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Architect finds 400 square foot apartment in New York – transforms it into high-ceiling spacious living
The space is gorgeous after he's done!
Blake Hyatt
02.07.20

Robert Garneau, a respected architect, gives a tour of an incredibly small, seemingly spacious 400-square-foot apartment – a renovation project he calls “Semi-Nary.” The space comes complete with customized counters and closets and unique, versatile furniture.

Naturally, one of the first things Robert shows is a fold-out wall bed, also known as a Murphy bed, according to tuftandneedle.com, a staple of any efficient living space.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

The environment is reminiscent of the “tiny house movement” and “micro-apartments” – small living areas that strive for ultra-efficient use of space and typically blend various rooms together, according to apartmentlist.com.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

This specific space once served as the home for the New York Theological Seminary in the heart of New York City, characterized by its 14-foot-high ceilings and tall windows. Although a conventionally small floor space, Robert saw an opportunity for more than what meets the eye.

Here’s what the apartment looked like before Robert found it:

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

The inefficient use of space and unsavory green were duly noted. The place looked cramped and incapable of hosting more than a handful of people. After Robert and team went to work, the ambiance and perceived space of the area completely changed.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

An important feature of the revamped space is the transforming furniture. Even the tables are adjustable. Robert demonstrates that the height of the living room’s table can change with the simple click of a button, moving from “table height” to “bar height.”

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

The kitchen features its own array of unique craftsmanship. The refrigerator is compact and fits within the counters. Even the freezer is inconspicuous and takes up minimal space, sliding out like a drawer.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

Every square inch of the apartment is used to its maximum. But not only is the apartment efficient in its use of space, it’s also very stylish.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

Perhaps one of the place’s most striking elements can be found in the restroom. Robert and team make use of the high ceilings in implementing a set of brilliant lights created in-house with industrial tubing components, reminiscent of raindrops falling from the sky.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
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YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

Robert and his architecture work have been featured in a variety of publications. He is also one of the founding partners of Architecture Workshop PC, which can be found at aw-pc.com.

YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen
Source:
YouTube/Kirsten Dirksen

Robert’s “Semi-Nary” project is brimming with creativity and technical mastery. It is sleek, ergonomic, and seemingly futuristic. His tour demonstrates the limitless possibilities surrounding even the smallest bits of space. Sometimes, things go well beyond what meets the eye.

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