I Turned this Cramped Space into a Minimalist Micro Apartment

TABLE 3in1 - COFFEE / DESK / DINING:
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COPYRIGHT:
All designs shown on the Gemma Wheeler Architecture KZbin channel belong to Gemma Wheeler. To acquire a license for use, please make contact at www.gemmawheeler.co
CREDIT:
Art hanging on walls by the extraordinary Beatrice Forshall: www.beatriceforshall.com
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DISCLAIMER:
The purpose of this channel is for entertainment only. All designs presented here are based on a brief and notional desktop study of site constraints and conditions and should NOT be taken as advice, guarantee or warrant that any planning permission or other regulatory requirement would be granted. Gemma Wheeler Architecture does not provide any legal, investment or financial advice or information and is not advising on the commercial viability or suitability of any proposals. The relevant independent expert advice regarding the relevant risks should be sought accordingly. Under no circumstances will Gemma Wheeler be held responsible in any way for any content communicated in these videos, whether by Gemma Wheeler or a third party. In no event shall Gemma Wheeler be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the availability, use or performance of any information communicated in these videos.

[@lunatickgeo]

Well-done! You transformed an afterthought, something that was shoved in there into a thoughtful design and seemed to have been planned that way all along.

[@Ragnar8504]

It's an amazing transformation! My only worry would be not being able to use the kitchen if you're more than about four feet tall. The ceiling looks to be awfully close to the worktop.

[@pobvic]

@@Ragnar8504 might have to see how it feels, but it's not a lot different than having wall mounted cupboards above a worktop

[@ashurean]

Honestly, I feel like there should be more places like this available for sale. I might only represent a small subset of the population, but I'm perfectly happy so long as I have a bathroom with a tub, a bedroom just large enough for me to lay flat in, and a kitchen. Throw a small storage shed or garage on the side and that's just about all I need.

[@logseman5959]

Why sell it when you can hire an architect to design the changes and rent the place for double the price?

[@clairedebbs9972]

Same. Absolutely same for me. Less space, less rent or mortgage, more money for life experiences. 😊

[@away2964]

That's a lot though

[@zumbawithcathya]

Wonderful vision, makes it so light and airy …also love the use of the eaves storage in a better way 👏👏👏👏 thanks for posting

[@hanaskoczylasova8849]

I feel the same - always liked to live in small places. I don’t even need a kitchen, some cooking top in the corner is enough for me.

[@lindahind2205]

From tiny, dark and depressing to light, bright and welcoming. Your work is magical!

[@lancefron1]

While being extremely expensive, the use of roof lights - and your clever integration and expanded usage - is perfect for making the space liveable.

[@gtw4546]

The storage access hidden behind the bookshelves in the bedroom is a feature I’d love in any place, no matter how big or small.

[@veronicabuson4028]

The final result is lovely, but in my humble (Italian) opinion the bidet is important enough to take up some space 😅

[@DawnDavidson]

Yes! I was recommending a washlet, which is a toilet seat designed with a bidet function already included. Good ones also include the ability to heat the water, and a drying function. I first encountered those on a trip to Japan. As an American, I’d never used a bidet before. By the end of our 3 week trip I was so impressed that I bought one to bring home with me! Lugging that thing through the subway and on the plane was its own commedia dell’arte! 😂

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

They make bidets that hook up to your toilet. That could be an option.

[@CT-eq9km]

As a portuguese woman I have to agree with you. But in Portugal bidets are going out of fashion rapidly, soon It will be a thing of the past.

[@CT-eq9km]

@@DawnDavidson Bidets are also used to wash your feet. I do it all the time, not going to do that in a toilet.

[@BsktImp]

Like the window seat in the bedroom zone.

[@marioncapriotti1514]

Gemma is a genius - this transformation of a weird, cramped little attic apartment into a magnificent mini-penthouse palace is just a delight to watch! If it weren't for my beloved baby grand piano, I would live in this apartment in a heartbeat.

[@ginacrusco234]

You have a brilliant problem-solving mind and an exceptional eye.

[@strandedinparadise8202]

Gemma can you show us the project when it's completed? Would love to see the final project when it's done!

[@gemmawheeler]

If possible, I’d love to

[@carolcarol3938]

@@gemmawheeler How much money would this transformation cost please?

[@xxx-il9dv]

​@@carolcarol3938 great question but hard to answer. Depends on the country, the city, location in the City, etc. No matter what number she comes up with someone will scream it it too much! No one would be happy.

[@inihilisme1511]

@@carolcarol3938 Depend if you do it yourself or if you pay someone else, thousands for sure, depending on where you live, it could be more. But if you do it by yourself, trying to get materials which were trew away, maybe you can pull off less than 5000, but it take time and you probably can't do everything except if your job is to build house.

