By Mark McConville
COULD the solution to London’s housing crisis be these tiny 193-square-foot apartments constructed for £600k?
Stunning pictures show each apartment squeezed into the small space, with a group of volumes intersecting each other to save space while comprising of all the necessary functions: bed, kitchen, bathroom and a large storage system.
While all the amenities are set as one big wooden block the bathroom is arranged as a separate space next to this volume.
The ‘18 SQM Micro-Apartments’ were designed Laura Encinas of architecture and design practice Bicbloc as she converted a four-storey Victorian terraced house in West Hampstead, London into 14 serviced studio apartments with a total construction cost of £600k.
“The client wished to convert the property into a new co-living concept to cater to the strong rental demand in London and changing living habits,” she said.
“To maximise space in each apartment and taking into consideration a very limited budget, Bicbloc decided to develop a compact and modular design that would be easily adapted in each apartment.
“The design consists of a group of volumes intersecting with each other. These volumes incorporate all the functions: bed, kitchen, bathroom and lots of storage.
“The double bed is reached by a set of stairs which also allocate a pull-out table for dinning or work-desk use. A kitchen with fridge, hob, oven-microwave and shelves is hidden behind a pair of foldable doors.
“The occupants benefit from a large amount of storage underneath the bed, side cupboard and over-head units.
“A porcelain-tiled bathroom with walk-in shower sits next to these main volumes. Every volume has been crafted from wood veneered panels in smoked walnut or black oak.
“The uniformity of the volumes in wood is complemented with a feature wall clad in a contemporary design wall-paper evoking all together a high-quality, warm, comfortable and uncluttered space.
“The property also offers single studio apartment options, shared social spaces and a large back garden.”
For more information see www.mediadrumworld.com
