Houzz Tour: A 335-Sq-Ft Apartment Hides Storage and Surprises
A multifunctional unit incorporates hidden storage and creates a smart split-level layout in this apartment
The architects at studio Elii named this renovation Yojigen Poketto, in homage to Japanese cartoon Doraemon the Cosmic Cat. Doraemon is a robot-cat who, among other things, takes care of lazy and stubborn child Nobita Nobi. The architects explain to us that Doraemon pulls items from the future out of the yojigen poketto, literally his “4D pocket.” The name they chose is perfect for this split-level micro-apartment, which is jam-packed with drawers and secret compartments. As with Doraemon’s pocket, you never know what might come out.
Pictured: Carlos Cañete of Elii
The apartment is very bright thanks to large windows and balconies. The layout of the unit keeps the private spaces out of sight of the entrance.
The apartment is very bright thanks to large windows and balconies. The layout of the unit keeps the private spaces out of sight of the entrance.
The split-level apartment has the the main space and the kitchen unit on the bottom and the bedroom and bathroom 35 inches (90 centimetres) above them, aligned with the kitchen countertop.
Check out these tricks to expand a small home
Check out these tricks to expand a small home
Pictured: Carlos Cañete and Ana López of Elii
The elevation delineates two separate environments within the apartment, which is a huge bonus in such a tiny space. It also opens up possibilities for extra features like the sunken bathtub in the bathroom and the storage area under the bed.
The elevation delineates two separate environments within the apartment, which is a huge bonus in such a tiny space. It also opens up possibilities for extra features like the sunken bathtub in the bathroom and the storage area under the bed.
Storage is worked into the unit through secret compartments. A movable staircase module connects the two levels, contains drawers and, at the same time, serves as a small “grandstand” offering extra seating in the living room.
See how rooms can be transformed into multipurpose spaces
See how rooms can be transformed into multipurpose spaces
Left to right: Carlos Cañete, Lucía Fernández, Ana López of Elii
Part of the kitchen counter can be removed to serve as a coffee table. The resulting niche in the counter can be used as a cozy reading bench.
Part of the kitchen counter can be removed to serve as a coffee table. The resulting niche in the counter can be used as a cozy reading bench.
Wall and floor finishes further separate the two zones. While the main social area has light-coloured walls – for maximum brightness – and a linoleum floor, the bedroom is defined by wood finishes. A projector lets the couple watch movies in bed.
Learn how to partition spaces without using walls
Learn how to partition spaces without using walls
Carlos Cañete enjoys a soak.
The bathroom walls, floor and bathtub are all finished in the same tiles. This makes for a bright box that adds some depth to an otherwise enclosed space lacking in natural light. The shiny finish of the walls and ceiling makes the space even brighter.
The bathroom walls, floor and bathtub are all finished in the same tiles. This makes for a bright box that adds some depth to an otherwise enclosed space lacking in natural light. The shiny finish of the walls and ceiling makes the space even brighter.
Pictured: Carlos Cañete
The team made the most of the apartment’s position in the corner of the building, bringing in a maximum of natural light and giving every part of the space outside views.
The architects say that the owners are very happy with the result and enjoy the spatial experience.
Construction: Aniceto Jiménez
Carpentry work: Alfredo Merino Caldas
Read more:
Houzz Tour: Five Rooms in One Compact Unit
Tell us:
What did you like the most about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
The team made the most of the apartment’s position in the corner of the building, bringing in a maximum of natural light and giving every part of the space outside views.
The architects say that the owners are very happy with the result and enjoy the spatial experience.
Construction: Aniceto Jiménez
Carpentry work: Alfredo Merino Caldas
Read more:
Houzz Tour: Five Rooms in One Compact Unit
Tell us:
What did you like the most about this home? Tell us in the Comments below.
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Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Diana Díaz and Luis Arenas, a young couple
Location: Madrid, Spain
Size: 33 square metres (about 355 square feet)
Architect coordinator: Ana López, of Elii
Team: Lucía Fernández + Eduardo Castillo of Elii
That’s interesting: These photos were taken before the couple moved into their apartment.
The three architects at Elii collaborate on every project. Maybe this was the key to this imaginative project – that they brought three minds together to find best way to realise the possibilities of a complicated space. It’s no surprise that they responded to our questions together: They told us that they prefer not to emphasise the individuality of one person over another.
The storage module was the seed of the entire project. This unit integrates the entrance, wet areas, storage and social spaces. This allowed the architects to free up the main space.