[@felipericketts]

Nice! Those skylights make a big difference: light, views, ventilation, and greater head clearance. 🙂

[@gingermonette7455]

Great ideas! Especially loved the pivoting bookcases. Since there is so little countertop space In the kitchen, a slide out 'cutting board' could add work space almost like a peninsula, but tuck away when not in use.

[@markbajek2541]

That cooktop headroom space seems tight, it might have been a better use to have the cooktop in one of the pull out drawers which would allow it to be moved farther out so the ceiling pitch wouldn't matter as much and free up the counter space for prepwork. Even a slide out heavy duty cutting board as you suggest would work and just place a 2 burner portable on top of that giving additional height to cook under.

[@Aniela-qv2py]

It Is absolutely stunning! I would like to live there, it's cosy, romantic, organized... The bedroom with the pivoting bookshelves Is definetly Genius. Also the bathroom Is clever and I happily make without the bidet with a small water hose near the toilet (I am italian😂). The colours and decorations are marvellous, I love everything in that flat

[@purpurina5663]

Also re space in the kitchen, I believe when living alone a dishwasher is unnecessary. It becomes storage anyways.

[@shire9542]

I love the secret crawlspace behind the bookshelves.

[@solidstate9451]

The window seat under the roof-window adds a comfortable seat without taking away any floor space from the bedroom compared to the previous solution.

[@mikethomas8682]

There is no substitute for a great mind realising great solutions

[@Scorpionturtle]

Love it, the only changes to it I would do would be using a dining/entry bench on casters that also has storage below for shoes and adding an entry mirror and a bedroom mirror to move that light around.

[@poloo92]

Really glad i saved the video to my watch list while browsing on youtube, a bit intrigued by the bare vignette as liminal space.... I have just watched it fully now, what a video and channel 🙌👏 ! super work, the full process is so thoughtful, a small area but approched with so much "craft", every niche is optimised but in a lively manner, the linear kitchen space is so funcional, and never thaught the double velux would do so much in opening the space with light at multiple eye view, and perfect accomodation of the space below, the separation between the integrated hanging rack on the full height and the recessed drawers below the roof slope seems really suited.... Also the use of different representations, the voice over, the charm of hand drawing on tracing paper and the appropriatly paced full 3d walkthrough really gives a good comprehension of the project.... Really glad i kept that video, subscribed to the channel 👍

[@gregorydaines]

I love your videos on small Spaces. It’s what I wanted to see come out of the tiny house movement. Workable, liveable spaces in the real world. Not plots of land.

[@TheModernInvestor]

This was incredible... you should have FAR more subscribers than you currently do. You did an amazing job with this one.

[@amyfloyd8211]

I wanted to watch something relaxing for a few minutes on my coffee break. This is my third video! I love this. Great strategies and clean, functional design. Thank you for sharing Gemma.

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

You achieved a stunning transformation despite the barriers. The sliding door and creation of the shower was excellent.

[@jq8974]

I love how much you use natural light, and bring more of it in. 🙌🏽

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

I already have integrated drawers and a window seat but love the swivel bookcase to gain access to precious roof space storage - at the moment in my attic it’s just a hatch. So simple, it’s genius.

[@jaetine9006]

Design matters! This is a great example of the value of architects and design. It’s so difficult sometimes to explain to people why design matters and has value to their lives.

[@MsJudiV]

Absolutely beautiful! My husband and I live in a small 1955 home near Chicago, and sliding doors have become our new favorite thing.

[@DawnDavidson]

My favorite part is the folding bookcase entry to the storage crawl space. Brilliant! I also love your roof light dormer windows. Each one significantly improves and opens up the space. I agree that the bidet probably didn’t deserve that much floor space, but I’d love to see it replaced by a washlet (bidet toilet seat topper) that could retain that functionality, but not take up as much space. They are expensive compared to regular toilets, but a truly wonderful upgrade that provides a sense of luxury far exceeding the price tag. I honestly have no idea why they aren’t more popular!

[@FurnitureFan]

Thanks, I'd never heard of a washlet, sounds compact. I was thinking about a Hide a Loo for the bedroom. A backup toilet that pivots out from a cupboard.

[@candaces3959]

Really lovely rework of the space!

[@lz738]

That's amazing! What a transformation. I hope the apartment owner can make all these changes. Such a huge improvement!

[@SenselessUsername]

Indeed, what is the legal arrangement for the roof? If the apartment is allowed to change windows, is it also responsible for all roof maintenance?

[@unistudent4002]

This unit is gorgeous, I would have very happily lived there as a student. Reminds me of the loft in a renovated church I lived in when I was 19.

