A hidden sleeping loft and an all-white hallway lined with closets are among the features in a renovated Vancouver apartment designed by Canadian firm Falken Reynolds.
The project, called The Igloo Loft, is located within the city's historic Gastown neighbourhood.
Designed for the principals of local studio Falken Reynolds ? Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds ? the 580-square-foot (54-square-metre) apartment formerly was completely open, with only a door to the bathroom. The kitchen had a large bulkhead and overhead cabinetry, making the space feel cramped.

The design team sought to create a minimalist aesthetic, largely by concealing the client's belongings.
"One of the first rules for a minimalist interior is creating loads of storage," said Chad Falkenberg in a project description.
For inspiration, the team turned to the igloo ? an enclosure that features a compressed entry vestibule that connects to a simple, open chamber. The firm loosely mimicked this configuration by creating a long corridor that leads into the apartment's main living area.

The hallway is lined with white, flat-panel doors that open to reveal a washer and dryer, drying cabinet, fridge, food pantry and two five-foot-high (1.5-metre) closets. In addition to providing storage, the corridor evokes the feeling of "entering a warm protected space" according to Kelly Reynolds.

Above the hallway, the team created a sleeping loft that is hidden from view. Around the corner is a door...