Fundamentally, the layout of the apartment remains unchanged. We opened up the previously enclosed galley kitchen and programmed the new found space to serve double duty as both cooking and dining space. We carved the original single bedroom into two and created additional storage and laundry space, making the unit feel much larger than it is.

Our custom designed plumbing fixtures, installed in the kitchen and bathroom, expose the beautiful copper that is normally hidden within walls. Alongside exposing the existing brick party wall and the use of reclaimed doors, they add to the rich textured palette of the apartment.

Designing this small apartment to maximize the usable space but minimize the budget was a challenge that spurred CO Adaptive to be inventive and innovative. Though this project is one of the earliest the office completed, it embodies many of the practice’s current values. With a savvy and open minded client as their guide, CO Adaptive made their first foray into reuse and learnt that working with what already exists can get one far.