Some people try to move as far away from their families as possible, but a father in Amsterdam wanted to house three generations of his clan under one roof. So he purchased multiple spaces in a housing development, including an apartment for him and his daughter, a separate dwelling for his mother, and a loft where his daughter can live as an adult. For the daughter's loft space, Amsterdam-based architecture firm Heren 5 collaborated with furniture designer Paul Timmer to fit all the essentials of a home into a compact 484-square-foot space.

They took advantage of the over 11-foot ceilings, creating a central structure with storage, the bathroom, parts of the kitchen, and a sleeping area on top. Birch wood and white countertops were used to keep the space bright and modern, while letting those classic canal views take center stage. The architects created multiple levels within the loft to maximize the space and let the different areas feel open but distinct. The apartment will be rented out until the client's daughter is old enough to move out — or, at least move next door.