00:02The key idea is to create a sense of spaciousness within this small unit.
00:08I am motivated a lot by the notion of flexibility and adaptability.
00:15So we added curtains as space divider to allow some degree of intimacy
00:20for more private areas like sleeping, dressing and lounging.
00:27A few years ago, I asked Rucha to redesign my apartment.
00:33We know each other since the university time,
00:37so I think it would be easier to work together for the new design.
00:52This apartment is located in Ari neighborhood in Bangkok.
00:58It's probably one of the most trendy areas in the city, known for the library scenery
01:04with all the restaurants, bars and the commercial activities.
01:09Unlike other popular areas in Bangkok,
01:12Ali can still maintain a local and friendly vibe with a balanced mix of edges.
01:19After living in this apartment for 10 years,
01:22I realized that the proportion of each space doesn't quite fit me.
01:28Also, the natural light coming in is pretty low during most times of the year
01:33because all the windows space are not.
01:35So I wanted to open up the space, create more flexibility of use
01:40and bring in more light and warmth.
01:43So curtain is sort of a solution to achieve those qualities
01:46rather than simply a physical aesthetic choice.
01:49I think it is a smart solution for living small.
01:55The house was a one-bedroom apartment.
01:58It had two equally separated spaces.
02:02The interior is typical and undefined.
02:06One side was the living dining kitchen
02:09and the other for a bedroom, a bathroom and a balcony.
02:14First thing we did was remove the middle wall that split the apartment in two.
02:19We reduced the size of the bathroom by slightly moving the wall inside
02:24and then allocated the space outside for a new wardrobe in the sleeping area.
02:31The old kitchen was completely removed
02:34to make way for a more practical design
02:36that would match the rest of the apartment.
02:43As you enter the apartment through the door niche,
02:47you arrive into a large open space where you can see the entire apartment.
02:53After living here for a few months,
02:57I also added a head shelf by the door above for my bags.
03:03Next to the entrance is a custom shelf unit made of rubber wood
03:08where Mamiyo can store her shoes, keys and other carry-on things.
03:13The small kitchen actually works perfectly for me
03:17because I generally cook simple meals without too many processes.
03:21There's a small fridge and a washing machine hidden underneath.
03:27Overhead cabinets contain a microwave, dish drying racks, a wrench hood and a small storage unit.
03:35To maximize counter space, we decided to use a portable cooktop instead of a fixed one.
03:41At the very top, we added a full-length door to hide the electrical main board
03:47and we left some space as a tiny shelf for display.
03:52The wall hanging lamp is rotatable, allowing the position of the dining set to be a little more flexible.
03:59I can also use the dining set right behind the kitchen as a preparation table when needed.
04:06And when my family and friends come over, the dining set can accommodate 4-6 people.
04:15The L-shaped sofa by He is very relaxing.
04:19I can fully stretch out when lying down.
04:23We chose this model simply because we love the look of it.
04:28It comes with a module with our armrest making the corner more airy and open.
04:33We added a block-out curtain to keep the privacy in the evening
04:38and a shear layer to soften the light during the day.
04:42The shear inside gives a sense of intimacy while still maintaining a sense of openness.
04:49I used a portable projector to make this area more possible for other purposes.
04:56Not having a TV also allows the low console to be used as a bench for sitting.
05:02I designed the console with flexibility in mind.
05:06So if Mamiya decides that she actually prefers a TV in the future,
05:11it can accommodate that as well because there are power sockets hidden behind.
05:19Above, we have a recessed alcove painted in deep yellow that matches the color of the air conditioner.
05:30At the back of the sofa, we added some hidden storage in the wall
05:35that was extended to fit the length of the sofa.
05:39This storage can be accessed from the narrow side.
05:44The curtains play a big role in the design of this apartment.
05:49The lightshare separates the living area without cutting the visual connection,
05:54while the darker red gives me a bit more privacy.
05:59They allow more intimacy and privacy in an otherwise completely open space.
06:09We wanted the sleeping area to be a multifunctional space.
06:13So we designed this space to not have a big bulky bed and not look like a bedroom.
06:20It can just be a place for the act of sleeping.
06:23The mattress is a foldable tatami, which I usually put away in the morning.
06:31This way, the platform becomes free for other users.
06:35I can do light exercise here, ironing or working with my laptop.
06:41We added a clip lamp onto the pole that supports the curtain rails.
06:46It helps to provide a bit of functional light in the corner of the apartment.
06:51The wardrobe fits the requirements for Mameo's clothes, mattress and other household items.
06:58With a mirror on the inside of the door, making dressing up more convenient.
07:05From the bed platform, there's an access to the balcony outside.
07:12It's the place where I can hang clothes after doing the laundry.
07:23The bathroom is a bit smaller than the original size, but it is still fully functional.
07:30We visually divide the room into two areas, defined by a simple palette of two materials.
07:37We placed a big mirror to visually extend the space.
07:42The low vanity cabinet is a bit offset from the floor and the walls to make this tiny corner look
07:50more airy.
07:51I designed a custom ceiling panel to hide a ventilator fan.
08:00The lighting integrated into the dressing table makes an otherwise dark corner of the room more cozy.
08:09The table width may look narrow, but actually I find it comfortable and functional.
08:15All the built-in pieces were designed and installed in a way that can be disassembled in the future,
08:24and then reassembled and reused elsewhere.
08:28Throughout the apartment, all custom furniture was made from exposed structural plywood.
08:34We prefer to use and show the natural texture of the material.
08:39We chose linoleum on the floor instead of a wood laminate.
08:44The linoleum is soft and warm on feet.
08:48When designing a small space, I tend to open up the space, remove the wall,
08:55and try to include flexibility of partition.
09:00I think living in a small apartment, the choice of furniture is really important.
09:09You have to be more creative and you have to organize the space more neatly.
09:29You have to be more creative and you don't have to manage the space anymore.
09:31You want to be aware of the space.
09:31The first thing you want is to make the space more neatly helen.
Comments