Interior Design  ·  Small Space Living

Oil / Water

Heterogeneous separation as a design strategy for maximizing compact living spaces through multifunctional, transformable elements.

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A Heterogeneous Mixture

In chemistry, a mixture is the combination of two or more substances with the absence of any chemical reaction. Each substance retains its original chemical equivalence in the mixture. The mixture can result in one of two ways: a uniform, homogeneous product, or a multiple, heterogeneous product. A common example of a homogeneous mixture is vinegar and water. A common example of a heterogeneous mixture is oil and water.

Heterogeneous separation concept graphic

The Problem

Living in a single small space, the components of one's life are forced to mix as there is not enough space or building elements to segregate activities.

The Approach

In this mixture of life, the design approach is to produce a heterogeneous product where components of life would separate like oil and water.

The Solution

In the separations, we look to create multifunctional components that maximize space through defined active and sleeping zones.

02 — Design Strategies

Multifunctional Elements

By defining active and sleeping spaces through multifunctional elements, the design achieves spatial separation without sacrificing square footage. Each piece serves dual purposes, transforming from one function to another.

Small space design reference 1
Small space design reference 2
Small space design reference 3
03 — Transformation

Transformation Through Movement

Space is not static. Through carefully designed movement mechanisms, furniture transforms, walls rotate, and storage reveals itself, responding to the rhythm of daily life.

Closet transformation animation
Closet System
Opening and closing mechanism
Open & Close Mechanism
Table transformation
Transforming Table
Reveal mechanism animation
Spatial Reveal
04 — Technical Drawings

Plan & Section

The architectural drawings reveal the spatial logic behind the design: how functions are layered, separated, and connected within the compact footprint.

Floor plan drawing
Floor Plan
Section drawing
Section Cut
05 — Visualizations

Interior Renders

Photorealistic renderings bring the design to life, showing how the space feels from within: the interplay of light, materials, and carefully curated spatial boundaries.

Interior render view 1 (Conceptual)
Original Concept
Interior render view 2 (Conceptual)
Original Concept
Interior render view 3 (Conceptual)
Original Concept
Interior render view 4 (Conceptual)
Original Concept
Photorealistic Studies
Interior render view 1 (Photorealistic)
Photorealistic Study
Interior render view 2 (Photorealistic)
Photorealistic Study
Interior render view 3 (Photorealistic)
Photorealistic Study
Interior render view 4 (Photorealistic)
Photorealistic Study
06 — Precedents

Design Inspiration

The Picture Table by Verena Lang

The Picture Table

By Verena Lang of Ivydesign. A transformative piece that blurs the line between wall art and functional furniture, embodying the philosophy of dual-purpose design.

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Boneca Apartment by Brad Swartz

Boneca Apartment

By Brad Swartz Architects. A masterclass in compact living, demonstrating how thoughtful spatial organization can make a tiny apartment feel expansive and purposeful.