Ab Rogers Design (ARD), a London studio, has created a 19 square metre concept apartment, in which it managed to squeeze a kitchen, bed, and bathroom by making a pair of plywood living units with space saving details.

Property developers U + I have assigned ARD with the task to condense the functions of a traditional home into an efficient micro living space. This prototype is on display at their Westminster offices. U + I have been analysing London’s property market for a while and they wanted to create a design-led housing option that was smaller in scale and more affordable.
“It is time to re-think and invent a new way for people to live in the best parts of the city,” said the studio. “The campaign led by U+I is ongoing, and will continue to challenge the perception that small is less.”

The incorporation of two multi-purpose living units maximises the space in the apartment, with one of them featuring a set of stairs with drawers integrated into the risers. The steps lead into a double bed, while underneath sits a series of tall cupboards. The second unit hold the white-tiled bathroom. Both units have been crafted from birch plywood and paired against light-hued timber flooring.

The rest of the floor rests a cooking area and a lot of free space that can be used by inhabitants to personalise the apartment with furniture and homeware of their choice. The apartment is fronted by a large window that allows the natural light in and its chunky ledge can be used as a spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. Furthermore, the ceiling has been placed at just over three metres in height so that the space does not feel too confined.

This creation is part of several other London practices that have found in micro apartments a solution to urban living.