How a 49m² Berlin Apartment Became a Spacious Loft Through Clever Design
Andreas Zaremba has turned a compact 49 square metre apartment in Berlin's Kreuzberg into a spacious-feeling loft. The redesign, led by architecture firm Dax I, focused on flexibility and clever use of space. Zaremba deliberately chose a home between 40 and 60 square metres to balance comfort with efficiency.
The original layout combined a living-sleeping area, a cramped bathroom, and a kitchen with a small dining nook. Zaremba wanted distinct zones for living, sleeping, and cooking while keeping the space visually open. Built-in furniture, hidden storage, and multi-functional design became central to the project.
The entryway now features floor-to-ceiling cabinets that stretch the space visually and create a mirror tunnel effect. In the bedroom, a cocoon-like design includes all-over linen wallpaper and extendable curtains for privacy. The bathroom uses optical tricks, like a three-metre shower curtain and a skylight, to feel larger than it is. Dax I maximised vertical space with custom loft beds and efficient storage. Large windows flood the apartment with natural light, reinforcing the open-plan feel. The redesign addresses urban living challenges—small footprints, density, and the need for adaptable spaces.
Zaremba splits his time between Berlin and Brandenburg's Uckermark region. The transformed apartment now offers separate yet connected areas for daily life. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can make small spaces both practical and inviting.
