This 44sqm/474sqft ground-floor home in Buenos Aires underwent a significant internal redesign by architect Carol Burton.
The apartment has one light source, and while that light source is a generous window amplification of the light is enhanced with a clean open plan design that encourages the movement of light and air. The open space ensures that the window is a feature that is visible from all areas of the apartment.
Originally, the red wrought-iron staircase cut an imposing figure in the centre of the home, creating an impractical obstacle for such a small footprint.
The mezzanine provides a great option for a loft bedroom, and to accommodate this the kitchen was moved downstairs and integrated with the new minimal which has been cast from one piece of folded metal and doubles as a custom cabinet, pantry, and fridge. The cabinet doors are perfectly cut to meet the shape of the stairs ensuring no wasted space.
The master bedroom, now featured on the mezzanine is hidden from the street-level expansive window by a metal balustrade, the only object which actively blocks off the precious natural light in this calm space. The focus on optimising all available space is continued in the master too, with the awkward space directly behind the bed utilized as a wardrobe.
One of our favourite small footprint design principles is diversification — when a space or object delivers more purpose than the expected or primary use. All furniture in Studio Seguí has been custom-made; the chair doubles as a hanger, and the bookshelf doubles as shoe storage.
These touches that have been thoughtfully included from the early stages of design allow such a small space to be both comfortable and purposeful.
Images by Gonzalo Viramonte
