The Brief

A compact studio apartment in the heart of Utrecht, reimagined to feel twice its size. The client — a designer working from home — needed a space that could function equally well as a focused workspace and a relaxed home.

Planning

Every centimetre counted. We drew the furniture plan before finalising the architecture, ensuring that built-in storage, a foldaway desk, and the sleeping area all fit without compromise.

Living + Work

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase in dark stained oak divides the sleeping area from the living and working zone. The desk folds flat against the bookcase when not in use, restoring the living room to its full proportions.

Kitchen

The kitchen is reduced to its essentials: two runs of lower cabinetry, an induction hob, and a compact refrigerator concealed behind a door that matches the surrounding wall. A Moroccan-style zellige splashback adds texture without weight.

Bathroom

Despite measuring just 4 m², the bathroom feels considered. Vertical strips of warm stone tile rise to the ceiling; a walk-in shower replaces the original bath to maximise usable floor area.