Designing a Functional 6.72m^2 Apartment for Three People

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Designing a functional mini apartment for three people may seem like an impossible task, especially when the available space is a mere 6.72 square meters. However, with careful planning, creativity, and the right design tools, it’s possible to create a comfortable and efficient living space that meets the needs of multiple occupants.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Challenges of Small Space Living

Small space living can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding room for essentials like furniture, storage, and amenities. In a densely populated urban area, space is often at a premium, making it essential to prioritize smart space utilization and functionality. By designing a mini apartment with these principles in mind, it’s possible to create a living space that feels much larger than its actual size.

Designing the Perfect Floor Plan

A floor plan is the foundation of any successful design project, and it’s especially crucial when working with a small space. To create a functional floor plan for your mini apartment, start by listing out the essential furniture and amenities you need to include. This may include a bed, desk, kitchenette, bathroom, and storage space.

Zone	Dimensions	Description
Bed	1.8m x 1.2m	A comfortable bed with integrated closet and desk
Desk	0.8m x 0.6m	A retractable desk that doubles as a workspace and storage
Kitchenette	1.2m x 0.8m	A compact kitchen with sink, stovetop, and storage
Bathroom	1.2m x 0.8m	A functional bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet

Once you have a list of the essentials, use measurements to establish realistic spacing for each zone. Consider the flow of traffic and the relationships between different areas of the apartment. For example, it’s a good idea to locate the bed near the closet and desk, while the kitchenette and bathroom should be situated near the entrance.

Designing the Essential Furniture

With your floor plan in place, it’s time to start designing the essential furniture and amenities. This includes the bed, desk, kitchenette, and bathroom. When designing these elements, consider the following factors:

Scalability: If you plan to print out a model, you’ll need to scale your design down to fit your 3D printer.
Functionality: Each piece of furniture should serve a clear purpose and be designed with functionality in mind.
Aesthetics: Consider the overall look and feel of your design, and ensure that each piece of furniture contributes to a cohesive aesthetic.

Bed with Integrated Closet and Desk

The bed is a essential element of any apartment, and in a mini apartment, it’s especially crucial to design a bed that serves multiple purposes. Consider designing a bed with an integrated closet and desk, like the one below:

Component	Dimensions	Description
Bed	1.8m x 1.2m	A comfortable bed with integrated closet and desk
Closet	0.6m x 0.4m	A compact closet with shelves and storage
Desk	0.8m x 0.6m	A retractable desk that doubles as a workspace and storage

To design the bed, start by creating a base sketch of the closet and extruding it to create the overall body. Then, sketch and extrude the base of the bed and model the safety rails, ladders, and pillows. Don’t forget to use the fillet tool to add a touch of sophistication to your design.

Kitchen Counter

The kitchen counter is another essential element of any apartment, and in a mini apartment, it’s crucial to design a kitchen that is both functional and compact. Consider designing a kitchen counter with a sink, stovetop, and storage, like the one below:

Component	Dimensions	Description
Sink	0.3m x 0.2m	A compact sink with storage
Stovetop	0.3m x 0.2m	A compact stovetop with storage
Storage	0.6m x 0.4m	A compact storage unit with shelves and cabinets

To design the kitchen counter, start by creating a base sketch of the dimensions for the base and extruding it to create the overall body. Then, hollow and extrude for additional cabinets, and sketch and extrude shapes for the sink and stovetop.

Assembling the Parts

Once you have designed all the essential furniture and amenities, it’s time to assemble the parts. Start by creating a new file in Fusion and sketching out the base of the apartment. Then, insert the furniture files and place them using the move (point to point) tool.

Modeling Walls and Doors

With the furniture in place, it’s time to model the walls and doors. Use the offset tool to model the sketch for the wall, and extrude it to the desired height based on your design. Model door handles by using the revolve tool.

Printing out the Model (Optional)

If you want to create a 3D-printed model of your design, now is the time to do so. Export individual files for furniture and walls, and use Bambu Studio to slice the files. Depending on the dimensions of your 3D printer, large models such as the walls may need to be split to fit. Assemble the parts using glue and polish with sandpaper.

By following these steps, you can create a functional and efficient mini apartment that meets the needs of three people. Remember to prioritize smart space utilization and functionality, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your design.