NEVER TOO SMALL: 15th Century Small Apartment Redesign Italy - 36sqm/387sqft

Located in the center of the historical Italian city of Mantua, the unique looking Monolocale EFFE apartment is characterised by an original fresco mural on its walls, discovered under decade old layers of paint by architecture and design firm Archiplanstudio, during the renovation. Originally part of a larger apartment, Archiplanstudio knocked down the wall between the original bedrooms creating a separate entrance, a new bathroom, kitchen and dining area all built around a central sleeping cube added to the middle of the apartment. The open living area includes the dining space, with an expandable dining table and floating bench seat integrated into the wall of the sleeping cube. The simple but fully equipped kitchen with light gray cabinets and brass finishes, includes a wall mounted induction hob that can be placed on the counter when needed, freeing up much needed counter space. The clever custom-made bench set along the window functions as a generous low shelf with storage space beneath, as well as additional seating for guests.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Project Name: Monolocale EFFE

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
CineAlessandro Carpentiero
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: When Skies Meet Shores by We Dream of Eden and Please Send Rain by We Dream of Eden

[bakeraus]

If anyone is searching the Induction hob is called Ordine

[Tibbox]

The induction cooktop hub is a pretty cool solution! Kinda surprised that this is the first time seeing a system like that featured in a NTS showcase.

[Nath_CM]

I like how they kept the original walls. It's like having an alive piece of history on your appartement

[JessLaSoul]

Nice calming color scheme. With such high ceilings I probably would have opted for a second level for the bedroom.

[blackie]

The "bedroom" looks like the only drawback. I hate making a bed when it's flush with a wall. This bed is flush with two walls. And the shelving behind the bedhead can only be accessed by standing on the mattress. I think that would get annoying pretty quickly.

[garluns]

Looks great, like the exposed walls. I’ll probably add some plants and a bigger sofa 🛋 to be a better couch potato 🥔

[adrnjgr]

Beautiful walls indeed, great decision to leave them exposed. I like the small kitchen and the bathroom sink outside the actual bathroom. That being said, this looks more like a proof of concept, a place where the architectural practice can show potential customers what they can offer, rather than an actual living space.

[cindyheazlit]

The walls are gorgeous. I think I would have raised the bed onto the loft. and put storage underneath.

[feijoatree]

Love it. I get the cube is a feature but my practical nature feels there's an extra corridor that eats up space. Great sub 40 square metre design.

[firmanang]

The walls are absolutely spectacular! it's almost like a giant artwork

[gianmariacazzaniga]

A classic induction hob is not a problem, it does not reduce the working space. They are in ceramic glass and you can use them to prepare food as a normal working top.
The sink is too close to the oven column, so it seems to be very uncomfortable to use.
The bed is very difficult to make and stuck in a so narrow space it looks a little bit claustrophobic.
I know that the apartment is very small but I think that the project has some big mistakes

[EricaGamet]

Okay, I've packed my bags and I'm ready to move into this place! It's beautiful and I would live there in a heartbeat!

[agnieszkakowalska]

The concept is cool, with the organic touches of wood and stone. But there is something lacking in this project when it comes to the dining area and sitting zone. Don't really understand the choice of only benches instead of few chair around the table, which don't take up more space and are way more comfortable to sit on, especially when you have guests. And the couch doesn't go with the space. It feels disjointed, probably because of the velvet. I love the area around the windows, but without any textiles it doesn't seem inviting at all.

[willynilly]

Amazing blend of modern function and history that looks very appealing and relaxing. What a beautiful design!

[jamjam-]

I love this space so much! The architect’s influence using the “patina” of the walls is perfection. It’s like a modern cave sanctuary. Perfectly executed.

[valerieann]

This is beautiful! Especially the stone walls. Just a perfectly designed space . Plenty of room in Living area to add more soft furnishings if wanted.

[melindadouglas]

Am I the only one who thinks the cube in the center of the space is a really bad idea?! The other design elements worked and exposing the original walls was brilliant. Any apartment this small should have a Murphy bed to maximize the space. Then you could have a larger sofa and more seating for guests. I would feel very claustrophobic sleeping in that box in the middle of the room. I love the location.

[tkcldk]

the walls really add the historical vibe into the apartment, feel like i'm visiting a museum

[catemoon]

Elegant apartment. I love the old walls and how they add character. The bedroom cube, I’m not sold on. Getting in and out of that space from the bottom of the bed will become a hassle, and I’m assuming that there is air-conditioning, because otherwise it will get hot in there. But I appreciate the whole ascetic of the space. Very peaceful, and what a location!

[Handplottedblackhole]

Those walls are absolutely gorgeous, really captivating.