Paris micro-apartment stacks kitchen, bed, bath in 129 sq ft

When architect Julie Nabucet was asked to fit the rooms of a full-sized apartment in a 129-square-foot (12 m2) flat in the center of Paris (Montorgueil quarter), she stacked functions: she elevated the kitchen and rolled a bed-slash-sofa underneath (pulled out halfway, it's a couch; pulled out fully, it's a bed). To separate the cooking area from the sleeping/living room she used plywood boxes stacked as a wall. The boxes facing the kitchen are used as cabinets; those facing the bedroom are used as bookshelves.

In the two-square-meter bathroom (21-square-feet), she squeezed an "Italian shower" (wet bath). There wasn't enough space for a sink so she placed this outside the bathroom. To separate it from the kitchen she created a wooden netting that gives a sense of isolation, but allows light to pass through.

[dannydano]

How long before you just stop putting the bed away every morning?

[itsnadaaaa]

People who don't live in large cities or people who are older might not like such a small space. But believe me, when you're a desperate uni student with a small budget like I was, having any apartment, irregardless of how small it was, was considered heaven on earth. And this one is far better then others I've seen since it atleast has a decent sized kitchen & bathroom. I knew ppl who only had the room, forget a formal kitchen & private bathroom.

[NemoOks]

The bed seems very hard to move. I wouldn’t want to have to try so hard every night if I just want to sleep.

[sunflower]

First year of university, in student residence, when you were never in your room not for real life.

[alyd]

I can see the point if the rental rate was cheap, it would be good for a single person or student but the good idea goes out the window by having the rent expensive, might as well rent somewhere full size.

[virginiemoniquejavier]

Ive watched a lot of tiny space designs and living.... but this one made me sad and gave a feeling of suffocation and i dont even know why

[elizabethwall]

I really like the design of this. Having a second level seems to make the space feel bigger, and the whole apartment has a calm, peaceful feeling to it. In college, I lived alone for three years in a room much smaller than this. I only had room for a twin bed, a desk, a mini-fridge, a folding chair and a closet. I had no computer and no TV (the Internet was in its infancy and cell phones didn't exist). I shared a bathroom with several other people, and I had to go into the basement to wash my clothes. I read books constantly, mostly from the library, wrote a lot, met friends at cafes or other places, and spent a lot of time outside. It was basically an introvert's dream and I was very happy. Now I live in a 2, 400-square-foot house with a husband and 4 kids and it feels too small! But I could easily live alone in a small space, especially in an interesting city like Paris.

[Dogsnark]

I don’t know how long I could live in such a small space, but what a genius layout. Impressive.

[dnomyarnostaw]

After 3 years of living in a similar size small space, I can say that not only is it comfortable, but also comforting.
The discipline of living in a small environment, of being efficient with your "stuff", and not having a large area to clean, has been a good experience.
I am just building a new larger house (required due to council laws), and just wandering through the half-built house, I am wondering why on earth I need somewhere larger.

[calvinpoe]

I lived out of my car for 3 months. So this place is huge!!

[Amy-tcjc]

People are saying this is uncomfortable and it's no way to live, but if you are a uni student, it's a lot nicer and functional than a dorm room. Also some people are desperate for places to live. I think this is a really good idea and use of previously unused spaces.

[MsCafecito]

She was very creative with her space. It looks so small at first, but you really optimized your space. Very stylish. Nice fixtures.

[dafyddil]

Nice to have the first three minutes to demonstrate how to sit, lie down, and read a magazine

[taracreator]

This space could be used much better to create more space. Like a high bed that you can sleep high in and put a bed and table under it. A loft idea. The ceiling is high enough. Bed in the back, kitchen against the wall of the bathroom. Dining area + desk by the window. Decorate it and you have much more space in this small appartment.

[eddieb]

I had a toilet, TV, a sink to wash, few chairs and a bunk bed. It was my cell though

[Darkest_Soul_]

Just because it's possible to live like this, doesn't mean it's comfortable. 

[erikajeansalazar]

The elevated kitchen to make space for a bed that can be tucked away to create more space is really clever!

[robsyko]

This is fine for a short stint, if you’re staying in the city for an internship or college course or even a halfway house or something. But not as a home. Nobody should ever need to spend their life like this.

[Danuta]

Where are her clothes . Shoes.. boots.. coats etc ?? I did not see storage for her personal items- toiletries etc

[fallingbed]

Even though that space is small, all the appliances are so modern I love it!
Especially the stovetop!