Minimalist Two-Level Apartment With An Industrial Feel

This minimalist apartment is done with an industrial feel for a young specialist

This minimalist apartment is done with an industrial feel for a young specialist

One of the main dilemmas that architects face when renovating old buildings is how much, if any, of the original character to preserve. This apartment in Kiev, Ukraine, was renovated for a young professional and it shows an astutely tuned balance between old and new.

2B.group’s objective was to use the original building fabric as a canvas upon which new shapes and textures were introduced. The saved the original brickwork hiding behind layers upon layers of plaster, the old timber ceiling joists, and the sloped walls in the attic. A muted palette of black, white and grey was chosen for all of the architectural interventions in order to harmoniously blend with the restored building fabric. For the lower level, which contains a living room and an open-plan kitchen-cum-dining area, white wall paneling unites and brightens up the two spaces without completely obstructing the original brickwork.

The attic’s dark tones are picked up by the metallic staircase and the metallic frames and jambs of the downstairs windows, as well as several furniture pieces and light fittings throughout the living spaces. The minimalist décor of muted tones and clean lines belies the complexity of the architectural interventions such as the in-built window blinds hidden in the paneled walls in the attic, the staircase assembly, and the soundproofing of the guest bathroom between the living and dining areas.

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The living room features comfy furniture, a vintage hearth with a built-in modern fireplace and original brick clad

The living room features comfy furniture, a vintage hearth with a built-in modern fireplace and original brick clad

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There's a staircase here and a windowsill daybed

There's a staircase here and a windowsill daybed

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The dining space shows off a wooden table, black chairs and minimalist geometric furniture plus much closed storage

The dining space shows off a wooden table, black chairs and minimalist geometric furniture plus much closed storage

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The kitchen is done with dark metal cabinets and a floating breakfast space with stools

The kitchen is done with dark metal cabinets and a floating breakfast space with stools

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The small balcony features a little sitting space with a coffee table

The small balcony features a little sitting space with a coffee table

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The working space is dark, there's a large floating wooden desk that looks like no other

The working space is dark, there's a large floating wooden desk that looks like no other

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The large master bedroom shows off much storage and a floating bed, dark walls and a large artwork

The large master bedroom shows off much storage and a floating bed, dark walls and a large artwork

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The guest bedroom is a comfy attic space with a large bed and a wardrobe, minimalist yet catchy furniture is great

The guest bedroom is a comfy attic space with a large bed and a wardrobe, minimalist yet catchy furniture is great

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The bathroom features a large shower, a large sink and some wooden vanities

The bathroom features a large shower, a large sink and some wooden vanities

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There's also a mudroom done with white stone and concrete that contrasts the main one

There's also a mudroom done with white stone and concrete that contrasts the main one

Source: yatzer