The concept of studio apart ments is comparatively new in the country. However, living in a single-room or hall is not new. Studio apartments are economically utilised accommodation, usually for one or two persons. It generally has a bedroom, an open kitchen and living area without any partitions and walls except for the bathroom.

As it is hard to find space in the capital city and expensive, the concept is ideal for people living alone or a couple to mitigate their housing needs. There are many housing companies that offer studio apartments.Meanwhile, with some attention to design and concepts of space management, one can easily give an appealing look to a studio apartment to make it a great living space.

Amul Manandhar, principal architect of CE Services Pvt Ltd, says, “The charm of apartments is limited in the context of Nepal. Apartment culture is still new and studio apartment is not really gaining much popularity among the general mass. However, it is ideal for a couple. Rather than living in rented rooms, it offers a chance to own a property at minimal investment.“ According to him, they have designed studio apartments minimum of 250 square feet up to 5,000 square feet. The company offers studio apartments of bedroom cum living, kitchen and attached bathroom with or without balcony for outdoor living space.

The design depends upon budget, he informs. There are mainly two designs in studio apartments -with partition and open space designing.According to him, it costs minimum Rs 5,000 per square feet to purchase such apartment. Economical, appropriate living space for busy people and ownership of the property are benefits of studio apartments.

However, the limited space, lack of storage areas and the open kitchen are major drawbacks. Shishir Gaire, engineer at Seed Pvt Ltd, says, “Total space and circulation area are main things to consider while designing a studio apartment. As there will be an open kitchen, proper management of drainage, chimney and ventilation is must.“ Gaire suggests using multipurpose furniture and kitchenettes in studio apartments, which will increase functionality. Modern wall units and space saving furniture are other options for storage. “Generally the space above 7.5 feet high is not used which can be turned into a wall cupboard to store things that are not used often,“ he says. Single purpose big furniture is not suitable, so he advises the least of furniture that is multi-functional. There are furniture stores that offer variety of furniture appropriate for your living space. Tenzin Shakya, designer at Index Furniture, says, “Index offers various products that match with such expectations. We provide 3D designing service also in which one can see the layout of the room.“ For an open living area, Shakya suggests opting multifunctional furniture such as sofa cum bed furniture, coffee table with storage area underneath, using wall selves for decorative items et cetera.

Index offers ready to use wall shelves in different colours and sizes.According to Shakya, lighting and colour also affect overall looks of the room. She advises to use light colours that make areas look spacious. Big windows and natural lighting is also an advantage for the room. Bed, kitchenette, dining counter, study table are essential items for studio apartments. Index Furniture also offers custom-made furniture as per the requirements of the people.

source: the himalayan times,16 Nov 2013