Genius 'Micro Apartment' Packs Everything Into 15 Square Meters

Like the rest of the world’s popular cities, Beirut’s property market has spiralled out of control, making it hard to find affordable accommodation in the city. However, Lebanese studio Eliemetni are trying to combat the problem with their new 15-square-metre micro apartment, providing guests with all the creature comforts of a super-stylish space at an affordable price.

Situated on the roof of a charming period building in Beirut’s Achrafieh district, the aptly-named Shoe Box apartment was designed by studio founder Elie Metni for a client who wanted a clean, serene and simple space that could sleep two guests and accommodate around five people in total, which was a challenge considering its 15-square-metre size.

‘Beirut nowadays became a place where it is hard to find accessible rates for quality accommodation,’ says Metni. ‘That’s why micro-apartments and small spaces start having more and more popularity offering quality spaces. Downsizing became trendy.’

Even though space is at an absolute premium, there’s still ample room for a double bed, which faces a large window framing the cityscape beyond. The bed also features in-built storage caddies for belongings and plugs – a clever substitute for the bedside table. Over head, there are suspended lights that are perfect for late-night reading, while underneath the bed frame is a pull-out drawer, cupboard and a set of shelves.

For those on business trips, there’s even a desk with bespoke storage created for laptops, stationery and phones, while those looking to relax can sit on the built-in sofa complete with footrest, plus book and magazine storage, a coffee table, bin and cup holder, all neatly tucked away under it.

Got people around for dinner? No problem – there’s still enough space in the two-metre-wide room to have everyone around the fold-out dining table, with chairs and an extra moveable unit-cum-seat. Hidden behind a glass door at one end (designed to let ample light into the heart of the apartment) is the compact bathroom.

The entire apartment has been decorated in a clean, neutral scheme, with white epoxy resin flooring to help bounce light around the room, while the custom-made furniture has been created using white laminated plywood.

Planning a trip to Beirut? The property is available to rent out on Airbnb from just £40 per night.

To see more of Eliemetni’s projects, check out the website here.

To see more ways to maximise compact interiors, read this article on 15 space-saving tips for city apartments, plus take inspiration from this 25-metre apartment in Barcelona.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.