Houses & Apartments Under 1000 Square Feet

A showcase of the best in contemporary compact residential architecture.

The world is becoming more urbanized and densely populated. There is a virtually inexhaustible demand that is pushing up housing prices. Urban land is more precious. As well, changes in family structure, more single-person households, a desire to save money, reduce our climate footprints and live more simply have made microdwellings the fastest growing type of residence.

To be successful as an enjoyable living space, however, a microdwelling must synthesize the best of contemporary architecture: functionality, efficiency and sustainability. The inhabitants' current and potential needs must be reconciled with physical, legal and budget limitations. The aim is to create spaces that improve quality of life and represent the resident's personality.

Houses and Apartments Under 1000 Square Feet is a collection of more than 50 projects ranging from 215 to 958 square feet in size, along with a small selection of furniture. It aims to showcase the most significant examples of contemporary compact residential architecture.

Each home is profiled over two to six photo-filled pages. Drawings include floor layouts, cutaways and landscaping plans. The houses and apartments are from around the world and represent a broad variety of architectural styles, functional applications, materials, natural environments and lifestyles.

Due to the physical and budgetary limitations in this kind of house, one of the most important considerations is furniture, so a brief selection of furnishings has been included to complete this book.

This is a stunning, cutting-edge source of inspiration and practical information for architects, designers, and homeowners.

Yuri Caravaca Gallardo is a journalist with interests in intercultural issues and East Asian Studies. He has a special interest in Japanese Arts and Architecture. He has lived in Japan and now lives and works in Barcelona.