Continuing the trend for tiny urban apartments, London-based practice CIAO has renovated this studio flat for a young buyer to make the most of every inch of space.

The client requested the 35-square-metre flat, located in the London area of Islington, be redesigned so it could adapt to accommodate visiting family and friends, without him having to compromise on space.

In response, CIAO created an open-plan interior with no corridors and built-in bespoke space-saving furniture to make the apartment feel as big as possible.

In the main space at the front of the property, CIAO designed a raised birch plywood bed platform on one side of the room, which is separated from the main living area by a half-height bookshelf.

A second double bed is neatly hidden under this platform and can be pulled out when needed for guests. At times it's not in use, the unit leaves space for a home office.

Extra storage is also provided by drawers hidden in the steps up to the bed platform, as well as a built-in wardrobe in the living area.

At the back of the house, a diagonal kitchen runs along one side of the space. The kitchen is made from Corten steel panels covered by a worktop with a rusted metal effect.

A compact bathroom with a sliding door and white hexagonal tiles is sandwiched between the main space and the kitchen.

CIAO also made the most of the high ceilings throughout the flat – part of a Victorian terraced house – by adding a mezzanine over the bathroom and entrance. This provides storage space to reduce clutter.

The walls are painted white throughout apart from a single exposed brick wall in the living area, while woven vinyl Bolon flooring features in most of the space, including the bathroom.

As property prices skyrocket, smaller, more adaptable apartments such as this one are increasingly in demand from city dwellers and are cropping up all around the world. CIAO director Diego Dalpra told Dezeen that this is why houses like this one are being converted into smaller flats and sold as separate units.

"We believe micro flats are the future for cities like London," said Dalpra. "I also think it's become very trendy to live in small adaptable spaces. We spend most of our day at work and sometimes just need a cosy and functional place when we get home."

There is also an ongoing trend for micro homes in city developments, demonstrated by projects like the upcoming Gainsford Road in London and My Micro NY in New York.

Photography is by Francesco Russo.