LittleDiggs

PART III CONVERTIBLE SPACES

Matrjosjka (pronounced Ma-trosh-ka) means grandmother in Russian and is used in popular language to describe the wooden dolls that are placed inside each other. As reflected by the hidden space within the dolls, the [Matroshka] has the potential to revolutionize storage while maximizing quality of living; especially for those in confined dwellings.

In its most packed format it takes up less space than 4 m2 (13 sq. ft) and yet it has room for:

• Book shelf
• Double bed
• Sofa or corner sofa
• Dinner table or sofa table
• Fours stools
• 12 seats all together
• Working place
• Wardrobe
• Cleaning products
• Drawer for small clothes e.g. socks
• Folder storage

+ Matroshka
+ PART I Convertible Spaces
+ PART II Convertible Spaces

Part II (of 3) Emerging Trends in Convertible Spaces: Window / Balcony

In Part I, I discussed the topic of densification of our cities and towns, that increasingly, people are pining away for more space. In Part II, I profile a case study that, again, utilizes the framework of a window that converts into an outdoor terrace, called Bloomframe, developed by Hofman Dujardin Architects and Hurks geveltechniek. Opening the Bloomframe window offers the possibility to step outside and enjoy the outdoor space. With one simple movement, light, air and space are added to the interior. The dynamic balcony offers a solution for compact apartments in dense urban areas. It can be installed in new and existing buildings. (YouTube video)

+ Hofman Dujardin Architects
+ Hurks geveltechniek
+ Bloomframe
+ Pix from Fayyazby's Flickr
+ YouTube video

Part I (of 3): Emerging Trends in Convertible Spaces: Extending Space

The densification of our cities and towns are occurring all over the world. While dwellers, both urban and rural, are pining away for more space, architects are responding with innovative ways to solve this dilemna. This is Part 1 of several case studies I'll be posting covering this social phenomena.

Stefan Eberstadt responded to this phenomena as he experienced the claustrophobic living conditions he experienced in cities like London, New York, and Chicago, ''small apartments with sometimes only one window to the outside world''. His epiphany came when he realized that instead of just looking out the window, he wanted to be able to step out of it into more living space.

+ Small Structures, Green Architecture
+ Convertible City Project
+ Images from ArchitectFad