Robert Garneau, a respected architect, gives a tour of an incredibly small, seemingly spacious 400-square-foot apartment – a renovation project he calls “Semi-Nary.” The space comes complete with customized counters and closets and unique, versatile furniture.
Naturally, one of the first things Robert shows is a fold-out wall bed, also known as a Murphy bed, according to tuftandneedle.com, a staple of any efficient living space.
The environment is reminiscent of the “tiny house movement” and “micro-apartments” – small living areas that strive for ultra-efficient use of space and typically blend various rooms together, according to apartmentlist.com.
This specific space once served as the home for the New York Theological Seminary in the heart of New York City, characterized by its 14-foot-high ceilings and tall windows. Although a conventionally small floor space, Robert saw an opportunity for more than what meets the eye.
Here’s what the apartment looked like before Robert found it:
The inefficient use of space and unsavory green were duly noted. The place looked cramped and incapable of hosting more than a handful of people. After Robert and team went to work, the ambiance and perceived space of the area completely changed.
An important feature of the revamped space is the transforming furniture. Even the tables are adjustable. Robert demonstrates that the height of the living room’s table can change with the simple click of a button, moving from “table height” to “bar height.”
The kitchen features its own array of unique craftsmanship. The refrigerator is compact and fits within the counters. Even the freezer is inconspicuous and takes up minimal space, sliding out like a drawer.
Every square inch of the apartment is used to its maximum. But not only is the apartment efficient in its use of space, it’s also very stylish.
Perhaps one of the place’s most striking elements can be found in the restroom. Robert and team make use of the high ceilings in implementing a set of brilliant lights created in-house with industrial tubing components, reminiscent of raindrops falling from the sky.
Robert and his architecture work have been featured in a variety of publications. He is also one of the founding partners of Architecture Workshop PC, which can be found at aw-pc.com.
Robert’s “Semi-Nary” project is brimming with creativity and technical mastery. It is sleek, ergonomic, and seemingly futuristic. His tour demonstrates the limitless possibilities surrounding even the smallest bits of space. Sometimes, things go well beyond what meets the eye.
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