Dutch studio Concrete has kitted out the suites of an Amsterdam hotel with fittings that include retractable staircases, ceiling-mounted gymnast's hoops and under-bed offices.

Concrete was approached by hotel brand Zoku to come up with a concept that could be rolled out to 133 suites in one block.

These suites can be rented for between one night and several months, so the design needed to be flexible.

With an aim to create spaces that operated more like homes than hotel rooms, the designers planned the rooms as a series of micro-apartments that could give occupants enough space to entertain guests.

They feature open-plan living and dining areas, miniature offices and exercise equipment – all slotted into just 25 square metres.

"A room at Zoku is much more than just a hotel room. It is a spacious micro-apartment," said the architects.

"As space is becoming scarcer in urban areas, the way we use it sustainably to meet long-term accommodation requirements is more and more relevant," added the hoteliers. "Smart solutions that create the opportunity to use less square metres and facilitate 24/7 multifunctional use are needed."

The living area features a two-seater sofa and chairs by Danish furniture brand Muuto, as well as a dining table with a solid bamboo top.

A rug positioned by the sofa distinguishes the lounge from the dining area, while a pair of gymnast's rings hang from the ceiling in between.

A fully kitted-out kichenette allows guests to prepare home-cooked meals instead of the typical room-service fare. Bamboo flooring is used throughout the living and dining areas.

The bedroom is on a mezzanine level, accessed via a set of retractable stairs that recede into a cabinet when not in use. Cubbyholes below the stairs can be used to display personal objects such as framed family photographs.

A slatted screen folds across the front of the bedroom to provide privacy from the living space.

Large windows in the facade can be covered with thin white drapes to mute the sunlight, while black-out curtains can be drawn at night.

A wardrobe and office nook are located off the entrance hall below the base of the bed, while a bathroom sits on the opposite side behind the kitchen.

The bathroom features an oak medicine cabinet, ceramic fittings and mirrored surfaces that help to maximise the compact space.

Concrete came up with two variations of the design for Zoku. The hoteliers hope to roll the concept out internationally after the Amsterdam opening this autumn.

Photography is by Ewout Huibers.

Project credits:

Designer: Concrete
Project team: Rob Wagemans, Ulrike Lehner, Ayca Dogan, Maarten de Geus, Bart de Beer, Murk Wymenga, Sofie Ruytenberg, Femke Zumbrink, Jolijn Vonk, Cathelijne Vreugdenhil, Matthijs Hombergen, Jeroen Vester
Architect: Mulder Blauw
Client: Zoku and Beyond, HotelsAhead - Hans Meyer, Marc Jongerius