With this submission I am including a third option, inspired from one of the references that you provided us, as an idea that I though it would be worth exploring. The goal behind the design proposals is to create warm and welcoming environments, with simple layouts that allow for fluidity of movement and the best use of space.
Design Strategies:
OPTION1:
The living and sleeping areas are separated by a thick “inhabited” wall used for the fireplace, bookcase, storage and kitchen pantry on one side, while on the other you would find the wardrobes and the bathroom facilities. The sizes of the existing windows have not changed.
OPTION 2:
In this option, the living and the sleeping areas are separated by the corridor and the bathroom. This makes the bathroom accessible from all parts of the apartment, and giving more privacy to the bedrooms. Also here the sizes of the existing windows have not changed much.
OPTION 3:
In this option, a mezzanine is created to host one of the double bedrooms, allowing just enough height to manoeuvre around (2.2 m in each level).
On the Entrance level, the visitor is greeted by a large welcoming living area with dedicated sitting to the fireplace/tv wall and more space to circulate. The main bathroom is found on this level and one of the two bedrooms.
On the mezzanine level, going up the staircase, there is a large storage space next to it, leading to the bedroom. The bedroom is separated by the double height space with a group of translucent rotating glass panels, to allow for more light but also privacy. There are openings created on the roof not only for light but for extra height under the bed. There is also a small bathroom and long table/shelves for preparation/ study.
MATERIAL STRATEGY:
In all the options the material strategy includes stone, translucent glass, timber for the roof, wooden and stone marque floors and wooden panels. The existing walls are treated to expose the existing stone internally, to create a more warm and sensory experience. This philosophy is reinforced by the wooden textured panels on the proposed walls. The furniture chosen try to follow the same colour palette for uniformity.
I hope you will find these ideas helpful and interesting and that they will help you choose what you want to move forward with. Thank you for this lovely opportunity and good luck with choosing the one you like best!
