Architect Luke Clark Tyler demonstrates that extreme small-space living is possible—even while working from home. His 78 square foot Manhattan apartment functions as both living quarters and architecture office, proving that thoughtful design can make even the smallest spaces functional.
Apartment with Bed Stored
Bed Deployed for Sleeping
The custom-built bed folds against the wall when not in use and includes storage underneath for winter clothes and tools.
Built-In Storage System
A built-in storage unit holds clothes, plates, microwave, books, spices, cleaning products, and personal items.
Work Desk and Mini Fridge
A mini refrigerator fits under the desk, and the workspace serves as a functional architecture office.
Video Tour
Video © Faircompanies
Design Details
- Size: 78 square feet
- Location: Manhattan, New York City
- Occupant: Luke Clark Tyler (architect)
- Type: SRO-style micro apartment
- Bathroom: Shared with other residents
- Key Feature: Custom fold-away bed with storage
- Use: Combined living space and home office
What Fits in 78 Square Feet
- Custom fold-down bed with under-bed storage
- Built-in wardrobe and shelving
- Work desk for architecture practice
- Mini refrigerator
- Microwave
- Books and personal items
Lessons from Extreme Micro Living
- Custom Furniture Is Essential: Standard pieces don’t fit—everything must be designed for the specific space
- Convertible Features Multiply Space: A fold-away bed transforms a bedroom into an office daily
- Location Justifies Constraints: Living in Manhattan’s core makes extreme downsizing worthwhile
- Shared Amenities Reduce Footprint: Shared bathrooms allow private units to be smaller
- Professional Skills Help: An architect’s training enables better space optimization
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Alex
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Hmm.. I’m not sure if I could live there myself!! But for $750 in the heart of New York, I’m sure he’s not complaining. 😉
Kayla
Thanks for coming by Kayla!
Hi would you share the plans for your bed/couch? I would love to know what hinges you used? Murphy bed parts run over $300 and my hubby and I are on soc sec. We live in a small cabin and would LOVE to build a bed like yours. Thanks msdawn_bbw_domme@yahoo.com
Sorry, MsDawn- I don’t have the plans for his bed/couch.
Alex, does he have a website or blog maybe? thanks MsDawn
Check out these two links:
http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/manhattan-shoebox-apartment-a-78-square-foot-live-in-closet/
http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2011/entries/2733
But no, I haven’t been able to find his own personal website/blog.
The apartment is almost the size of a camper, but much higher. So I would try to put the bed high enough that you could still pass underneath. The sofa could be then against the wall and you could put a fold down table on the opposite wall. This way you could sleep on the sofa or the bed, eat or work sitting on the couch / sofa.
Having the bed high also makes the mess you might leave up there invisible during the day 😉
Only if I will live there by myself. Intimacy isn’t really my thing.
Could I live & work in 78 sq ft? At first thought, no … and when I looked at the pictures … a definite NO … seemed sooo claustrophobic … Then I got to the end …. if this is Manhattan for $750 a month … I would srsly make do sharing a bath w/ 3 strangers and not have running water in my space … New Yorkers do take-out, don’t they? And I’d do as Martin says, go vertical and put the bed up high, with my computer/desk/comfy chair underneath … no sofa
How much rent on a place like this?
You have to be out of your mind to rent a room for 750.00 a month. I don’t care where it is. Then on top of that share a bathroom! I can live in a small space as long as I have my own bathroom. Where I live you can rent a two bedroom apartment for that price.
Why? Why would anyone WANT to live in NYC? I could understand it if you have trees around you, but pay $750/m to be surrounded by filth, noise, concrete and people is ludicrous.