In the heart of Milan’s bustling Città Studi, known for its proximity to some of the city’s most prestigious universities, lies a unique and cleverly designed student studio. Nestled on the top floor of a historical building that dates back to the early 20th century, this 10-square-meter apartment, with an additional 4-square-meter loft, is a masterclass in maximizing small spaces. Originally an attic used as a service area, the studio has undergone a complete transformation, resulting in a functional and stylish living space tailored specifically for student life.
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A Space Inspired by Yacht Design
The design of this student studio draws inspiration from the world of yacht interiors, where every inch of space is utilized to its fullest potential. This concept is evident in the apartment’s multifunctional features and ample storage options, all with a touch of bespoke tailoring. The renovation prioritized a sustainable approach, reusing existing elements while introducing modern amenities to create a comfortable and efficient home for students.
The Ingenious Layout
When entering the studio, the thoughtful design immediately becomes apparent. The entrance opens into a small yet fully equipped kitchen. Despite its compact size, the kitchen is a marvel of space management, containing everything needed for daily life: a sink, hot plates, storage spaces, a washing machine, a microwave, and even a fridge. The design cleverly repurposes the original kitchen, aligning with the project’s sustainable ethos.
Opposite the kitchen is a wardrobe that serves as the primary storage for clothing and other essentials. The kitchen and living area are separated not by a traditional door but by a curtain, which introduces a soft, warm element to the space. The curtain also adds a subtle pop of color that complements the light wood tones of the interior, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
The Heart of the Apartment: The Living Room
The living room is the focal point of the apartment, embodying the project’s core design principles. A multifunctional sofa sits atop a large piece of furniture that doubles as the landing for the staircase leading to the loft. This setup ingeniously utilizes the space underneath for additional storage, complete with drawers to keep the area tidy and uncluttered.
Opposite the sofa, a useful shelf provides extra storage, while a foldable table for two is conveniently positioned near the kitchen. This table can be easily stowed away to create more space when not in use, further enhancing the flexibility of the living area.
A large window floods the living room with natural light, brightening the space and creating an airy feel. Considering the window’s two-meter height, a motorized system was installed for both the window and its blinds, adding a modern touch to this historical setting.
The Staircase and Bathroom Design
The staircase leading to the loft is a striking feature in its own right. Made of black metal, the floating staircase is suspended from the ceiling, offering a geometric and minimalist design. When viewed from the front, the staircase forms an open and airy volume, with the repetitive elements of the steps creating a dynamic visual effect.
The bathroom, though compact, is designed with practicality in mind. A sliding door was installed to save space, and the same materials used for the staircase were incorporated into the bathroom design, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The result is a small but efficient bathroom that meets all the needs of the apartment’s occupant.
The Cozy Loft Sleeping Area
The sleeping area in the loft is a charming retreat. Despite its modest four-square-meter size, it features a bed as the main focal point. Wooden box-shaped volumes are cleverly integrated above the living room, serving as floating side tables. These side tables offer both form and function, providing a place to store essentials while maintaining the clean lines of the design.
A power point is also conveniently located near the bed, allowing for easy charging of devices like a laptop or phone—a thoughtful detail that caters to the modern student’s lifestyle.
Continuity in Design
To create a sense of continuity throughout the apartment, the floor was painted a uniform color. This design choice ties together the various elements of the space, with the dark blue tones adding a touch of sophistication and cohesiveness to the overall aesthetic.
A Thoughtful Approach to Small Space Living
In a dense city like Milan, where every square meter counts, the redesign of this small attic into a livable studio is both innovative and necessary. While the apartment is primarily intended for students who spend much of their time outside, it is designed to meet their needs while offering comfort and convenience. The thoughtful use of space, combined with the clever design inspired by yacht interiors, makes this studio a prime example of how even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a functional and stylish home.
In the heart of Milan’s Città Studi, this compact student studio stands as a testament to the art of small space living, providing a cozy, practical, and chic home for the modern student.
- Architect: Giulia Menestrina
- Source: Never Too Small
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