Milan Houzz Tour: A Sliding Unit Creates a Multi-Functional Space
Like an architectural Swiss army knife, this unit can be reconfigured to reveal a variety of functional features
Building a functional combined bedroom, office and kitchen in one is a challenge in itself. Doing that in a 29.5-square-metre apartment and still leaving room for a spacious living area and a light-filled bathroom seems downright unthinkable. Yet that is precisely what the architects at Planair managed to accomplish in this apartment in Milan, Italy. Their secret? A sliding unit that incorporates desk, storage and kitchen benchtop elements and can be moved at will to reconfigure the surrounding space.
“We were asked to create a highly functional apartment, to optimise the space and provide all the comforts of a larger house,” says Cesare Galligani, Planair’s owner. “At the same time, the owners gave us the chance to not only apply our technical knowledge but also put our personal stamp on it … So it seemed like an interesting project for us, working within the space and time constraints.”
They hit upon a clever solution that can rework the apartment’s appearance and functionality with just a little push: a sliding unit that can reveal an office, extend the kitchen, or tuck everything away at the end of the day to make room for a comfy bed.
Made by local carpenter Giuseppe Marra out of matt-varnished, veneered MDF, this full-height unit strikes the ideal balance between solidity and lightness. It rolls on wheels and is guided by a track attached to the dropped living-room ceiling. Its lower end is heavier than the upper, lending additional stability by lowering its centre of gravity. Very little strength is required to move it, but it is solid enough that it won’t easily break down from repeated or careless use.
Made by local carpenter Giuseppe Marra out of matt-varnished, veneered MDF, this full-height unit strikes the ideal balance between solidity and lightness. It rolls on wheels and is guided by a track attached to the dropped living-room ceiling. Its lower end is heavier than the upper, lending additional stability by lowering its centre of gravity. Very little strength is required to move it, but it is solid enough that it won’t easily break down from repeated or careless use.
The massive ash panel built into the wall on the left hides a double bed. It folds out easily when the sliding unit is pushed to the opposite end of the room. Cupboards overhead offer extra storage space for suitcases and other personal items.
On the left side of the sliding unit is a fold-out desk that can also transform this space into a comfortable office.
On the left side of the sliding unit is a fold-out desk that can also transform this space into a comfortable office.
When the sliding unit is pushed as far as possible to the left, it opens up extra space for the living room and kitchen. Like the desk on the other side, a section can be flipped open to serve as an additional kitchen benchtop or a breakfast bar.
Two types of flooring have been used in the space: a wood floor in the living area gives way to 60 x 60 centimetre porcelain stoneware under the unit. Its beige tone recalls the colour of wood, creating some continuity. At the same time, porcelain stoneware is extremely impact-resistant and easy to maintain.
A mirror on the wall visually enlarges the space. It’s also handy for a last outfit check when heading out the door.
Two types of flooring have been used in the space: a wood floor in the living area gives way to 60 x 60 centimetre porcelain stoneware under the unit. Its beige tone recalls the colour of wood, creating some continuity. At the same time, porcelain stoneware is extremely impact-resistant and easy to maintain.
A mirror on the wall visually enlarges the space. It’s also handy for a last outfit check when heading out the door.
The wood theme continues in the kitchen. The splashback was treated with oil to preserve it and prevent stains and marks. Little details like the recessed yellow triangular cabinet handles are a stylish touch.
Next to the small dining table, a pocket door leads to the bathroom. The sink in this photo is in an anteroom to the main washroom. This helps draw natural light into the bathroom space itself whenever the door in between is open.
Here is the little bathroom with its walk-in shower, added by special request of the owner.
“It is a common belief that a renovation like this one would be too big an investment, but the reality is pretty different,” says Galligani. “Custom-made furnishings can be incorporated while respecting a pre-determined budget, and the return on investment is then much greater. It’s up to the professional in charge of the renovation to find the right solutions – during the design phase or, for example, by buying furniture from just one retailer to optimise discounts and delivery costs. That can make a difference and will last over time.”
Layout before and after
The four possible arrangements of the apartment space
Who Lives Here: The apartment is available for short-term holiday rental
Location: Milan, Italy
Size: 29.5 square metres
Year built: About 1950
Year of renovation: 2017
Architects: Planair
The owner of this small studio apartment in Milan wanted to add some character and a stylish touch. He entrusted the optimisation of this intimate space to the architecture firm Planair.