The popularity of micro-apartments has really taken off over the years as cities continue to seek affordable solutions for growing populations. However, one particular renovation of a Victorian-era townhouse by design firm BicBloc is proving that micro-living can also help cities repurpose older properties into viable options that cater to the housing needs of today’s society.
It’s never easy converting older homes into multiple separate spaces, but the London-based design firm managed to carefully carve 14 separate units out of the old four-story terraced house. Each unit is a mere 193 square feet, which is quite a compact living space. To ensure that the apartments were livable, the design team strategically crafted every inch of the interior to build out comfortable apartments. The units are small, but with the help of natural light and modular, multi-functional furniture, they are welcoming.
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All of the apartments come with an all-in-one unit that the company describes as a “group of intersecting volumes.” An elevated bed sits up on a platform with storage and a pull-out desk/table underneath. Next to the sleeping area is a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator and microwave, all of which can be concealed behind doors. The singular unit is equipped with plenty of hidden storage underneath the bed, in the side cupboard and in the over-head spaces.
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, all of the Bicbloc units are covered in smoked walnut or black oak paneling. The minimalist interior design scheme was strategic to keep the look uniform and uncluttered. A porcelain-tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower sits next to the living area. The apartment building also has communal interior spaces and a shared backyard to foster a sense of community.
According to Bicbloc’s lead designer, Laura Encinas, the project is an example of how to meet the rising demand for affordable and efficient housing. Encinas said, “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.”
Via Treehugger
Photography by Laura Encinas
