As cities are become ever more populated, living spaces are getting smaller and we need to find clever ways to make the most of the space we have. The 5:1 Apartment in New York is one such small space. It uses a sliding wall to transform itself from daytime to nighttime functionality.
We've seen the space-saving sliding wall concept used elsewhere a number of times recently, including in Madrid's All I Own House and in Kinematix's reconfigurable office space in Porto, Portugal. In the 5:1 Apartment, it allows living/working and sleeping spaces to fit comfortably into 390 sq ft (36 sq m).
Designed by micro-living architects MKCA, the apartment is situated in a 1920s co-op building in Manhattan, and has been comprehensively remodeled. The limited space is made to feel as big as possible with a minimalist layout, a white paint job and white units. Bright LED lights, which help with a sense of spaciousness, are also installed.
It is the annexed section of the apartment doubling as both the living/work area and bedroom that's the highlight, though. During the day, a couch sits at one side of the space facing a TV wall unit. Shelving, storage and a workspace run along the third wall, all of which can be revealed or hidden with sliding doors.
At nighttime, the TV wall unit slides over to the couch at the other side of the room. Behind it a bed folds out from the wall, revealing more storage (this time for clothing) along the third wall. Alternatively, the bed can be left stowed to create a dressing area. In this way, two spaces that are typically used at different times within a home are squeezed into one space.
The sliding wall unit is motorized and so does not require manual effort to be moved. It also contains all of the cables, audiovisual and networking components of the apartment, as well as additional storage and display space.
The apartment was completed two weeks ago.
Source: MKCA
