Hi!

We are architects and for the last one and half years we have been living in a 40 m2 apartment, which we designed by and for ourselves. While creating designs for Graham, we made good use of our experience, which could be briefly outlined in 5 rules:

1.Balance of areas.   The area of the bedroom is equal to the area of the bed itself, whereas the main space, such as the living room, must be large and spacious.

2.Separation of functions.   Admit it, on certain days you don't have enough time to make your bed and clear away your scattered socks. It's cool when you can just leave them behind the closed door and go to the kitchen to have your coffee.

3.Use of height.   Do you often use space above 1.9 meters? However, it is also suitable for living and storing things.

4.Minimize the number of doors and partition walls.   They occupy space and add to the costs.

6.Alternative sources of energy, and energy efficiency.   Just use it. It's smart and the planet thanks you.

Design solution

Apartment space is divided into 6 areas: 1.Hall, 2.Kitchen, 3.Living room, 4.Home office, 5.Bathroom, 6.Bedroom

The key design element is the two-level volume: in the lower level it combines a wardrobe, closet, bathroom and a built-in kitchen, and in the upper level it represents bedroom space. This volume also forms the kitchen, bathroom and home office space, separating them from the living room.

In the living room we have a system of multi-purpose boxes which can be used as storage, stools or coffee tables. The system of boxes allows you to modify the space for different needs: a lounge, a dining table (for 12 people), two beds, or an open space for a dance party or other activity.

On the outside wall of the building, overlooking the street, there is a low-wind turbine. Environmentally-friendly and working even in light wind, the turbine delivers a portion of the apartment's energy needs.