Who Lives Here: Daniel Location: Clinton Hill — Brooklyn, NYC Size: 271 square feet
What is your favorite element of your Small & Cool home? After 4 years of living in a constrained 140 square-foot room with a conventional coffee table/futon/queen-sized bed taking up every inch of floor space, I had had enough. So I designed and built "the loft" inspired by the Swiss Family Robinson. Now I feel like I really do live in a treehouse. It has quadrupled the usable space in my apartment…
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…I now have stairs that float and hold some of my books. All the stereo equipment is hidden way in the 30 cubic feet of built-in storage space in the unit that is still half empty. Every part of the design has two functions: platform and storage; headboard and magnetic key rack; stairs and bookshelf, etc. Installing the loft created a whole new space to furnish below. Having no budget, I raided my grandmother's basement where I picked up a few very special items: out with the futon, in with the cool 70's couch, old drafting table, and 50's club chairs. The loft is made of welded blackened-steel square tube and furniture-grade birch plywood. Not only does the loft maximize the usable space, but also minimized cleaning time. Cleaning and dusting the entire apartment now takes a mere 30 minutes. Mission accomplished!
What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your Small Cool home? Funding it was the hardest part. In the midst of starting up a new industrial design firm I have little extra spending money for my own projects. So in these tough economic times I jumped at opportunities to improve the apartment in exchange for money off my rent. In the past I had cut deals with my landlord to put in new cabinets in the kitchen in exchange for a month and a half off of rent. I just had to hope and pray that my landlord would love my design and execution of the loft. A month's rent didn't quite cover all the materials, so to build the stairs I used salvaged steel. I painstakingly cleaned off all the rust to restore its original beauty so it could be welded by a great friend with a metal shop, Adam Apostolos. Once built in the shop the loft was designed to assemble from five sections and we installed the frame in just half an hour. It only took an allen key, 7 lag bolts, and three concrete anchors to assemble and mount the frame to the walls and ceiling. Cutting the plywood and installing it to the frame took an extra couple of days.
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Check out all the entries on our contest page.
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HOLY COW THIS IS AWESOME. I'm still flabbergasted by how you were able to cram all that into a space that's less than 300sf. What I love about your space amongst the rest is that you personally put time and sweat into making this place functional and unique. If only I had the same kind of craftsmanship and creativity as you! (no wonder you're in industrial design....!!!)
And I love how earthy it feels in your space!
i think this is such a neat design and creative solution to your space troubles. i love how the framework echos the archway into your foyer. everything down to your 'staircase'....looks like it belongs. congrats!
WINNER!
From the colors, to the furniture, to the art, to the view, to that funky awesome kitchen, this is probably the "coolest" place I've ever seen IN MY LIFE.
Wow.
Okay, I've recovered. Full house tour, please?
Wow, great use of space and beautiful wood. Thumbs up!
Oh Daniel, I really love the loft. Wonderful execution....so proud of my fellow brooklynites in the small, cool world.
Wow - not one to usually gush over utility but you have managed to turn this into so much more space and it feels like a place Thoreau would hang out - certainly not Brooklyn. Congratulations, you are win!
This is pretty amazing. Love the details!
Wow! I really like those stairs to the loft! I can't believe it is 270 square feet! Great job!
Brilliant.
HOLY SNOT! That is AWESOME!
FANTASTIC use of space. Love the bed. Major points for creativity!
Um... My God!!! This is so beautiful, so well-crafted, so thought out, and, obviously, you put so much love into it. I cannot say enough about everything in this place. I am enamored!!!
I like the way you've designed the stairs so that they have storage capacity and a sculptural quality without losing the sense of lightness and empty space.
I also like the use of form and colour in the kitchen. Thumbs up!
So creative and efficient!!
Please come to Los Angeles and help me work out a kitchen cabinet trade with my landlord. Oh and please bring your grandma's basement along, too. :)
I can't imagine how you fit all that in there WITHOUT the loft. It looks great - I love the repurposed steel!
And love the potrack in the kitchen!
