For some, the idea of walking into a yoga studio can be filled with feelings of intimidation and anxiety. What is meant to be a calm and meditative space can often be perceived by the uninitiated as exclusive, judgmental and unwelcoming. even those who are familiar with the discipline and have a long practice may be hesitant to join a new studio if they feel unchallenged. Basic Space in Camberwell, South London, is definitely not one of those studios.
Established by Jaime Hepburn as a “neighborhood practice”, Basic Space is warm, open and welcoming, thanks in large part to its design. Conceived by an architect Matt Hepburn–founder of London studio of hate and wife of Jaime–the studio cultivates a sense of exclusivity and community through its considered material palette of frosted glass, polished concrete, birch plywood, natural linen, and organic plaster.
“Materials set the tone,” says Matt Hepburn. “They are honest and tactile, the concrete underfoot, the texture of plaster, the softness of linen. We wanted each space to contribute to a sense of refreshing calm.”
This feeling is felt as soon as one walks through the transparent glass door. Clean yet serene, the reception lobby is flooded with natural light streaming through the windows and diffused by a wall of frosted glass. A sculpted plaster plinth by architect and artist Freddy Tuppen anchors the space. Serving as the check-in desk, the organically shaped podium is an approachable focal point that helps orient oneself to the space.
A corner of streamlined open shelving displays product in a neat and tidy way, while a low Kashima sofa from Ligne Roset provides the opportunity to relax before class or relax afterwards. “It’s not like an ‘okay, in and out, see you later’ kind of place,” says Matt Hepburn of the lounge-like space. Beyond the reception, the changing rooms, clad in yellow ceramic tiles, speak with a soft glow.
The glass brick wall separates the reception area from the main studio area (a second room equipped with Pilates reformers is in the back). consisting of elongated rectangles, the glass bricks are “slimmer and a bit sleeker” than the more common square shape. “I feel like they have a slightly more contemporary feel,” says Matt Hepburn of the selection.
Fronted by full-height frosted glass, the main practice room is the epitome of serenity – daylight floods the space, but the soft glazing treatment filters it and also provides a privacy screen from outside passers-by and mutes visual distraction from within. Linen curtains can be used to completely close off the space for workshops or other events, with the natural material contributing to a softening effect complemented by warm birch plywood storage shelves.
Throughout the studio, the floor is a uniform polished concrete with exposed aggregate that resembles high-end terrazzo and is both durable and grounded underfoot. Matt Hepburn chose not to install a drop ceiling, instead allowing visible industrial elements to play a role in the overall design.
Matt Hepburn’s material-centric approach to Basic Space has successfully created a yoga and Pilates studio that is inherently textured and honest – and one that gives the community an open and welcoming place to return to again and again.
To see this and other works by the company, visit haat.studio.
Photo by French+Tye.
