Page 55 - ArchDC_Spring 2020

client, the team made them a feature element in the
kitchen, and the color palette was complete.
One of the most critical aspects of this project
is how effective the design team was in balancing
the economics and efficiency of a small unit. The
firm takes pride in its inventiveness in taking things
“off the shelves” and adapting them to semi-custom
applications. True to form, the enveloping cabinet
system in this apartment is a standard Ikea line,
allowing both designers and the client access to a
system of interchangeable parts without sacrificing
quality or economics.
The ceiling rises up above the wall features,
visually lifted by a band of light, giving the sense that
the room is stretching vertically—a real plus when one
of the occupants is 6’-8” tall. Beyond the glass sliding
doors, an outdoor courtyard extends the living room,
further enhancing the sense of scale.
Although this unit was unique in many ways— Main space with Murphy bed open.
with a ground floor location and direct access from
the courtyard—the project illustrates the potential
of small-scale and adaptive living concepts. The
team at reform, llc, is optimistic about the future of
such housing types: “We think there’s a tremendous
opportunity. There are lots of new residential buildings
going up, but also many older ones. Lots of people
discount them, because they don’t think they will
meet their needs.” Using principles aligned with
micro-housing and the tiny home movement provides
a new path towards expanding and improving our
housing stock by revisiting older, often overlooked
developments like Harbour Square.

Bathroom.

BIG LITTLE LIVING 53