[@N-A-uw5fp]

Brilliant and clever as always. My only addition would be a bathroom sink with storage underneath and any size counter that space can hold.

[@banksiasong]

Just beautiful. How many more people could live in densely populated cities with light, and airy apartments such as this which feel so spacious.

[@a.mie.533]

Those windows and window seats are a magnificent solution and the whole thing is just so serene, beautiful, simple and consistent, that it almost hurts. I'm already a fan of yours ...👏

[@guydw1251]

Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous! Such great storage. So much to like about this.

[@mitzfitreality181]

I do like your ideas! I’m somewhat of a maximalist, but admire the cleverness of your designs. I have a 157 year old miners cottage in Aotearoa/New Zealand and am modernising it without many structural changes. And yes-white paint on all the walls.

[@brandonferguson8956]

I’m in the middle of renovating at 32 m2 flat. It doesn’t have the limits that this property does… but how I wish I’d found you sooner! Loved everything about this. Thank you

[@OutrunningKarma]

My parents and I are planning to turn our garage into a studio apartment with patio space for me and I’ve taken to the Sims to play with plans. Your videos are such an inspiration!

[@cyberqueen777]

Great transformation. The only extra thing I would add would be an extra plant or two, maybe even hanging from above somehow.

[@Farin_50]

This is my favorite, of the 4-5 designs I have seen of yours, so far. Wow.

[@chadwedul1787]

It does need a kitchen hood, but opening bookcases is genius.

[@aspoljanec]

Lovely! You managed a miracle here! As a fellow architect, I am impressed.

[@Dinki-Di]

Such an elegant and practical solution!

[@jelenakatic1778]

I was just checking for a new video yesterday. Gemma's projects are nothing short of a genius and addictive!

[@stitchann]

Amazing little apartment. You did a beautiful design.

[@timallen6025]

I hope you are getting lots of work from these. I think you have an extraordinary sense of proportion in bringing smaller, challenging environments to useable, liveable state and I don’t write that lightly! Love the design and the roof light enhancement

[@pengster2592]

An amazing redesign and use of space. Re the bathroom, we just stayed in a guesthouse with the same configuration. It was small but we were grateful for some shelving for our toiletries.

[@designx8693]

What a great use of every available mm. Putting that amount of usable storage under the eaves is brilliant. The overall design is attractive too.

[@seedsoflove7684]

Really good one. Love the bookshelves and window seats. Could u put window seat in both sides? I like all ur vids, but esp real life makeovers.

[@selinal.2220]

Yayyy I was so excited to see that you uploaded. I’ve been loving your videos!

[@nikkimcdonald4562]

Looks great, I'd love to see how the project finishes out. Cost , building codes and construction issues usually affect the best of plans.

[@BlueSaphire70]

This was a most excellent use of space. Even though it was a small and quirky area, you were able to make it seem spacious and have room for everything. Using the bookcases as doors to the storage space was very cool!

[@Harry-fk5of]

I would genuinely love to live in that small space. Completely agree about the flooring already being beautiful. The incorporation of larger windows is brilliant, looks a lot bigger.

[@Marie579]

I studied industrial design earlier in my life and can understand a lot of your reasoning to problem solving, but seeing the beautiful way you handle these small spaces is truly inspiring, now I wish I’d trained as an architect! the property with the mezzanine bedroom was I feel simply beautiful❤👍👍👍

[@amyholman354]

I adore this design. It's peaceful and washed in light.

[@angelmason5108]

The pivot and slide bookcase entrance into the eaves were definitely my favorite feature! Very lovely remodel.

[@Maerahn]

This. Is. GORGEOUS! I really hope your client is able to make this a reality, because I can see it transforming their life.

[@grigorisgirl]

Another great layout.

[@wildpeace]

You've transformed it into a beautiful, bright, welcoming space.

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

Magnificent! I particularly love the bookshelves that pivot to reveal storage space!

[@Bokkenseur]

very nice! although i hope they will install AC as all those velux in lisbon will cook you alive in summer!

[@FurnitureFan]

Yes, I was thinking that adding some type of screen door or sliding blind would really help to circulate air.

[@Ponkelina]

I had no idea you could put those type of windows in that you could then see outside from the roof space. Incredible.

[@doe729]

This reminds me of my sisters first apartment. It was charming. I love the look and layout of this place.

[@davidserlin8097]

This is a really brilliant set of solutions to what appears at first glance like an impossibly difficult space to live and work in. Congratulations on proposing something that not only maximizes space, but is beautiful as well.

[@lazygardens]

I like the way you fight for, and exploit, every millimeter of space.

[@Jiggleton]

Ive just watched all of these in one sitting. It's a pleasure to watch you grapple with existing restrictions to make something comforting and stylish. Please make many more!

