NY Micro Living

At the beginning of last month, Mayor Bloomberg awarded nARCHITECTS, Monadnock Development LLC and Actors Fund HDC as the winners of the adAPT NYC micro-apartment competition. Their tiny dwelling proposal will be the basis for fifty-five mini units at Kips Bay on 27th Street in Manhattan. The one and two person households will not only be affordable, but give residents the feeling of expansive space with higher ceilings, ample windows, and terrace access.
Micro NY will test out the adAPT NYC pilot program, with a series of one and two person apartments for affordable city living. Made from modular pieces, the complex can be constructed easily and in less time than building from scratch. The dwellings will also be easy to replicate in other areas should Micro NY become successful. Each unit can be stacked on each other, creating different heights and volumes for future projects.

Each of the 55 units will use light and air to maximize comfort, while minimizing space. At an average size of 23 to 35 square meters, the units will each have 3 meters high ceilings coupled with oversized windows that flood each apartment with natural light. Sliding glass doors will open up to small balconies, bringing in fresh air. Storage lofts will help to keep apartments clutter free, and foldable tables, convertible beds and other space-saving features will also be built-in.

The stair-step roof of the building will house a public garden complete with trees and a sun deck. Residents will also be able to hang at the higher attic garden, which can be planted with edible greenery. However, with all the hype around the new project, still no word on the “affordable” price.