Casa FOA is one of the most important exhibitions of architecture, interior design, landscape design and industry in Latin America. The Chilean architects from SUMATORIA were selected to represent their country in the field of “Emerging Design of Miniature Housing”. These are mini-apartments with a living space of just 15 square meters (corresponds to the size of a container module). The architects have designed a mini-apartment concept that enables modern living in a small space.
Concept for modern and efficient living in a small living space
The Chilean architecture firm proposed a spatial solution based on digital transformation and increasing urbanization. As demand for housing continues to increase in the world's largest cities, city apartments are becoming smaller and smaller. With a good mini-apartment concept, you can live comfortably in the smallest amount of space. The architects' solution begins with an efficient, adaptable and easy-to-implement design for primary residences, second homes or even a hotel project where the demand for comfort and durability isin a confined spaceplays. The scalability and efficiency of the design works under the “plug-and-play” concept, which enables serial construction and easy implementation, as well as reducing construction time and costs.
The 15 sqm mini apartment fascinates with its design
In this 15 square meter apartment (2.50 x 6 meters) the basic needs for living space are met. The space is flexible and can play the role of an open living area with a kitchen and living room, a bathroom and a bedroom. The dimensions are defined yet structured in such a way that the resident can make optimal use of every centimeter of space without becoming claustrophobic. This is achieved by installing mirrors thatCreating the illusion of a larger space.
The kitchen with adjacent dining area
The kitchen/living area is compact and equipped with a multifunctional appliance that serves as a two-burner stove, oven with microwave and an under-sink refrigerator. Two shelves above the cooking area and a deep drawer below provide storage space for dishes and/or groceries. In front of the tiny kitchen there is a small living area with a table. The walls in this area are also covered with mirrors to create a feeling of space in an otherwise narrow space.
The toilet area
The toilet is between the living room/kitchen and the bedroom. It also serves as an intermediary between the two spaces. The room is equipped with a skylight that serves as both ventilation and a source of natural light, giving the bathroom an element of vertical spaciousness.
The walls are decorated with polished white marble tiles, which reflect the daylight and make the small bathroom appear larger. The shower is located at the other end of the bathroom and is equipped with two glass doors that, when open, can create the shower area and, when closed, hide the washing area when not in use.
The bedroom furnishings
The bedroom is equipped with a large bed. Under the mattress there are 6 compartments, each the size of a suitcase, which serve as a cupboard. At the back of the bed there is a reading lamp and USB ports above a shelf that also serves as a bedside table. Although the space is small, the interior designers also found space for art in the form of a mural above the bed.
Everything in the mini apartmentmeets sustainability criteria– from recycling gray water to installing solar panels and even insulation. This mini-apartment concept is an example of how you can not only live modernly, but also sustainably, and only on 15 square meters of living space.
The project was awarded the “Casa FOA” prize for the best transformation of a space and the best application of ROCA, which were distributed during the exhibition in Chile.
