The mission for designer Alexander Maximov for this 31 square meter apartment in Moscow was demanding but also fulfilling. In a short time, he had to renovate and furnish the apartment on a reduced budget, preparing it for rent, while taking into account the local real estate market.
The architect tells us that the beneficiaries are close friends, so they started collaborating even during the stage of purchasing the apartment from the developer. They had the opportunity to choose the apartment model that best suited the concept they wanted to implement.
A major advantage of the apartment was that it was not internally partitioned, which led to saving time and financial resources, as there was no need for demolitions or modifications to the lightweight walls. Even though possibilities are practically limited in such situations, zoning and partitioning options seem infinite.
Financial resources were also saved because the developer invested in medium-quality joinery, entrance door, and radiators; they did not need to be replaced during the refurbishment of the dwelling.
Together with the clients, the design team established from the beginning a list of necessities: a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable and functional living area, a double bed, bathroom, and a generous dressing room.
Design limitations were imposed by the ventilation ductwork between the kitchen and bathroom and the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room, which led to abandoning the idea of creating a studio-type apartment.
The structural wall was extended to create a separate living area from the kitchen and entrance area. The kitchen with the dining area has access to a small balcony.
Practical materials were proposed for finishes and decorations to fit the initially set budget. We find laminate flooring, washable wallpaper on the living room walls; the kitchen backsplash was clad with beveled mirror which visually enlarges the space.
The only more expensive element in the project was Tres Tintas brand wallpaper, used to highlight the entrance area. Due to the small quantity, it did not radically affect the budget.
The glass partition initially proposed for the niche with the double bed did not fit the budget, so they finally opted for a separation with black tulle. This provides intimacy without hindering natural light.
Most of the furniture was custom-made: the built-in bed, the kitchen, the bathroom furniture and the dressing room furniture.
Designer: Alexander Maximov
Photo: Mikhail Zamkovsky
