Urban Hermitage

Urban Hermitage aims to recreates the tranquil and melancholic beauty of a remote monastery in Belgium in a domestic studio flat in London just 26m2 in size.

The client – a London based artist – wanted to find a way to transport the feeling of remoteness to the urban setting, exploring the concept of solitary and monastic seclusion amidst the bustle of London.

The studio apartment is located on the first floor of a Victorian semi-detached house in Clapham. Internally, timber panelling and flooring immediately bring a natural feel to the room, while an exposed concrete wall completes the apartment’s melancholy secluded feel.

Despite its size, the apartment feels open and spacious due to the use of mirrors and two cleverly designed storage units at either side of the room. The first unit opens to reveal a full kitchen and the entrance to a wet room, while a bed folds down from the opposing unit which also houses a wardrobe and storage space. Net curtains diffuse natural light and act as the only soft material in the room, juxtaposing the bare, harsh textures elsewhere.