As a growing number of people move into cities, rising costs of living are causing many to trade living space for affordability. Here, Studio Bazi head Alireza Nemati has shown with his customized micro-apartment that a lack of living space doesn’t have to mean being cramped.

Making the most of his 376 sq. ft. apartment in Moscow, Nemati added a raised wooden volume which houses the sleeping quarters and additional disguised storage space.

Nemati and his wife’s goal was to create an open-plan space that maximizes natural light, but to also retain a level of privacy in the sleeping areas, Nemati told design publication Dezeen.

So Nemati devised a wooden sleeping box – above the ground and in the back corner of the apartment, adjacent to the kitchen and living area. A curtain separates the sleeping unit from the apartment entrance.

The stairs leading up to the box feature disguised storage. Three large sliding shelves are integrated, which can be used to hide household appliances.

Dark stained pine panels were used to bring warmth to the apartment.