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Nano Studio: 140 Sq. Ft. Micro Apartment for Students


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This is the Nano Studio: a 140 sq. ft. micro apartment designed for students.

It’s created by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada in an effort to offer affordable housing for its students.

Inside, you’ll find a very simple layout with a kitchen, bathroom, and a living area that converts from bedroom to study using multi-functional furniture.

Please enjoy, learn more, and re-share below. Thank you!

Nano Studio: 140 Sq. Ft. Micro Apartment for Students

Nano Studio UBC 001

Nano Studio UBC 001b Nano Studio UBC 001c Nano Studio UBC 002 Nano Studio UBC 003 Nano Studio UBC 004 Nano Studio UBC 004b

Video Tour: Nano Studio Micro Apartment

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 30 comments… add one }
  • kevin
    May 23, 2016, 8:31 am

    i think the only addition I would make is adding a microwave to above the cook top.

    • SteveDenver
      May 24, 2016, 1:38 am

      A microwave range hood would do the trick and not eat up much space. For students on-the-go, a microwave seems compulsory!

  • alice h
    May 23, 2016, 1:30 pm

    I usually find the bathrooms larger than they need to be for a room with so few functions requiring lots of open space. I would also have added a tiny drop leaf eating table so you could eat your messy meals without involving the desk. Otherwise quite luxurious student digs.

  • Sailhappy
    May 23, 2016, 3:47 pm

    Who makes the convertible bed-desk? No loft is ok for a single with an overnight guest. With a high ceiling it could even function for two, allowing room for clothes, sports equipment, and food-comfort storage. My wife and I live in 170 sq ft with often one guest. More sleeping on a blow-up on the deck if the weather is good.

  • Kurt
    May 23, 2016, 4:02 pm

    If I were looking at something like this to live in, I’d want a wall separating the kitchen.

    • Megan
      May 23, 2016, 6:59 pm

      Simmer apple cider vinegar on the stove to eliminate cooking odors.
      megan

      • Gigi
        May 26, 2016, 8:34 pm

        Or you can simmer plain water with some cinnamon added; or add a used peppermint tea bag. Citrus peels are a nice addition when available.

  • Gigi
    May 23, 2016, 4:16 pm

    I would use a pocket door for the bathroom, a toilet with a sink top (refills toilet tank with the sink’s gray water and saves even more floor space), and cabinets or deep shelving above the bed.

    I really want one of those Murphy bed/desk setups when I have my tiny home.

    • SteveDenver
      May 24, 2016, 1:31 am

      Murphy Beds have really come a long way. There are beds that have a sofa or a desk or a dining table — when the bed goes up, the secondary function is revealed.

  • Rue
    May 24, 2016, 6:59 am

    I would have been happy as a little clam in a setup like this. Good luck getting me to move out after graduation, even!

    Though, I do agree that a microwave is a dorm necessity; and the wet bath idea is a good one, too.

    • Ava
      May 24, 2016, 1:48 pm

      That was my first thought too – I’d’ve loved this when I was in school, good luck getting me to leave!

      • Alex
        May 25, 2016, 3:54 pm

        I agree… this is such a great space for someone just starting out. Either for when in school, or living single starting out career, trying out a new city, etc.

  • Claude
    November 23, 2016, 1:46 pm

    Nice, it’s a lot different from my time. it was so sterile and rigid!

    • Natalie
      November 24, 2016, 10:57 am

      It’s awesome! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Dominick Bundy
    November 23, 2016, 1:57 pm

    For such a teeny tiny space, I think it is very well thought out and planned like that desk / bed combo. and it has a CLOSET which is a major selling point for me.. Bathroom appears adequate. Some wall shelves and cupboards could be added in the kitchen area. For a minimalist it’s all one really needs . I like everything it has to offer.. Bravo

    • Dominick Bundy
      November 23, 2016, 2:01 pm

      ADDENDUM OOPS1 My bad I just notice the picture diagram already has cupboards that I was talking about.. but in the video. there wasn’t any..

      • Natalie
        November 24, 2016, 10:58 am

        Yes closets are a must! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Kid Cardona
    November 23, 2016, 8:00 pm

    Some very good ideas were mentioned which l think would of been nice to add, but really it looks good and has good function as is. As a student, you really need a table to work off on. Maybe a table that folds down the wall where the poster is would of been good. It is a nice little apartment for a student or starting out on your own.

    • Natalie
      November 24, 2016, 10:59 am

      Yes depending on how many books you are working from, more desk space is really nice! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Susanne
    November 23, 2016, 9:16 pm

    How wonderful! And not just for students!

    • Natalie
      November 24, 2016, 11:00 am

      Agreed! — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Barnie
    November 24, 2016, 2:19 pm

    An especially great space for student quarters, but could easily extend beyond just students.

  • jm
    November 26, 2016, 1:23 am

    Wait…who’s the little clam? Knew I’d get something out of this post.

  • ROSEE
    November 28, 2016, 9:55 am

    A great TH apartment for students, although I am not overly fond of the stark while walls. To each his/her own.

    • ROSEE
      November 28, 2016, 9:56 am

      Sorry! I meant white, not while.

  • Michael L
    December 3, 2016, 10:26 am

    I love the bed-desk combo. That’s a great idea for any small space

  • Kay
    December 9, 2016, 12:40 am

    I want to like this flat… But I don’t. I think that the bathroom is too big (when the flat only has 14 sq m). I think that the length of the bathroom is about the same as the length of the bed – so around 1.8m/2m… As some one else suggested, a pocket door could reduce this space.

    I think that it is missing a ‘relax’ zone – whether that is an easy chair (which could fit in the corner where the red chair is, or a wee dining table.

    Agree with the comments about a microwave

    • Natalie
      December 9, 2016, 5:54 am

      Very good ideas to improve the space, Kay — Tiny House Talk Team

  • e.a.f.
    December 16, 2019, 11:05 pm

    These apartments were created to address the affordable housing shortage in Greater Vancouver, where U.B.C. is located. There are thousands of working people who would love these places. Some put a curtain across their dinning rooms in one bedroom apartments and rent that space out for up to $900 a month. A 400 sq. ft. apartment can cost $600K to purchase and rents, are through the roof. A one bedroom can run a couple of thousand a month, so If you’re a student on a budget, these places are to die for. No room mate, no shared bathroom. No need for more cooking space because U.B.C. has University cafeterias all over the place.

    As to having over night guests, most of the residences have rules because in a city with little available housing, people would double up in a heart beat, creating an over crowding situation.

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