs. Before you start sketching, here are two important tips that you might want to consider. 

Hide & Seek

Since it is physically not possible for us to have a separate living, dining, bedroom etc in the Versatile Apartment, one solution is to have them “appear” at any one time when in use– Hong Kong and Japanese style of living.

One revolutionary design was the “Domestic Transformer” by Architect Gary Chang, whereby a 344sqft Hong Kong apartment can magically be converted to 24 different rooms, each of their unique function. The take away here is to be able to create a functional living environment, catered to your (or with your partner) daily needs, and not to rare occasions, such as your group of friends of ten visiting.

If you find this too hard to believe, you can always keep it simple with the clean and fresh look by BAKOKO (Japan) for a 400sqft apartment (Click on link for more pictorial illustrations). Concept is once again maximising functionality of every inch of space, with our next important tip – creating storage space.

Extracted from http://www.digsdigs.com/small-apartment-design-in-modern-and-minimal-style-by-bakoko

 Creating Storage

If you are single, isn’t it a great feeling to be able to stay in an open concept apartment, with a gigantic photo of the London Subway System across the wall, and  where the apartment itself shouts your inner creativity and free spirit? But think again, where will your vacuum cleaner and mop go? What is frequently missing in designs and photos of open concept apartments are storage areas. As tempting as the open concept might sound, but once you moved in, the sight of your detergent bottle sleeping with your pot and pans, on the floor beside the sink may not be what you have in mind in the first place.

So given our situation of having a more delicate space area to design, how can we prevent home-design malfunction from happening? The answer lies in areas not within sight. Stow away with “secret compartments” at your feet or top of your head, which are usually the least explored space in any homes. Architects Marc Baillargeon and JulieNabucet converted this 130sqft space (Click on link for more pictorial illustrations) into a fully functionally and neat apartment, which was once the master bedroom of a bigger apartment in Paris.

Extracted from http://www.wired.com/design/2012/05/paris-apartment/?pid=351&viewall=true



Imagine if a space of 130sqft can be optimised to this incredible stage, how would your 500sqft apartment shine?

If your unit has a floor to ceiling height of at least 3.2m, why not consider getting yourself a mini loft to enhance your space? This will definitely help if you are not the type who likes to make their bed in the morning. What KSWA did for this low-square footage apartment in New York City not only helped increase their storage area, but almost enhanced privacy within each individual section of the unit.



 

Extracted from

http://dornob.com/loft-bed-turns-single-floor-studio-to-two-level-apartment/



In Conclusion…

Living in a Versatile Apartment, though not that straightforward, is definitely fun and challenging. Be inspired and create space for yourself. You will be surprise at the end of the day how adaptive you can be. Lastly, remember this three golden words before you start building:

“Measure Measure Measure”