Interior of a compact apartment with multifunctional wooden cabinetry, fold-down bed, workspace, and green shelving. A person is using the space.

A compact studio apartment featuring multifunctional wooden cabinetry with integrated storage, a fold-down bed, and a workspace. The cabinetry extends to the ceiling with green shelving, and a black metal ladder provides access to upper shelves. A person is interacting with the space, showcasing its versatility.

Two images of a compact apartment interior featuring a multifunctional wooden cabinetry unit. The first image shows a woman reaching for a pull-up bar attached to the cabinetry, with green shelving above. The second image shows the same woman sitting on a fold-down bed that has been pulled out from the cabinetry, revealing additional shelving.
A person is lying on a bed that is integrated into a wooden cabinetry unit. A black metal ladder is mounted on the wall next to the cabinetry, and there are green shelves above. A pair of boots is placed on the floor near the bed.
Interior view of a compact apartment featuring a fold-down wooden desk integrated into a wall of cabinetry, with green shelving above and a translucent chair in front.
A person is sitting at a fold-down wooden desk attached to a wall of cabinetry. The cabinetry features various compartments and a black metal ladder for accessing higher shelves. A bicycle is visible in the background, and the room has a minimalist design.
A person standing next to a black metal ladder in a room with wooden cabinetry and a folded bicycle on the floor.
A person stands on a ladder reaching for a book on a high shelf in a compact apartment with wooden cabinetry and green shelving.
A person stands on a black metal ladder accessing upper storage in a wooden cabinet.
A modern interior space featuring a woman holding a watering can, standing near a wooden cabinet with open shelves. The room includes a light gray sofa, two translucent green chairs, a small round table with a plant, and a wall-mounted TV. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space.
A person interacts with a custom-built wooden cabinet in a compact apartment. The cabinet features vertical slats and multiple storage compartments, including shelves and drawers. Green shelving is visible above, holding books and decor items.
A person organizing clothes in a wooden wardrobe with shelves and drawers, next to a sofa.
A person interacts with a multifunctional wooden cabinet in a compact apartment. The cabinet features open shelves with green accents, drawers, and a closet space. The design maximizes storage and functionality in a small area.
A person is interacting with a wooden cabinet in a compact apartment. The cabinet features vertical slats and a sliding door, revealing storage space. Above the cabinet, green shelving holds books and decorative items. A small desk with an open book and a chair is visible to the left.
A person interacting with a custom-built wooden cabinetry system in a compact apartment. The cabinetry features green shelving above and a combination of flat and curved wooden panels. The person is reaching up towards one of the cabinets.
A person opening a wooden cabinet door in a compact apartment.
A narrow interior space featuring wooden cabinetry with a person partially visible behind a sliding panel.
A person preparing food in a compact kitchen with wooden cabinetry and dark upper cabinets.

Story

Transforming a compact studio into a versatile living space through innovative design. Nestled near La Carolina Park in Quito, Ecuador, Doméstico is a masterclass in spatial efficiency and design ingenuity. Architects Juan Alberto Andrade and Maria Jose Vascones have reimagined the possibilities of a 296-square-foot studio apartment, crafting a living space that transcends its modest dimensions. The project is housed within the Qorner building, a creation of Moshe Safdie and Uribe Schwarzkopf, and showcases a single, custom-built wooden installation that serves as the heart of the apartment. This installation is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a transformative architectural element that organizes the apartment into distinct zones. It seamlessly integrates a kitchen, storage, laundry, bedroom, library, desk, dining area, bar, and closet into one cohesive unit. The design ensures that the apartment remains open and adaptable, allowing the space to morph throughout the day to suit different needs.

## Design Highlights

Custom Cabinetry: A floor-to-ceiling installation that combines architecture, furniture, and room division. Fold-down Bed: Concealed within the cabinetry, transforming the living area into a bedroom. Workspace Flexibility: A desk that folds down when the bed is stored, creating a multifunctional area. Vertical Storage: Extends to the ceiling, accessed by a black metal ladder, maximizing space. Concealed Kitchen: Hidden within the hallway, maintaining a clean aesthetic. Soft Curves: Rounded cabinetry corners add warmth and sculptural interest.

## Key Facts

Feature Description
Location Quito, Ecuador
Architects Juan Alberto Andrade, Maria Jose Vascones
Area 296 sq ft (27.5 sqm)
Building Qorner by Moshe Safdie and Uribe Schwarzkopf
Materials Wood, metal
Doméstico exemplifies how architecture and furniture can converge to create a multifunctional living environment. By concentrating nearly every household function into a single continuous installation, Andrade and Vascones have crafted a home that feels far more capable than its size suggests.

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Cabinetry: Custom-built wooden cabinetry with integrated storage, fold-down bed, and workspace.
  • Kitchen: Concealed kitchen with folding cabinet doors, dark countertop, sink, cooktop, and microwave.

Materials

  • Wood — Used extensively in cabinetry and furniture throughout the apartment.
  • Metal — Used for the ladder and some shelving components.

Construction / Systems

  • Not specified

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: warm wood tones, dark countertops, green shelving accents
  • Lighting: Natural light from large windows, supplemented by the warm tones of the wood.

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