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Houzz Tour: Tiny Fold-Out Apartment in Barcelona
Can a 260-square-foot space actually be livable? With hidden functionality and fold-out panels, it sure can
It's hard to say what's more striking about this unique living space in Barcelona — the 360-degree rooftop view, the outdoor bathtub and beautiful terrace, or the cleverly hidden panels that allow for a fully functional living space. Photographer Christian Schallert happened upon this space randomly and fell head over heels for its great location and stunning roof deck. But at just 260 square feet, the tiny and barren space left plenty to be desired.
He and architect Barbara Appolloni, a friend, came up with a unique design that allows the apartment to function in different modes — each appliance and piece of furniture is tucked into a hidden panel. By opening and closing panels, Schallert can adjust the apartment to his needs of the moment, whether he's cooking, taking a shower or sleeping.
He and architect Barbara Appolloni, a friend, came up with a unique design that allows the apartment to function in different modes — each appliance and piece of furniture is tucked into a hidden panel. By opening and closing panels, Schallert can adjust the apartment to his needs of the moment, whether he's cooking, taking a shower or sleeping.
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| Because the apartment is such a small space, there was no other option than to make it as flexible as possible. Schallert worked with Appolloni to come up with a practical design that would work for his lifestyle. "I basically had to write an exact list of all my belongings that would have to fit into the apartment," Schallert says. The result: Everything is within reach and in its assigned space. A fold-out panel serves as a desk, panels pop open to reveal storage, and the bed pulls in and out of a large slot as needed. "It's almost like living in a big closet," Schallert says. |
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| Schallert lived in this space for two years. (He still owns the home but currently lives in another part of the city.) He traveled and worked a lot, so he didn't spend much time there. When he woke up in the morning, he immediately pushed in the bed to create a living space to welcome him home at the end of the day. The panels and floor on this side of the unit are made of a mix of compressed wood and concrete called Viroc. The material has an industrial look but isn't as hard as concrete. It doesn't get too cold in the winter and works well in the summer too. |
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| BEFORE: Schallert wasn't looking for an apartment when he found this space. After someone stuck a sticker on his photography studio's window about it, he randomly decided to take a look. "I fell in love with it even though it was literally only a couple of square meters where pigeons lived," Schallert says. "I just loved the old building and this incredible 360-degree view of Barcelona." |
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| AFTER: Six months later, Appolloni and Schallert had transformed the unit, packing it full of multiple-use concepts. "It's like having one house packed into a single room," he says. |
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| The kitchen panel is all tucked into one side of the space. An integrated fridge, an electric stovetop, a sink, a freezer, a microwave and a dishwasher have assigned spaces. At mealtimes, the dining table is pulled out along with all the kitchen appliances. |
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| Afterward, everything is cleaned up and tucked away. The bed is pulled out, the TV turns from the wall toward the bed and the room changes into a large hotel-style bedroom. This remodel took about six months to complete. Because of the nature of the project, Schallert and Appolloni had to get some specific construction licenses. |
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| BEFORE: Although Schallert initially envisioned living in a dream loft in Barcelona's trendy el Born district, he loved the difficulties that this bare-bones space presented. "I took the challenge and changed this pigeonhole into a James Bond kind of apartment," he says. |
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| AFTER: The toilet is the only private space in this apartment. It's in a small room with a little window, behind a hidden door next to the sink. The shower glass cube and sink stay out of the way of the kitchen and bedroom modes against this wall. |
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| A 65-square-foot elevated balcony is just outside the bed area; the bed is pushed there when it's stored away. When it's time to pull it out again, Schallert simply pulls on a leather strap attached to the end of the bed frame. |
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| There's another 200 square feet of terrace space up a flight of stairs from the smaller balcony. Schallert installed an outdoor tub for two and a convenient washer and dryer here. Barcelona is a sunny city, so it made sense to make the most out of the outdoor space. |
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| A big outdoor couch provides the perfect place to enjoy the Spanish sun. Schallert occasionally hosted dinner parties on this terrace for up to five people. Although this space worked for Schallert, he acknowledges that it isn't the best setup for everyone. Since he was single and able to keep all of his work things at his office (just around the corner), it was easy for him to keep everything neat and clean. "You're practically forced to be organized. Otherwise it's one big mess in five minutes," he says. More Houzz Tours: 400-Square-Foot Unfolding Apartment Ingenious Garage Makeover in Bordeaux A Guesthouse and Grotto in 68 Square Feet |
Comments
Emily Hurley What a fantastic space. Love it.
