Montana Shrader - Gary Chang, 24 Room Apartment

Designer: Gary Chang (Shelving precedents)

Imagine a 344 sq. foot room that transformed into 24 different configurations and unique spaces. This is what Gary Chang accomplished in over 30 years to the tune of $218,000. It was also the apartment he grew up in. He remembers sleeping on a couch and always fighting for his own space; it is because of these experiences he wanted to create the ultimate spatial flexibility, to use every inch of space in a way that was streamlined and highly effective. He accomplished this by using a series of sliding wall systems. For example, a shelving unit with CD’s can be pushed away to reveal a linen closet, which can then be pushed away to reveal a spa tub with a guest bed above. The sliding walls panel run on a series of tracks and wheels bolted into the ceiling. It is a result of numerous partitions adjacent to one another that pull out to reveal another “room” of the house.

The façade is a series of yellow tinted three rectangular windows. This allows the feeling of sunlight to warm the interior space and gives the illusion of sun throughout the day. The light also bounces off the mirrors on the ceiling, further illuminating the space. However, the windows themselves can open and close, allowing for flexibility in various lighting conditions. Chang says that because of the tinted glass he hardly has to use artificial light in the day. He was careful of the material choice on the windows as he sees it as a window to the world, and wanted it to reflect the interior structure of the space.

The materials in the project are mainly reflective. The floor is a high gloss finish, there are mirrors on the ceiling, and many materials are man-made to allow for greater flexibility in the ever-sifting space. Many of the shelves pull down and therefore the materials had to be able to accommodate specific sizes, and widths that allow for the compactness. The purpose behind the reflective materials is to bounce light around the tiny apartment.

His has renovated the space four times with numerous different configurations, often through plan views and them implementing certain parts; each time he studied the various effects it has on the space and outcome. The sliding wall panels are by far his most successful use of space yet (even allowing for a bar area). He has designed the space so it’s efficient for him, not where he’s efficient for the space, the space works for him.