In the tightly packed neighborhood of Mohakhali DOHS, Dhaka, apartment living has become an everyday reality—an answer to the city’s rapid growth and shortage of open land. Yet even in a modest 1100 square foot space, the idea of home shouldn’t just be about fitting in. It should feel calm, open, and deeply personal. But the reality of many modern apartments tells a different story: rooms that are too tight to breathe in, layouts that block sunlight, too few bedrooms, not enough storage, and kitchens that struggle to meet the demands of our rich culinary culture. Privacy becomes rare, and often, flashy furniture overshadows what truly matters—function and comfort. With these challenges in mind, the design studio Plural Works stepped in to transform one such apartment. The clients are a young professional couple who wanted a home that felt much larger than it looked, one that could adapt to their lifestyle.
They needed a place that was flexible enough to welcome visiting friends and family while staying clutter-free and visually calm.
The design team, led by Nabila Ferdousi and S M Rumman Mashrur Chowdhury, took on the challenge with a creative, practical approach that reimagined every inch of the space.
At the core of their design was the idea of fluid planning. By removing unnecessary partitions and introducing foldable, retractable walls, the apartment could now shift and change throughout the day. A living room could quietly turn into a guest bedroom at night, blurring the boundaries between fixed spaces. This adaptability brought in a sense of lightness and movement, making the home feel far more spacious than its footprint would suggest.
Storage was cleverly concealed in plain sight—tucked into raised platforms, built into partitions, and integrated within drywall. The bedroom and living areas feature custom platform zones that double as cozy sleeping spots or relaxed hangouts, with ample storage beneath. These raised surfaces break up flat flooring and serve as social hubs, ideal for impromptu addas or festive gatherings.
Furniture, too, served multiple roles. Each piece was designed with both comfort and purpose in mind, ensuring the home stayed sleek while being completely functional. Meanwhile, everyday utilities—air conditioning units, washing machines, and even the freezer—were seamlessly concealed within tailored cabinetry, keeping the interiors visually clean and undisturbed.
One of the biggest transformations happened between the eastern veranda and the original living room.
What was once a solid-walled, light-blocking room was opened up with flexible, double-sided panels. This allowed natural light to flow in and gave the couple the freedom to open or close off the space as needed. Custom-made, soft split mattresses added to the flexibility—used as seating by day and as a sleeping platform by night.
The kitchen—often a point of compromise in urban apartments, was designed with both tradition and modern living in mind. Semi-open and separated with translucent partitions, the cooking space is now bright, breathable, and connected to both the dining area and western veranda. Storage is seamlessly integrated, and the result is a kitchen that feels airy without giving up the separation that traditional cooking often needs.
A calm, minimal palette of white walls, soft grey floors, and warm wood accents ties everything together. This neutral backdrop lets the couple’s everyday life shine without overwhelming the senses. Every design choice adds value, every detail serves a purpose. It’s a quiet revolution in urban living, where adaptability, warmth, and thoughtful design come together to make a small apartment feel like so much more.
