How to design a 40 m² studio apartment: the guide with BIM models ready to use

Designing a 40 m² studio apartment plan can be both an interesting and demanding challenge. 40 m² is a relatively modest size to express yourself, however, if properly designed you can turn it into a comfortable and cozy space to live.

In this guide we will take a closer look to some practical examples, considering that in this article we are referring to “40 m²” as a purely conventional size for a studio apartment and we will also provide a project example with renders and DWG drawings produced with a professional software for engineers and architects.

How to design a studio apartment – Floor plan – Net usable area 40 m²

Generally, building standards apply to studio apartments, especially in Europe, requiring a minimum 28 m² area for one person’s accommodation or 38 m² for two people. Minimum standards can vary in many cases according to various national or local regulations.

Studio apartment project – A-A section

This insight regarding a 40 m² studio project will mainly focus on design composition and layouts and address some living solutions. Additionally, project drawing DWGs and 3D models will be available for download.

Studio apartment project – B-B section

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Download the 3D BIM models (.edf file format) of the different types of projects

What is a studio apartment: definition and characteristics

A studio apartment is a small living space consisting of a single room that serves multiple functions: living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and in some cases, also a study, all within one open space without partition walls. The only separate room is the bathroom, ensuring privacy and hygiene.

The peculiarity of this housing solution lies in its versatility: every corner is designed to be multifunctional, often thanks to smart furniture solutions such as murphy beds, sofa beds, folding tables, and space-saving storage.

There are different types of studio apartments, from the classic with a kitchenette, to the loft with a mezzanine, to the open space with functional areas defined only by furniture.

This housing solution is very popular in large cities for its affordability and practicality, making it ideal for students, young professionals, singles, or for those looking for an investment for short-term rentals.

Interiors of a studio apartment: how to optimize 40 sqm with AI

Today, artificial intelligence can assist designers in defining intelligent distribution solutions, quickly generating various proposals based on specific requirements such as orientation, existing openings, and the intended use of the spaces.

This process allows for the comparison of design options that may be very different from each other, evaluating which layouts make the best use of every square meter.

AI does not replace the designer but accelerates the initial phases of the concept, offering unexpected insights and stimulating creative solutions, especially in environments where space is limited and every choice impacts overall livability.

For this reason, it is also necessary to rely on an AI architecture generator that allows you to fully leverage the potential of artificial intelligence in architectural design.

Below is an example of what can be done with usBIM.codesign AI.

Source imageImage generated by usBIM.codesign AI

A practical example of a 40 m² studio project

To begin with, let’s take a look at a practical example of a 40 m² two-people studio apartment plan perspective.

Studio apartment project produced with Edificius

The accommodation approached in this case study has a rectangular layout with two openings facing outward which are placed on adjacent sides. In order to have a surface with windows on each room of the apartment, the open-space has been placed by the larger window while the bathroom has been designed by the smaller one. This choice allows to satisfy the ventilation-lighting ratio, which should be greater than or equal to 1/8.

For this example, we have opted for a simple and functional arrangement in plan view.

In fact, a 5.50 m² small hallway leads to the accommodation access and is furnished with wardrobes on three of its four sides, so as to make the most of the available space.

From the entrance you also have access to the bathroom, which is a space of 4.50 m² equipped with sanitary ware items, and to the open space (30 m²). Consequently, you can limit the interference between the services area and the living area.

The open space has been furnished with particular attention to detail, in order to create a pleasant and functional space.

When designing small accommodations, it is necessary, indeed, to pay particular attention to the type of furniture to be chosen and to all the elements arrangement. For this case study, we have considered appropriate to select a functional type of furniture, possibly even specifically tailored, such as for seats or benches which could be turned into containers, or even sofa beds, retractable furniture, opening tables and stackable chairs.

Finally, great attention has been paid to the choice of materials, preferring reflective and light shaded finishes to confer the perception of a larger space.

Download the DWG project drawings and the  3D model in EDF format of the 40 m² studio apartment

Download the 3D BIM models (.edf file format) of the different types of projects

Download the IFC models of the different types of projects

Download the DWGs of the project drawings

FAQ about the design of a studio apartment

What is a studio apartment?

A studio apartment is a small dwelling consisting of a single room that includes a living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and sometimes also a study. The only separate space is the bathroom. Every corner is designed to be multifunctional thanks to smart furnishings such as murphy beds and folding tables.

What are the natural lighting requirements for a studio apartment?

The aeroilluminating ratio  must be at least 1/8, meaning the openable surface of the windows must be at least one-eighth of the floor area. Additionally, every habitable room must have a window that opens to the outside.

How can artificial intelligence assist in the design of a studio apartment?

Artificial intelligence can quickly generate alternative layouts based on specific parameters such as orientation and existing openings. This helps designers optimize the available space and find functional and creative solutions during the concept phase.