14 months ago · Like
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bepsf Just amazing - I wonder if he lives there FT or rents it out? Would love to stay there when I visit Barcelona next year
14 months ago · Like
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AlignBetween Art | Design Wow this is incredible. I especially love the outdoor space. Very cool.
14 months ago · Like
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Bob R Per square foot this is proof easy living doesn't require a lot of floor space. The washer/dryer next to the hot tub was brilliant and an idea we all could/should think about. The glass shower is the only thing that's not quite my style but primarily because of the constant work keeping it spotless. Everything else is a real home run!
14 months ago · Like
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brysonleague This place is incredible, and I would have loved it during my single days. But I don't understand how you can have a washer and dryer outside - is it okay to have electrical appliances out in the rain?
14 months ago · Like
mcross It reminds me of a houseboat (everything in its place). I love it.
14 months ago · Like
j0dy I love the idea of all the panels. There is about as much space outside as in. I curently live in a small studio but need to move to even a smaller one! It's about 300 sq. ft. Any ideas for a rental?
14 months ago · Like
malinour yes, can we rent it
14 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER This is just fantastic. We are headed to Barcelona in just a couple of days. We have rented an apartment, but I now wish we could stay here....wonderful design work.
14 months ago · Like
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litan amazing! who need a big house?
14 months ago · Like
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pspgirl Brilliant!
14 months ago · Like
1dragon1 I would like to know what they used to hold up the ceiling after taking down the supports in the middle of the room. Great ideas for making a functional studio apartment.
14 months ago · Like
sararish This is amazing. If this is ever for sale, I would love to have it!
14 months ago · Like
buddhas abolutely brilliant!
14 months ago · Like
Tomcat Painting, Inc. Thanks for the great photos of the space
14 months ago · Like
kwhaler1 So amazing!
14 months ago · Like
mariascali fantatsic inspiration for NYC apartments
14 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings Hi Vanessa. Thanks for reminding me how much I like this apartment and its flexible, change-up style. I also did a post on it -- The Perfect Expanding Apartment: http://www.ashley-spencer.com/ArtIsEverywhere/2011/05/the-perfect-expanding-apartment/...He should rent it. I bet he'd get lots of takers.
14 months ago · Like
greenobsessed I like it that you thought outside the box. You took something no one thought about, and transformed it into your own slice of paradise
14 months ago · Like
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Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Great looking and amazing use of the space!
14 months ago · Like
Karen Ruet You can rent this space for visits? I would love to know more.
14 months ago · Like
julie perkins Would love to stay there while in Barcelona as well!
14 months ago · Like
Vintage Renewal In love with this place!
14 months ago · Like
mpjsp here's a video of this apt in action:
14 months ago · Like
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Gracious Style Very impressive!
14 months ago · Like
pegi perfect, you're so creative
14 months ago · Like
Alex B These pictures don't do this space justice. Check out the video
14 months ago · Like
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luiville Where is the toilet?
14 months ago · Like
pacheung of course you can, if you live in HK, you probably have to
14 months ago · Like
mamtarishi too gud
14 months ago · Like
nasafemme That apartment is genius. I could see how living there would be all the exercise you need. The youtube link was great.
14 months ago · Like
shawnaleeah Dreamy! My favourite place in the world :)
12 months ago · Like
nessi84 She had my attention when she said "Barcelona," but I don't care for a lot of modern designs. That being said, I love the use of space and love how everything folds out. I think I would spend a lot of time outside on the balcony if I lived there. But the article said that the bed slides onto the balcony when it isn't pulled out. What keeps it from getting wet when it rains??
12 months ago · Like
msasthana Simply brilliant.
11 months ago · Like
MahtaMouse While not exactly my style, I absolutely love the cozy concept of this tiny apt. I love the bed sliding beneath the deck; so ingenious! The only thing I would have changed is the shower & sink being open to the rest of the home. Enclosing it behind paneling or even a curtain, would have for me, made it feel cleaner and less cluttered.
10 months ago · Like
nortun This is insane. When i was about 10 and obsessed with being a spy :), i aslo invisioned a house where everything was hidden and would open at a click of a button. My room would be remotely controlled though. This was lovely.
10 months ago · Like
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littlerita I love it, very creative and efficient
9 months ago · Like
aeykelbo Amazing ingenuity... great job creating a fully livable space. Would there also have been space to have an outdoor kitchen?
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 22, 2012.
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