batlab splits property into three colorful studios in budapest

the starting point of the project is a 110 square meters apartment near the nagykörút great boulevard of budapest. a property is chosen to be divided if necessary, and ideally, into three separate studio flats by architecture studio batlab. titled ‘3in1‘, the ultimate goal of the project is to create a micro community where the members are the participants of a well-functioning, small residential hub .

the first flat with white stairs leading to the bedroom gallery
all images © norbert juhász

batlab‘s main guiding principles is based on the serious impact small apartments have on the real estate market today. this is mostly due to young adults and graduates who continuously search for manageable, low-cost residences. hence, the result is an L- shaped plan with an entrance — positioned at the center of the flat — that becomes a large common hall for an easy access to all three studios. due to the some circumstances, the three spatial layouts are different. however, all of them include a gallery to expand their area and mark the boundaries of additional zones.  

batlab 3in1 – common entrance with an easy access to all three apartments

to emphasize the individual characteristics of each flat, each new zone is highlighted by their own vivid colours.  on another hand, bearing in mind the mobile lifestyle, storage is provided by built-in furniture. other items, such as the sofa and armchairs, are restored legacy pieces from grandparents and serves as personal colourful additions. the lights rescued from the former csepel factory also rhyme at the previous thought. along with the industrial lights in the common lobby and flats, unique concrete lamps appear as recurring elements as well.

first flat includes a lime green kitchen 

view from the living space 

the second flat’s living room is linked to an upper yellow working space

kitchen and living space create an open-floor design

bedroom and garderobe

the third flat’s blue entrance gives off a more mellow setting

view towards the living room, filled with natural lighting 

vivd color blocks create playful contrast in each flat

GIF © batlab

existing spatial layout – floor plan

 
overview of the three floor plans after intervention

post-intervention, floor plan of the gallery

project info:

architecture: batlab architects
ceramics: atelier kas
lights: industrial lamp budapest
location: budapest, hungary
project year: 2016
area: 110 sq.m

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom