23sqm/247sqft Micro Apartment – The Cairo Flat
A Visionary Blueprint, Ahead of Its Time Conceived by the brilliant Melbourne architect All Best Overend in 1936, the Cairo Flats were a groundbreaking experiment. Overend, inspired by his work in the UK with English architect Wells Coates, was developing what they boldly called “the minimum flat”—a radical concept aiming to deliver maximum amenity within the smallest possible space. Today, the Cairo Flats are rightfully listed on the Heritage Register, celebrated not just as one of the very first examples of thoughtfully arranged, side-by-side and stacked flats, but also for their “heroic” use of cantilevered concrete in the balconies and a dramatic spiral staircase.
Even at a modest 23 square meters (247 square feet) [Video Title], these apartments defy every expectation of small-space living. A key design triumph? The exceptionally high 2.9-meter ceilings. This, combined with a subtle cove junction where walls meet the ceiling, eliminates harsh lines and visually expands the space, making it feel far larger than it is. These smart homes are also thoughtfully north-facing, inviting an abundance of natural light to flood in, further enhancing that feeling of openness. And with windows on both sides, they boast truly excellent cross-ventilation, a simple yet incredibly effective passive cooling strategy.
Ingenious Adaptations for Modern Life The current resident, who lives alone in this historic treasure, has taken Overend’s original design ethos and elevated it with utterly ingenious, ultra-specific modifications that perfectly suit a contemporary lifestyle. Respecting the “well-designed bones” of the building, they opted for seamless integration of new elements rather than drastic overhauls.
Storage, often the bane of tiny homes, is here a masterclass in concealment. Bookshelves, wardrobes, and personal items are all integrated directly into the walls, maintaining those coveted clean lines. A stroke of theatrical genius? A curtain that can be drawn to elegantly cover clothes, books, and other personal bits, instantly transforming the space from a cozy bedroom into a more polished living area.
Multi-functional furniture isn’t just a trend here; it’s a necessity, brilliantly executed. A humble footrest, perfect for a comfortable reading session, cleverly doubles as a step stool to access higher storage. The resident’s desk, a focal point for study during the day, effortlessly morphs into a welcoming dining table when friends drop by for dinner. Simply pull it into the center of the room, bring in a couple of outside chairs, and voilà—a complete dining setting appears.
Perhaps the most remarkable transformation involves the bed itself. What was once a kitchen door, frustratingly preventing furniture placement, was cleverly enclosed and converted into a server window. This brilliant reconfiguration created the perfect nook for the bed to fold down into, complete with space for a bedside table, books, and a glass of water. At night, the curtain is pulled back, the bed folds down, extending all the way to the front window, creating a wonderfully cozy, enclosed sleeping space.
Even the bathroom, surprisingly spacious for an apartment of this size, serves double duty, accommodating a washing machine without compromise. And yes, the original bathtub, a luxurious feature from the 1936 design, was intentionally retained by the current resident. It’s a little slice of luxury in a small space, a testament to the philosophy that even in a compact home, you can and should enjoy all the amenities of a larger one—a comfortable place to sleep, eat, and study.
Lessons for Tomorrow’s Cities The enduring appeal of the Cairo Flats isn’t merely about clever design; it’s a powerful statement about sustainable urban living. As our populations continue their upward trajectory, we absolutely must rethink how we house people more space-efficiently. The Cairo Flats stand as living proof of the incredible value in well-built, historic structures. Demolishing such buildings isn’t just environmentally irresponsible when we could be repurposing what we already have, but it also eradicates a unique type of housing that perfectly suits certain residents at different stages of their lives.
The Cairo Flat is so much more than just a home; it’s a vibrant blueprint for the future, proving beyond a doubt that truly great design is timeless, adaptive, and inherently sustainable.