It's a wrap.....winner!
my favourite
I'm havign trouble seeing a lot of it. Need more pictures.
Everything is so thought out. Amazing in every aspect.
!!!!!!!!
Brilliant.
I definitely want more pictures! I want to see the club chairs.
This is definitely a creative solution to a tiny, tiny space.
I saw the photo and thought "wow, I love that funky bookcase, it kinda looks like stairs".
Then I read further.
And was blown away.
Instant winner.
The stair, bookcase, coffee table - esc, superfragalistic mish-mash is GENIUS!
Wow. Definite winner. This one is so good it made me create an account so I could vote and comment.
If these shots and supporting blueprints aren't in your business portfolio, they need to be. Regardless of your specialty this is an amazing example of your skills in design & construction, problem-solving, negotiation, etc. (and the practical application thereof!) . . . and your basic initiative.
Amazing job and incredible design all around - thanks for sharing! Enjoy your beautiful home!
hope you win!
I recommended that he apply for the competition, and I barely knew him. Amazing apt! Hope he wins!
I *love* that treehouse vibe. :) The loft and stairs/shelves are wonderful and that drafting table is a really great find. Also love the simple, serene quality of the kitchen. This is the first entry that really grabbed me. Definitely one of my favorites.
Loves. It.
I'm a little curious about the wall mounted coffee table. Does it hinge and fold down? Or come off the wall completely?
I'm also a little stunned that there isn't a railing on the loft - one vivid dream and I'd splat on those beautiful floors.
More pictures would be very appreciated - but for sure big ups ... to you and your grandma.
Exactly what this contest is all about.
This is very cool, Daniel.
This is absolutely incredible !!! And very hard to believe this is a rental flat.
You certainly have my vote :-)
And OMG, I so wish my grandma had a couch like that just collecting dust in the cellar...
If this is an example of your talent as a designer, you're headed for the big time, dude. Great job!!
GoRgeOUS!!!
Made of pure WIN.
I'm a firm believer that adult lofts should have stairs, not ladders. And your stairs are the best I've ever seen - wow!
oh my god! amazing! i might try to contact the owner of the building to arrange the same kind of deal. unfortunately he uses a management company to act as landlord, i know they would never go for it. but i would like to try.
truly inspiring
how high are your ceilings?
The stairs/loft are gorgeous. Please come help with my house!
Love those shelves under the stairs. Very cool!
I am oober impressed with the use of space and color palette. Awesome textures and dimension. A
I love this so much...just hope you never fall out of bed though!
I think we have a winner here! The loft is genius and so well-executed. I'd love a full house tour.
Brilliant!
THE BEST PLACE EVER. IT ALL WORKS. IT'S OFF THE CHARTS. I NEED TO CHANGE MY ENTIRE LIFE (granted, that's another issue) BUT WOW!
Wow! I'm so excited about all the comments!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation. If you have any questions post them. I'll be checking in a few times a day.
Thanks,
Dan
Winner!
Incredible! This is hands down my favorite entry.
This is a great studio. I am going to be a graduate student at Pratt starting this summer and I am in the process of apartment hunting. Do you know if there are any studios available in your building?
Amazing - Big Thumbs Up!
Love it! full tour please! also, can you close up on that painting of fields with the red roof? It looks awesome, where'd you find it/who did it?
I love this place, it's my favourite so far! I love the colors of the wood and the walls, reds and greens... the textures...everything, it makes me so jealous, I wish I could do something like that with my place. I like what I can see of the kitchen too, and I agree with others, we need a house tour!
I've been waiting to see something as cool as the custom built-above beds as a few years ago.
THANK YOU
Inspiring. Best of luck in the competition
Hi Chelc,
It's a painting of a Van Gogh called "Stairway at Auvers" that my grandpa painted in oils years ago. I found it in my parents attic.
Thanks for the nice comment!
Daniel
Daniel, So creative! What a fabulous job you did! Great ideas and beautiful execution!
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Simply the best ever. Slanting the shelf behind the headboard so as to capture the hall light for the loft? Genius.
