One big key to small-spacing living is vertical space – with nine feet in each horizontal direction, the only way to go is up. At the same time, this particular design manages to look like it evolved somehow organically, with elements not simply occupying every spare spot.



Everything manages to coexist and flow within the limited area provided, including custom chairs, tables, kitchen zone (with microwave and refrigerator), full-sized shower, composting toilet, washing machine and double bed.




LED lights and recovered heat help keep fixture needs to a bare minimum, while a timber frame with red and plywood surfaces add texture and color to keep the interior interesting and engaging.


The project was “conceived, designed and managed by Dr Mike Page, engineer and Reader in Cognitive Psychology at the University’s School of Psychology” and featured at the Edinburgh Science Festival.



From Designcurial:


“The Cube includes a lounge with a table and two custom-made chairs; a small 120cm wide double bed; a full-size shower; a kitchen with energy-efficient fridge, induction hob, re-circulating cooker hood, sink/drainer, combination microwave oven and storage cupboards; a washing machine; and a composting toilet. “


“The Cube is illuminated with ultra-efficient LED lights and heated using an Ecodan air-source heat pump with heat recovered from extracted air. It features cork flooring with two-metre head height throughout.”


“The Cube is insulated with a timber-frame shell, interior surfaces of birch plywood, and sweet-chestnut cladding on the exterior. It features a south-facing monopitch roof covered with solar panels. The south wall is also covered with solar panels. This generating capacity is expected to make the Cube carbon-neutral over the year.”