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Inspired by modern Japanese apartment design, architect Jesús Huarte completely reinvented this 30 square metre Buenos Aires apartment located in the central neighbourhood of Recoleta. Originally lacking natural light due to its narrow and deep floorplan, the addition of new windows, and a bright palette dramatically brightened the home. Redividing the space using glass walls made more of the space usable, splitting it into new kitchen, living and sleeping zones that were previously all one space. Added closed storage extends from the entryway into the kitchen creating a sense of calm by concealing much of the home's clutter. Light green marble in the bathroom and kitchen, alongside touches of colourful paint accent the white palette throughout; and alongside an indoor swing add a sense of playfulness to the home.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Fernando Schapochnik
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: I Wish You Knew & No More Words by Ziggy
Transcript
00:02The idea was to create a unique, wide and airy atmosphere.
00:08Using glass panels as walls allows the light to flow through all of the rooms.
00:16The apartment is about 30 square meters, 3.25 meters wide and 9 meters deep.
00:25My name is Jesuc Huarte, I'm an architect. I'm the owner of Territorio de Arquitectura in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
00:39The apartment is located in Recoleta, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires.
00:46Recoleta is a residential neighborhood known for its Paris style townhouses,
00:51lavish former palaces and posh boutiques.
00:57The building was built in the 70s and has always been residential.
01:03The client is a sensory artist that uses different smells to create her pieces.
01:10She is a very tidy and clean person who wanted a place in a central area of the city,
01:16where she could live and work.
01:22The apartment was in a very good location but lacked natural light.
01:28The balcony windows were the main source of natural light in this apartment.
01:34There was a small bathroom and kitchen.
01:38The living, dining and sleeping areas shared the rest of the open space in the apartment.
01:45We increased the size of the bathroom and moved the kitchen out to the open space.
01:52The two windows that were in the bathroom and kitchen were enlarged and moved.
01:57I added another window to the dining area which helped to brighten up the apartment.
02:04Metal and glass walls divided the kitchen, dining and bedrooms.
02:11After you open the front door, there is a small hallway.
02:15We restored the oak floors using the pieces from the areas that would be covered by the new design.
02:24On the right, there is a long closet which goes from the entrance to the end of the kitchen area.
02:31At the entrance, the closet has space for shoes and coats.
02:38The kitchen is compact without being cramped.
02:42The main side is against the wall of the bathroom and has white floating shelves for storing small art pieces.
02:50The countertop and splash bags are made from a light green marble.
02:55On the other side, there is an island that can be used as a bar using the stool.
03:01There is also space for the washer-drying machine here.
03:06We hung two pink pendant lights over the island to light the island's surface but also as an ambient room
03:13light in the evening.
03:15A storage wall was placed along one side of the apartment to hide away the clutter.
03:24A white metal and glass wall divides the kitchen, space and the dining area.
03:32As well as letting in light, it encourages interaction between the people in the kitchen and the dining areas.
03:41The dining area is kept quite minimal with a round white table and white chairs.
03:47In the evenings, there is a pendant light above to illuminate the table.
03:54The client doesn't watch TV, so a large sofa wasn't needed.
04:00Instead, there is a foldable mat that can transform into a floor seat or lie flat for when guests are
04:08over.
04:10We installed a swim made from wood and leather.
04:14This is another playful element in the apartment and doubles as a seat.
04:20It can be easily removed to free up the space when needed.
04:25Separating the dining area and bedroom is another metal and glass wall, this time with a door to maintain privacy
04:34when needed.
04:35There is a double size bed all in white and a built-in closet for the client's clothes.
04:46The bedroom opens up to a small balcony that loops out onto the neighbourhood.
04:54When the balcony and bedroom doors are open, it can circulate air around the whole apartment.
05:03The bathroom is by the entrance and is where we wanted to experiment with colours to create a playful atmosphere.
05:11For the walls, we used white ceramic tiles and painted the wall on the top half in a dark green.
05:18The vanity is a light wood and the counter and splashback is a soft green marble.
05:26We added a semi-circle mirror above the sink and another on the wall.
05:32For the shower, a salmon quarter gives the corner a nice pop of colour.
05:40The new larger window brings in more light than before and is great for air circulation.
05:46I believe in this idea of renovate and recreate the spaces.
05:53My philosophy is to find creative ways with the pre-existing space, the owner's desires and my own way of
06:02transformation,
06:03with useful, flexible and comprehensive solutions.
06:18And then the ihtries are so famous.
06:18We want to make a Claudius' finan store for a few years.
06:18Please, please, please, please, please, please.
06:18Please, please, please.
06:18Please...
06:20Please, please, please, please, please please.
06:20Please, please, please, please.
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