How can a small 420 square foot apartment transform into eight comfortable rooms? It takes smart design solutions that incorporates modulation and interior planning that conforms to everyday needs in an increasingly competitive environment of living space. Founder of Treehugger.com, Graham Hill takes the viewer on a tour of his "Life Edited" apartment that provides a sustainable living solution to compact apartments in urban environments like New York City. This apartment provides all the amenities necessary with some additional effort of converting rooms to fit everyday needs. Interested in seeing this apartment transform into a living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room and guest room? Join us after the break to find out.
After refitting a small SOHO apartment, Hill has utilized the small space and some creative design solutions to create a seemingly spacious apartment out of just 420 square feet. A moveable partition is both the surface for a living room and office space and doubles as a hidden closet that also accomodates two guest beds. A custom Murphy Bed folds out of the wall to transform the living room into a bedroom. Moving the opposite wall that hides the closet divides the living room in half, creating a bedroom and a private room for friends or family. Overhead cabinets hide a projector that transforms the living room into a screening room. Built in speakers hidden in the ceiling turn it into a surround sound theater. A table hidden under the kitchen counter pulls out to accommodate a large group that fits within the living room.
Closets and cabinets built into the wall hide a surprising amount of storage and contributes to the clean modern look of the apartment. Design moves in the bathroom also create a soundproof environment that can double as a private room by dividing the shower and sink from the toilet. Functionality is key to the various design strategies, making every piece of furniture as efficient as possible for multiple uses.
The apartment is very unique and tailored to Hill's own needs.. This may not be ideal for everyone, but it provides an efficient and sustainable way of occupying a small amount of space maximum utility. Hill's apartment is not the only solution. Check out the video below to see how an architect in Hong Kong has designed his apartment to fit his needs. The "Domestic Transformer" also utilizes moving walls, incorporated with storage, to transform a tiny apartment into 24 usable rooms.
