WHAT EXACTLY IS A MICRO UNIT?
SYNOPSIS
Living “alone” is becoming a luxury lifestyle in many expensive cities. With the rising land and
construction cost, developers are seeking ways to offset the cost while maintaining a relatively
affordable rent. The ultimate incarnation of this trend has been the introduction—or the
reintroduction—of very small units, often referred to as “micro units.” These very small apartments
lease at approximately 20 percent to 30 percent lower monthly rent than conventional units, yet at a
higher rent per square foot. They have been offered or are being considered in urban and urbanizing
locales, particularly high-density, expensive metropolitan markets such as Boston, New York, San
Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
What exactly qualifies as a micro unit? It might be 300 square feet in New York City or 500 square feet
in Dallas. Although “micro unit” has no standard definition, a good working definition is a small studio
apartment, typically 20 percent to 30 percent less in square footage than conventional studio,
corresponding to the expected lower monthly rent.
AIM:
• Designed to optimize the living and functionality for each square foot, they would be more than
MICRO LIVING: SMALL IN SPACE BUT BIG ON IDEAS
enough space for an individual or a small family.
• FLEXIBLE
With styles that range from simple ARCHITECTURE
and open, to detailed with the latest technological advances
easing their life.
OBJECTIVES:
• A builder faces unique design challenges making smaller dimensions appealing to tenants. He
must balance efficient use of space, zoning regulations still being formed and energy-efficiency of
units.
• Standard design features for any size should include using monochromatic color schemes
dissolves lines between rooms and gives the illusion of space. While glass makes an expensive
wall, lots of window space brings in natural light and connection to the outside world.
• Beds are problematic since they not used during waking hours and can take 60 square foot out of
an already small space. The ability to hide a bed or convert sleeping sofa helps.
• Standard noise abatement like thicker walls, acoustic mats and insulating electrical outlets keeps
peace among tenants.
NEED FOR STUDY:
• High quality of housing in small areas where in even a middle income group can afford to
take up the housing, because of increase in land rate and decrease in land availability
• Needs have changed. People are carrying more debt, staying single longer, unable to afford
home ownership, giving up cars for bikes or transit, and wanting to live closer to where they
work and play. We serve this need by providing clean, safe and well-maintained micro-suites
for people who could not otherwise afford to live in the urban hub.
• Micro-living has been a great way to save money and get ahead. Being in a central location
with affordable rent has made all the difference
• Humanity is increasingly moving into cities, but the Earth isn't getting any bigger. That means
our apartments are getting smaller, and our living arrangements denser.
• Some people get roommates to avoid living in such small spaces. Others, due to poverty or
personal obligations, have no choice but to accept their crowded circumstances.
SCOPE FOR LEARNING AND EXECUTION (CHALLENGES):
• Creating so much in such a small space is a very big challenge.
• Providing proper light and ventilation in micro living is a very big playing element in it.
• A small space occupied by low income residents is more likely to be poorly designed, lack
comfortable amenities, and located in neighborhoods without libraries and public green
spaces, which accentuate all the problems of living as a family in a tight space.
• The design will include the layout of basic floor plan, material study, views, individual units
• It also include study of housing units, club house
LIMITATIONS:
• Limiting design requirements to micro living apartments with good amenities
• Designing interiors for housing units using transformable furniture with site level design
• Limiting to studio ,1bhk and 2bhk apartments
• Showing detail drawing only for kitchen and washroom
• The project doesn't deal with the structural system in detail. The care shall be taken that the
buildings are structurally viable
• The project doesn't deal with water and sanitation in detail
METHODOLOGY
MICRO LIVING
SYNOPSIS LITERATURE DATA COLLECTION
• Aim • Study on micro living units • Anthropometry
• Objectives (Study, Design) • Urban growth and ergonomics
• Need for study • Materials • Standards related
• Scope for design • Transformable furniture to design
• Limitation in design • Space effiency furniture
STUDY
CASE STUDIES DESKTOP STUDIES
• Aparna studio apartments (Hyderabad) • Nyk micro apartments (new York)
• Falcona studio apartments(Hyderabad) • 10 micro apartments (japan)
• Lihi Denny apartments(Washington dc)
INFERENCES, AREA STATEMENTS, COMPARATIVE
ANALAYSIS, DESIGN GUIDE LINES
SITE SELECTION, SITE ANALYSIS
PRELIMINARY DESIGN FINAL DESIGN
• Concept • Site plan
• Zoning • Floor plans
• Circulation • Elevation
• Connection to exteriors • Sectional view
• Color themes • Interior Details
• Sample boards • Working drawing
• Rough sketches on design • 3d views
views
