Mini-Apartment in Rotterdam by Star & Board

The Cabanon in Rotterdam is a spatial experiment in which a pair of architects explore the relationship between space-saving and luxury. The name comes from Le Corbusier's legendary hut on the French Riviera, where he spent his holidays. However, the Dutch version is only half the size at 6.89 m²: length, height and width are 3.60 m, 3.00 m and 1.97 m respectively. There is also a 6 m² window with a view of the city, which makes the room feel spacious despite its small volume. 

© Ossip Architectuur Fotografie

The apartment is located in the centre of Rotterdam, on the top floor of a 1950s residential building. It consists of four rooms, each designed as an autonomous space with different characteristics: The living room, for example, is 3.00 m high, while the bedroom is only 1.14 m high. Even an infrared sauna with a height of 2.13 m and a whirlpool with a height of 1.80 m are part of the programme, designed as a room within a room.

A large window offers a view of Rotterdam. © Ossip Architectuur Fotografie

The dimensions of the rooms are based on the dimensions of the furniture, such as the size of the mattress, the length of the bathtub or the mini-fridge. In this way it was possible to save money despite the bespoke built-in furniture. The design also follows the formula 'form follows affordability' by using materials that were available at low cost, such as blue mosaic tiles for the shower or black Chinese marble for the walls. Coral red cement tiles were used in the living room to blend in with the built-in furniture. Elsewhere, an eclectic mix of colours underlines the experimental nature of the project and makes it a cheerful, bright space.