Great great great.
Would love to know how high your ceilings are... I've wondered about doing this for a large shared kids' bedroom but I think the ceiling height won't cut it.
Thanks!!
Love the serene quality of your place and the clever use of space but am very worried about a fall from the bed...Please be careful!
winner winner chicken dinner.
coolest freaking place, ever.
great use of space but design-wise... overrated - too many shots focused on living area, lifted bed and sidetable of architectural interest. where's the images of the rest of your space, ie bath etc? yes, i judge a home 80% on the bathroom. lol
Hi clchilds,
Point taken! I will be careful! I haven't actually fallen off my bed though since I was about 12 but I have given that quite a bit of thought because ya never know. I have a few designs in mind for a simple railing that would be easily moved out of the way for changing the sheets and flipping the mattress.
Thanks for looking out!
Daniel
Dan has been building and designing since he was a child. He is a great industrial designer and a computer whiz. This project is all the more impressive considering how cramped the studio was before. We also appreciate the lack of funding assistance needed.
Dear "theway",
I've seen the bathroom and well, it is FANTASTIC too! :)
Thanks Dad! Ha! Now I am Embarrassed! jk jk :)
This is the coolest thing i've ever seen. When can you do my apartment?
there is just so much creativity in this space... Cozy as all helllll! Perfect balance between creating a warm environment and mega clever function....someone said it earlier and I will say it again: WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!:))
I have this Bedroom I need you to work your magic on... excellent work
Was your kitchen already like that or did you make improvements there too? Because it's also gorgeous (the materials used are so 'serene', if you can apply that to cabinets :P )
You should get oodles of bonus points for being small, cool, AND thrifty! After you (hopefully) win, can you do a full house tour? Please?
i would have liked to have seen the kitchen.
Birch . . . that is soooooo cool.
No one uses birch anymore.
You see various shades of walnuts, grained/stained pines, and grade 2 through clear oaks all over.
Never birch.
You are a designing genius!
Birch.
this is probably the only entry I've ever wanted to vote for twice. Absolutely amazing but please get a bed rail!
Swoon.....
The very spirit of smallcoolness in all its glory: no space, no money, a landlord, your grandmother´s furniture, thrifty deals, a little help from a friend or two, a lot of planning and sweat, and plenty of fun and creativity.
Love the desk corner, and the kitchen looks so interesting, I`d love to see a full House Tour.
I have a few questions, i´m curious: ¿what´s behind the couch?
Did you have to raise the deck because of the arc, or for some other reason? (i hate that "arc"...)
The kitchen ceiling looks the same height, are you planning to do something there?
The wall by the stairs, is it unfinished, or just a design choice?
IF YOU ROLL OUT OF BED DO YOU LAND ON THE COUCH??
YOU DESERVE THE BLUE RIBBON. YOUR APARTMENT LOOKS GREAT. WORTHY OF A NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE SPREAD. LOVE THE STAIRS TO THE LOFT.
Holy shit, both the idea and the execution are solid. You manage to make 270 sq ft not only livable, but desirable. Kudos.
This is definitely the most brilliant piece in this category so far. I hope you are not much a turner when you are asleep. =D you definitely got my vote!!
Ha! I was gonna comment that your family/loved ones should be proud of you for being so industrious and skilled...only to read that your dad's sweet comment!
Fantastic.
Wow! What a talent you are! This is fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
I keep coming back to look more...! And while I still think the stairs are genius-beautiful, I must say your kitchen counters are equally elegant and striking. The detail of wrapping the counter past the wall bump is so practical and lovely (inches are like feet in tiny apartments.) I would also love to know how the cabinets below the counters are made. All by you or off the shelf or some combo of the two. I'm considering making my own kitchen cabinets from scratch, and am curious as I formulate my design plans...
That is brilliant.
You've done a really nice job.
It's not one static boring style or a forced mashing together of elements that aren't related. The honest and straightforward presentation of all of the materials is awesome and adds to the affordability. I particularly like the combination of the structural type look of the platform /stairway and the natural look of the live edge shelf above your desk.
