Grand Boulevard, or Nagykörút, is amongst the busiest districts in Budapest. According to local firm Batlab Architects, apartments with small footprints (and matching price tags) are highly sought after by recent grads and other young people looking to live in the heart of the city.

Which is why the firm was tasked with creating three new studio-sized units from an existing apartment that, at 110 square metres, was already modest in size. The architects say their was goal to create a “micro community” for residents.

At the centre of the L-shaped space is a minimalist foyer that provides a common entry point for all three studios, plus room for bike storage. Behind each door, the units are differentiated with unique spatial layouts and vibrant colour-blocking.

The three units range in size from 30 to 40 square metres and all use built-in storage, bright white walls, large windows and minimal furnishings to keep things feeling airy and open. To maximize space in the first studio, a large recessed alcove, painted sunny yellow and accessed by a narrow staircases, serves as the bedroom.

Down the hall, in flat #2, the firm inserted a lime-green volume to create a new level. At half the height of the room, it encases the kitchen and also acts as a landing for the loft bedroom above.

A similar move defines the third unit, where a sky-blue cube contains storage space and the washroom. It leads to the open kitchen and living space, where a stairway leads to the sleeping quarters above. Closet space is tucked behind the bed.