As the industry and people still struggle to embrace the micro-dwelling movement, it’s time to think about using space efficiently, with thoughtful and smart design that should make dwelling in a small space possible without wanting to kill yourself. That’s where Zoku comes in. The Japanese word ‘zoku’ means tribe or clan, but is also the name of a new category of a hybrid hotel/apartment/office within the hospitality industry; a reaction to our morphing needs in modern society.
Located in Amsterdam, the first Zoku opens next month for those that blur the boundaries between live, work, and play. It’s compact yet clever design lets you enjoy all of these functions in one location, like a swiss army knife of spaces. The clever touches abound, maximizing every square-inch of the compact but lofty space. From a hidden staircase leading to a sleeping loft that slides into the storage unit, to a cleverly designed kitchen module, the design is considered with convenience and efficiency in mind while keeping a large chunk of the space open so that the occupants don’t feel cramped. If this is the future of compact and efficient living, color us impressed.