[@windsong2875]

Loved the transformation. Happy to have chanced upon your channel . Looking forward to more inspirational ideas- from New Zealand!

[@mdeeaonetwothree5162]

Bloody brilliant! Turned an apartment only a student would put up with into a desirable practical living space

[@elizabethmcenearney7860]

I love the way you create calm in your designs. Amazing style and design. TFS

[@wakingtheworld]

Wow, Gemma, another awesome transformation from dark, drab, dingy and cramped to light, bright, airy and almost spacious... The pivotable shelving in the bedroom that allows access to the storage area is genius.

[@ablanccanvas]

Love your sense of minimalist design + practicality! Beautiful use of space. Having spent plenty of time living on a 30’ sailboat - I really appreciate well thought out use of space. Thank you for sharing your expertise. 👍🏽😌♥️

[@JoAnnLovell-Kristoferson]

Your designs always create an inviting and peaceful environment. You place a great deal of thought into creating a space for multiple use without impacting a minimalist lifestyle. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@annbrookens945]

"Yer a wizard, Gemma!" SUCH an improvement! This looks imminently livable for such a tiny space.

[@prissilou]

A stunning transformation, the new space is fashionable and much more usable. I think the apartment is so much more desirable, and the added views are amazing.

[@empireofpeaches]

The bathroom, windows and clever bookcase/doors are all genius. So impressive!

[@markwoodley712]

One colour throughout creates a larger feeling space. This reminds me of my first apartment in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood where the bathroom was accessed off the living room, not the best spot for it but it was an affordable basement rental in a historic low rise, and I wasn't about to complain. My window overlooked the parking lot but it was a bright space and I was able to have a two seater sofa and chair. Thanks for sharing.

[@infopubs]

Beautiful redesign! I would move into this apartment in a heartbeat.

[@annedodd5888]

From dark to light. From clutter to calm. 😊😊

[@carolewarrenrealtor]

Wow ...what an amazing and creative transformation. A vision that captured /highlights your architectural talent.

[@triptisharma1738]

Very impressive. Not only beautiful but high on utility, taking care of feeling good and comfortable

[@APFC95]

The use of space, practicality and just how pleasant the space is with your new design is amazing, the windows make a humungous difference. Well done!

[@barryricho]

Wow, you have such great vision. Never thought that tiny space could turn into something so wonderful.

[@pomme800]

Love your designs, all the well-thought-out use of space...."breathable" living space with views...Definitely a "AAAAh" moment!

[@hyyariima]

Wow the changes actually make the space seem larger somehow. Remarkable work on how seamless everything fits in place and still feels comfortable. Have a tall mirror opposite the kichen sink to bounce the light from the window.

[@sillywabbit5842]

Every space you work on makes me dream of inhabiting it! Your work is always so creative and clever. Loving the channel!

[@cyan-kai1512]

This is absolutely gorgeous. A dream home even

[@cindyatwood7144]

Wow! If only I could see space in this way! Gemma, you are a miracle worker!!!

[@theweyrd]

The changes are beautiful, this was a joy to watch. We’re too tall for a flat like that but I’d enjoy the space for a viewing. 😄

[@simonboyce8493]

My favourite type of design challenge.. so beautifully crafted.

[@anniestumpy9918]

I would love to live in this apartment! I would even love the old version since I just have a thing for small tight attic apartments, but your design would make it even better. I love it 😊

[@karenpaxton]

Looks amazing! I'd love you to go back and show the finished space. 😊

[@MsKMJM27]

wow....that is awesome! I really enjoyed that transformation. Well done!

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

LOVE this! Elegant, beautiful, and calming. Well done indeed.

[@constantinepenguamo4050]

I truly adore your channel and your talent when it comes to making the most out of quirky spaces and buildings. I'm patiently awaiting the day that I can commission a place of my own from you!

[@SkyeAten]

wow wow so cozy, and livable atmosphere for such a tiny place. love it

[@christopherfugle6592]

Mind blown wide open. I would have just given up. But you have this magical ability to see through walls and empty spaces top reimagine living both beautifully and with function. Awaiting your ASMR channel any day now.

[@larrypond7053]

Ingenious upgrade. Small spaces can work!

[@genier7829]

This was my favorite thus far, such a tiny space but so much improved.

[@edwardspannerhands]

I really enjoy these videos, full of great solutions. I'd love to see what you'd do with a standard small terraced house, given a completely free rein.

[@mitterpe]

You nailed it again! Your creativity is unmatched! Bravo!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GradKat]

Gosh this is fabulous! It looks so cosy and stylish, and I love all the hidden storage space.

[@kristiet.9315]

Wonderful!!! You upgraded the look soooo much! Great job!!