NEVER TOO SMALL 24sqm/258sqft Micro Apartment - Boneca

Summary

The transcript details the stunning renovation of a 24 square meter studio apartment in Sydney's Rushcutters Bay. Originally a cramped space with combined living and sleeping areas, the designers created a striking divide using a sliding timber screen. This innovative feature allows the space to transform, separating the cozy sleeping nook from the open living area. The minimalist material palette, including warm timber floors and sleek concrete accents, lends an earthy yet luxurious ambiance. Strategic angled joinery amplifies natural light, creating a sense of spaciousness in this compact yet cleverly designed urban oasis. The renovation exemplifies sustainable repurposing of Sydney's historic housing stock.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The transcript describes the renovation of a small apartment (24 square meters) located in the Sydney suburb of Rushcutters Bay.
• 📅 The apartment building dates back to the 1960s, and the renovation aimed to modernize the space while maximizing its functionality.
• 🛏️ The design focused on creating a clear separation between the living and sleeping areas through the use of a sliding timber screen.
• 🌳 The material palette was kept minimal, with black butt timber used for the screen and flooring, complemented by gray tiles in the bathroom.
• 💡 Concealed lighting and angled joinery were used to create a sense of space and illuminate the apartment effectively.
• 🛋️ The living area was maximized by containing the amenities (kitchen, bathroom, and storage) within a compact area.
• 🍽️ The kitchen was carefully designed to include essential appliances while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
• 🚪 The bathroom and walk-in robe were combined and accessed through a hidden door, contributing to a sense of spaciousness.
• 🪞 A full-length mirror beyond the bathroom entrance further enhances the perception of a larger space.
• ♻️ The renovation highlights the importance of repurposing and refreshing existing housing stock as a sustainable approach to urban growth.

Q & A

Where is this apartment located?

The apartment is located in Rushcutters Bay, which is a suburb within walking distance of the city and Sydney Harbour.

When was the apartment building constructed?

The apartment building was built in the 1960s.

How many studio apartments are there in the block?

There are about 4 studio apartments in the block.

What were the main changes made to the apartment during the renovation?

The entire apartment was demolished, and a strong divide was created between the sleeping and living areas. The amenities and sleeping space were contained in the smallest possible area to maximize the living area.

How does the sliding timber screen function?

The sliding timber screen determines the function of the apartment at any given time. When closed, it creates a visual separation between the bedroom and living area, while still allowing light to pass through. When open, it exposes the kitchen and sleeping space.

What unique feature does the apartment have?

The apartment has full-width windows, which are made obvious from the moment you walk in by the angled joinery unit next to the bed, allowing light and a sense of space.

What materials were used in the apartment's design?

The material palette was kept to a minimum, with black butt timber used for the screen and flooring, adding softness to the apartment. Gray tiles in the bathroom complement the timber floor, giving the apartment an earthy feel.

How was the bathroom and walk-in robe designed?

The bathroom and walk-in robe are accessed via a hidden door, and they are combined to make the whole space feel bigger. The gray tiles in the bathroom, along with concealed lighting, create a luxurious feel.

What features does the kitchen include?

The carefully considered kitchen includes a fridge, oven, dish drawer, narrow cutlery drawer, an appliance cupboard, and a full-height pantry stack. The bench top and splashback are made of gray concrete.

Why is repurposing old housing stock considered sustainable?

According to the script, repurposing amazing old housing stock that has been solidly built and isn't going anywhere, by bringing it up to the way we want to live our lives now, is one of the most sustainable ways to continue growing cities.