A 205-Square-Foot Micro Studio Has an Ingeniously Designed Small Kitchenette

Professional’s Name: Szymon Hanczar
Company: hanczar studio
Location of Project: Sokolowsko, Poland
Year of completion: 2017/18
Photo Credit Name: Meluzyna Studio

The unique character of Sokołowsko—once a health resort competing with the Swiss Davos and currently a tiny sleepy village (which only comes to life during some niche cultural events) inspired the designers from the hanczar studio to create a micro-apartment: a destination for all kinds of holidaymakers. Tucked away in the middle of the Suche Mountains, this village lies off the beaten track but is surrounded by peace and quiet.

The micro-apartment in one of the building is intended to serve as a place for healing escapes. Although it is only 19 square meters [205 square feet], it seems very spacious thanks to its height and bright colors, where white, the natural color of wood, and rose pink dominate.

The furniture and accessories are mainly antiques—acquired either in local antique shops or brought by the owners from Wrocław. The only new elements of the interior design are a rug, sofa, and a modular kitchenette made of plywood. The cooker can be closed thanks to ingenious hinges, like a turntable. The atmosphere of the interior is highlighted by the original door and window joinery. In a compact bathroom, there is enough room for only the bare minimum—namely a shower, toilet, and a small washbasin.

It is a temple for analogue and unhurried entertainment: listening to records, reading, breakfasts in bed, evenings by candlelight. An old wooden sled is a decoration, useful equipment for the owners’ daughter, and a reminder that after ten minutes of walking, you can be on the mountain trail. It is also worth looking at the collection of local accents, such as old postcards from Sokołowsko, massive glass from the nearby Czech and Polish glassworks, as well as some director’s chairs bringing to mind Krzysztof Kieślowski—the most famous resident of Sokołowsko.

Hanczar studio is a multidisciplinary design company based in Wrocław, Poland, which successfully explores various types of design areas such as interior design, exhibition stands, exhibitions, and industrial design.