Kansas City, Missouri. Micro unit apartments on historic Troost Avenue for UCB Properties.
The model is Singapore's ultra efficient hotels: deliver the affordability of a studio with the perks of a one bedroom loft, which only works if nothing is cut that a tenant would notice.
Kitchens are fully equipped with modern appliances, glass cooktops and dishwashers. The plan was arranged with the developer so queen size bedroom furniture fits on the mezzanine loft, and closet space is unusually large for a studio. Rent per square foot rises when the square feet are arranged properly. That is the whole argument for micro units, and it fails the moment the unit feels small.
Troost Avenue carries real history and real affordability pressure. Micro units let the building reach a rent a young tenant can actually pay while the developer still clears the numbers, provided the design gives back in fit what it takes in floor area.
S.C.O.R.E. Operational Efficiency. Experience Design.