It's a really nice space that has been put together for usability but isn't so severely design oriented that it feels cold. I feel you have your priorities straight. Nice design, craftsmanship, and on top of it decorating.
I'm a huge fan. Let me know your website so I can see more of your work.
This is simply fantastic. My favorite entry so far hands down. I love the story behind it, and the thoughtful execution of such an elegent, and simple design. Well done and good luck! I think you might win this for sure.
awesome job Daniel. you had told me a tiny bit about your plans before starting this project but i had no idea it would come out so fantastic! this totally tops IKEA's "210 square foot home" display.. way more stylish.
Just wanted to thank you all again for all the sweet comments! :)
Fantastic, absolutely fantastic... I appreciate the work that went into finding a solution to limited space with the steel framed loft bed.
This is the epitome of what "small cool" is all about. I was even more amazed that when I scrolled down and I saw that you live in Brooklyn! It looks as if you live in seclusion somewhere in Colorado. Brilliant...I will boycott next year if this doesn't win!!
WOW!!! Beautiful, Daniel!
Where I am now is the first place I've ever lived where I couldn't convince the landlord to swap improvements for rent :( I'm really very jealous (but in a "nice" way!).
AMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAZZZZZZZIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!!!!!
Looks great and I'm sure the platform itself is sturdily built, but you seem to have achieved the floating effect at the expense of safety. Unless I'm not seeing things quite right, you've suspended one corner of this heavy steel platform from the ceiling, and relied on ledgers on the walls on two sides of it? Even the stairs - whose design would not have suffered from more vertical members - rely on masonry fasteners in old brick. The repeated vibration and stress don't bode well for them, I'm afraid.
I'm sorry I can't be as enthusiastic as the previous posters, but I'm scared just looking at it!
Hi Gail,
In the book shelf/storage unit there is hidden away four legs. One for each corner of the standing platform. These legs are 2"x2" 14 gauge steel tubes. The stairs are screwed only to this steel structure and also held up by three legs on the first step. No need for a fourth. There are only 3 masonry anchors going into the on masonry wall. These anchors don't do much except keep the stairs from rattling against the wall. The stairs are solid as a rock. The main bed platform has 5 heavy duty lag bolts going into the center of 5 solid beams. The ceiling support also has two heavy duty lag bolts straight into the center of a huge ceiling joist. I chipped away at the plaster to make sure I hit it. Of course I patched it up since then but it is solid. The bed is fully tested. It could use a nice little removable railing which I am working on .
Hope this helps!
Daniel
Correction: these anchors don't do much except keep the STORAGE UNIT from rattling against the wall. The stairs are solid as a rock. - woops :)
I am sorry that your apartment didn't make it to the grand prize. I have been voting in the contest since the second year and I think yours is one of the very top entries of all time. I actually shed a few tears when I saw the results. This year it looks like the folks are voting for "how much brightly colored stuff can we accumulate in a small space?" I do hope that Maxwell features you in his next book!
Ditto, Careen. Such a disappointment that it didn't make it. I really thought you would at least pull through to the final 4. Your apartment showed ingenuity while the rest were all about bright colors and organizational skills. If only all of us can roll up our sleeves and build loft beds like you can! You were one of my favorites so kudos x100 to you!
Oh Daniel, I am so disappointed you didn't go through to the end. I have gone back to your entry many times just to get a dose of inspiration. I didn't see any another entry that I thought was as ingenius and creative as yours and all of it self-built/designed! Well done. You have given me some great ideas about how to manage my own small space and to me that is what this competition is all about.
I love this clean, woodsy design. Great implementation of bookshelves, under stairs and in the wall. Looks so cozy. I want to move in...
Dear Daniel
I'm another one who really wanted you to go further in the contest. I think you (and your Dad) captured everyone's imagination. Well done!
Hi Daniel,
Great job - this is inspiring.
I'm thinking about building something similar in my current 320 sq ft studio. I'm worried that my ceiling, at 9 ft., is too low. Your place looks great though. How high is your ceiling?