Birmingham architects behind a new concept for low-cost compact living
THE first development of modular apartments that is “set to revolutionise the contemporary home” has been approved by planners.
The scheme has been designed by Birmingham firm Glenn Howells Architects and is backed by YO! Sushi entrepreneur Simon Woodroofe.
24 YO! Home apartments are to be built in New Islington, Manchester, and is being marketed as “a new type of intuitive living space” that is a new concept for low-cost compact living.
Glenn Howells, director at his eponymous firm, said: “It is an exciting time for YO! Home to launch this development at New Islington in Manchester and create such an innovative residential offer.
“We can see how this concept for living will be attractive in Manchester and that it can be widely applied to other cities around the world.”
The micro home plans, which include pop-up furniture to make the most of the space, were originally rejected by council planners last month because of concerns over their small size – they are around 41 sq metres, the size of a studio apartment.
Simon Woodroffe said: “Homes help shape our lives. They are our refuge, and our rock. Since the invention of the city centre apartment, we’ve never really re-invented it. YO! Home is that new invention. Moving parts draw on the wealth of engineering technology taken from fields as diverse as yacht and automotive design, and the mechanics of stage production, allowing the transformation of a 40 sq m space (the size of a one bedroom apartment) into what feels like a much bigger home.”
