# Compact Duplex Apartments The SBC Apartment is a Renovated Modern Apartment By Amy Duong | Published 2026-07-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sbc-apartment References: [design-milk](https://design-milk.com/studio-papayas-sbc-apartment-showcases-small-space-and-smart-design/)  The [SBC Apartment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sbc-apartment) is a 538-square-foot residence in São Paulo, Brazil, redesigned by [Studio Papaya](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-mescla) with custom furniture, integrated storage, and an [open-plan layout](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turo-park). A green entry sequence extends across the floor, walls, and ceiling to define the arrival experience, while a wooden screen conceals storage without blocking light or airflow. The former balcony was incorporated into the interior to create a continuous living area. A bespoke sliding table functions as a preparation surface, dining table, and workspace, while plywood cabinetry, stainless steel finishes, and varied flooring materials distinguish activity zones without relying on interior partitions. Custom joinery throughout the home supports adaptable living with movable seating, shelving, and storage arranged to maximize the compact footprint. A double-height window introduces natural light and views of surrounding greenery, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The mezzanine level includes a lounge area separated by a slatted divider and green guardrail panels, while the bedroom features integrated millwork. Image Credit: Arthur Duarte ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Micro-living Adaptability:** Compact residences are increasingly using convertible furniture, hidden storage, and flexible layouts to make small urban homes feel multifunctional and premium. - **Zoned Open Plans:** Material shifts, color-blocked surfaces, and custom screens offer new ways to define activities within open interiors without sacrificing light, airflow, or spatial continuity. - **Biophilic Compact Design:** Natural light, greenery views, and nature-inspired color treatments are turning dense apartment living into a more restorative and energy-conscious experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Residential Real Estate:** Urban housing developers can differentiate compact units through design-led spatial efficiency that supports living, working, dining, and storage in minimal square footage. - **Furniture Design:** Demand for bespoke sliding tables, movable seating, and integrated cabinetry points to growth in multifunctional products tailored for high-density homes. - **Interior Architecture:** Small-space renovation is becoming a testing ground for partition-free planning, custom joinery, and sensory entry experiences that elevate everyday apartment use. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mindful Screen-Free Health Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-cirqa-smart-band.md) - [Dynamic Wall Lighting Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maap-4.md) - [Multipurpose Titanium Kitchen Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/propergear-fieldspork.md) - [Recycled HDPE Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lawrence-technological-university.md) - [Premium Board Game Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ws-game-company.md) - [Traceable Packaging Labels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Traceable-packaging-labels.md) - [Distraction-Free Flip Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-flip.md) - [Design Residency Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-of-forms.md) - [High-Performance Athletic Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/techwear-wellness-collection.md)