In the heart of Rotterdam, in an ordinary building, lies a place that defies all conventions about what a home can look like. The Cabanon, designed by architect Beatriz Ramo (STAR strategies + architecture) together with her husband, Bernd Upmeyer (BOARD), is described as "the world's largest smallest apartment." It is a revolutionary interpretation of space usage and architecture in a world where urbanization and housing shortages are pressing issues.
An Ambitious Project in 74 Square Feet
The idea for The Cabanon was born when Ramo and Upmeyer discovered that a 74-square-foot (approximately 6.9 square meters) storage room had become available in their apartment building. Instead of dismissing the space as unusable, the couple saw an opportunity to create something unique. They asked themselves: Can we create a fully functional apartment in this minimal space? The answer became The Cabanon.
Inspired by modern minimalism, ship interiors, and modular design solutions, they constructed a wooden insert that made it possible to fit everything needed for a functional home. They managed to include four separate rooms: a bathroom, a bedroom, a kitchen/living room, and even a spa area. Through innovative design and smart solutions, the space could adapt to needs by folding out and sliding back different modules.
How Does It Work?
1. The Wooden Insert - A Physical Puzzle
The Cabanon is based on an intelligent wooden insert designed to maximize space. The walls and furniture function as a large puzzle where each part has a purpose but can be folded away when not in use. This way, a space can quickly transform from a bedroom into a dining area or from a lounge into a spa area.
2. Multifunctional Spaces
The Cabanon is a tribute to multifunctional furniture. For example, the bed folds up to reveal a sofa, while a table folds out from the wall when needed. The bathroom is designed so that the shower and toilet can coexist in the same small space without compromising comfort.
3. Optimized Storage
When space is as limited as in The Cabanon, every centimeter counts. The designers have integrated storage into the walls, floor, and even the ceiling. Every object has a predetermined place, creating an organized and harmonious living environment.
A Paradigm Shift in Urban Design
The Cabanon is not just an eccentric architectural creation but a guidepost for the future of housing. As more people move to cities and housing prices skyrocket, small, efficient apartments become a necessity. Beatriz Ramo and Bernd Upmeyer have shown with this project that it is possible to create high quality of life in minimal space by embracing innovation and design.
In metropolitan areas like Tokyo, New York, and London, micro-living is already an established trend. The Cabanon takes the concept a step further by not just creating a compact apartment but one that can dynamically transform according to the owner's needs. It is a tribute to the modern nomad’s flexibility and adaptability.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite the obvious advantages of The Cabanon, there are also challenges. One of the biggest questions is whether such small apartments can be sustainable in the long term. Minimalist living requires a certain mindset and lifestyle. For some, it may be liberating to live in a compact space where every object has its place and function. For others, it may feel confined and limiting.
Another aspect being discussed is how such a design can be applied on a larger scale. Can similar housing solutions be mass-produced and become a part of a more long-term urban housing strategy? Or is The Cabanon merely an architectural curiosity rather than a realistic model for future living?
A Vision for the Future
Whether The Cabanon is a one-off creation or a prototype for future housing, the project has sparked new thoughts on how we can use space more efficiently. Ramo and Upmeyer have demonstrated through their creativity that we do not have to compromise on comfort and functionality, even in the most limited spaces.
In a world where minimalism and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, The Cabanon can be seen as a symbol of future living. The question is not whether we can live in smaller spaces, but how we do so in a way that enhances our quality of life rather than restricting it.
By Chris...
Today, AD joins architect Beatriz Ramo (STAR strategies + architecture) in Rotterdam to tour The Cabanon, a space that claims to be the biggest smallest apartment in the world. When Beatriz and her husband, Bernd Upmeyer (BOARD), discovered that a tiny 74-square-foot storage room had become available in their apartment building, they knew it was the start of their next design project. The couple envisioned fitting a whole apartment comprising four rooms into the tiny space. Through the construction of an ingenious wooden insert the couple managed to fit a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen/living space, and even a spa into such a tiny space–compartments fold out when needed and slot perfectly back into place when the resident’s activity changes.
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