A metal beam, cylindrical staircase and narrow partitions are the simple solutions that Untitled Architecture has used to configure this small apartment in Milan.

Occupying the attic of a residential building, the apartment's formerly dark and cramped interior has been rationalised by Untitled Architecture to feature just a couple of structural elements.
"The project was designed in order to expand the interior space and change its perception by reshaping the existing geometry and increasing the amount of natural light," explained the studio.

Its 30-square-metre floor plan is now arranged in a simple cross-shaped formation, with key living areas pushed into the apartment's four corners.
A central stainless-steel beam acts as an axis to the space. Adjacently lies a cylindrical staircase that leads up to the mezzanine-level bedroom, where a simple mattress has been slotted underneath the sloping ceiling.
Although the majority of the staircase is white, textural interest is added by the beginning two steps which have been crafted from pale marble and the last two which are made from grey-painted timber.
"The curved shape of the stairs creates a vivid contrast with regard to the rigid geometry of the apartment," the studio added.

To optimise square footage, the studio has swapped free-standing furniture pieces for integrated cabinetry around the perimeter of the apartment.
This appears in the kitchen, which features a shiny stainless steel splashback, an...