Clever 425 sq. ft. Manhattan Micro-Loft Stacks Upwards for More Space

When it first started off, this unusually tiny NYC apartment had high ceilings but only 425 sq. ft. of space. <a href="http://www.spechtharpman.com/" target="_blank">Specht Harpman Architects</a> came in and saw the potential to turn the awkward Upper West Side pad into a spacious, light-filled <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/tiny-homes" target="_blank">micro loft</a> by taking advantage of the 25-foot ceilings and rooftop deck access. By installing four "living platforms", Specht Harpman turned what was essentially dead space into a really cool multi-level home that hides plenty of great storage. Read on for a tour!

The original apartment was awkwardly laid out with oddly placed and sized rooms, none of which were really large enough for a bed or a couch.

A rendering that gives a holistic look at the layout of the Manhattan Micro Loft.

The owners wanted to use it as a pied-à-terre and enlisted the help of NYC firm <a href="http://www.spechtharpman.com/" target="_blank">Specht Harpman</a> to handle the renovations.

Their solution was to create a continuous circulation up from the entrance to the rooftop deck. Through efficient use of space, built-in storage and furniture and a light-filled design, the apartment seems much larger than its 425 sq ft.

Upon entering, you arrive in the kitchen, with sleek white cabinets and hidden appliances concealed in the cabinets. The bathroom is tucked off to your right.

Up a few steps is the open living room with high ceilings and a media center built into the virtual hearth.

A staircase with built in storage below leads up to the lofted bedroom with a bed that cantilevers out over the living room.

Built in storage makes use of otherwise unusable space.