Five architectural tips to optimize the space of a house or apartment

Stefan Satora and David Duron are the founding duo of Studio Klein. Both are graduates of the Higher Institute of Applied Arts (Lizaa), they channel their creativity into great technical mastery. Always in search of innovations, new environmentally responsible materials and exceptional craftsmen, they design interiors that combine aesthetics and functionality. They especially excel at space optimization. We take inspiration from their ideas to get a square meter of beauty.

The fusion of the staircase and the kitchen

“Our clients had bought maids quarters above their apartment and wanted to connect the two levels. The only solution to access these maids’ rooms was to install a ladder in the small kitchen area. However, our clients did not want to redo this kitchen. And in this space, as it was, there was not enough floor to place a ladder, not even a spiral one. Therefore, we decided to combine the two functions: the functions of the kitchen and the staircase. For this we designed a ladder on top of the existing low furniture (fortunately there was no storage above). These pieces of furniture have a depth of 60 cm, which allowed us to calculate the ideal width of the steps (they are 65 cm). We were lucky to have a thick wall on the left to support the ladder wire, which we covered with placo. This choice, however, caused a problem. dust associated with stair traffic that could fall into the kitchen. To limit it, we have developed steps with a small extension. The stairs are comfortable, although a little steep. So we created a railing that looks like a big ring that descends from the floor and that also provides a graphic element. A small important detail: the kitchen wall shelf in the extension of one of the stairs. It’s the only tall element (we avoided the hood by opting for integrated hooded slats) that can support an LED lighting the work surface.

The staircase leads to a floor where there is a bedroom on the left and a bathroom on the right. We covered the latter with glass so that the light circulates. To maintain privacy, the lower part of the glass roof facing the staircase is mirrored; we give the impression of transparency even though we cannot see the interior of the room.

Platform for sleeping and storage

“We completely renovated a Norman-style millstone house for clients in the Paris region. The couple has identical twins. Therefore, they had to share the same room, which was installed in a room with beams and a sloping ceiling. To make the most of these clear heights and this complex space, we created a platform like a podium. This allowed them to put the beds on either side under the lowest parts. There is plenty of storage space under the platform. There are large drawers at the front and when you’re on them, hatches in the center give access to storage areas ideal for storing toys. This volume really allowed us to tackle and combine all the uses – storage, sleeping, games, etc. – related to this children’s bedroom. »

Laminated glass mezzanine

“This studio was a real white box when we walked in. It has its own peculiarity. one can see Montmartre from its bay windows. So we immediately thought that we should be able to enjoy the view from the bed. This is where the idea of ​​creating a mezzanine like an observatory came from. It also allowed us to free up space for the “day” part. This mezzanine extends over the main room with a retaining wall. The guard is covered with glass. And when night comes, you can draw a curtain that surrounds the whole thing. In addition to saving space, this small floor built from scratch really makes a hanging impression. In this studio we have optimized everything to have maximum comfort with living room, dining room, kitchenette, bathroom and toilets.

A transparent guard shooter that erases boundaries

“In this space, where there are only front windows, there are three levels, including a flexible one, which required the supply of light. Hence the glass landings on each floor. We also thought of a staircase as a way to circulate this light. Therefore, the barrier is made of glass, very ventilated. Since it is central, this choice also made it quite transparent, avoiding a heavy presence that would have made the space narrower. It doesn’t cut into the room, which allowed us, for example, to add a bar with stools to the main level.”

Interior open window

“This project required a kitchen created from scratch (the house dates back to the 19th century, the kitchen was at the other end of the house, we turned it into a laundry room) to the dining room. However, the space was quite limited and the doors opening into the French way would block traffic. Either we were stuck next to the bench or the door was hitting the kitchen island. The solution we found. Doors that slide symmetrically between the dining room bench and the kitchen island. They are glazed to maximize space, but we still created designs that blend harmoniously as they slide. We complemented this find with other items that enhance rooms. So we lined the first row of walls in the kitchen with mirrors. In these mirrors, we see the reflection of another mirror, the reflection of the fireplace above the fireplace in front of the dining room bench. This abyss gives the impression that we have pushed the walls, although we have not touched them. »

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