Modular Minimalism

IR Arquitectura designed Quintana 4598, a building with 12 functional units for 16 residents. There are three apartments per floor, each featuring a set of service modules including bathroom, kitchen, storage, closet and the bed running along the length of the space, allowing the remaining area to be open to perform different functions. The plan is completed with a fourth larger unit, which has a longer balcony, more storage modules, and a separated sleeping area.
The common areas, including a rooftop pool, are designed to encourage social interaction between the inhabitants. Besides fostering a sense of community among its users, the building also encourages a participatory environmental consciousness. There is a water recirculation system, a bio-digester to generate energy from food waste, and six solar panels that contribute to heating the building’s water supply. “Efficiency” not only means small in size but, in the case of Quintana 4598, also reflects its compact environmental footprint.

This project is featured in our new book Small Homes, Grand Living along with other ideas on how to make use of a limited space and turn a small apartment into a design marvel.