Haat designs minimal yoga studio in South London
An elegant project that varies materiality to balance softness and strength
London-based architecture studio, haat, has completed a yoga and pilates studio in South London that artfully balances softness and strength. Drawing upon Basic Space’s ethos—catering to “curious souls who appreciate mindful living, understated beauty, and the simplicity of being”—the designers juxtaposed frosted glass blocks with a raw concrete floor and organic textures, creating an environment that is both welcoming and grounded.
Basic Space - Studio 1
Architect Matt Hepburn of haat has partnered with his wife Jaime Hepburn’s Basic Space to create a welcoming yet minimal space that blends their two worlds. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by tactile glass blocks that softly diffuse the sunlight streaming in through the large windows, casting gentle silhouettes, and establishing a quiet sense of privacy. The design maximises the ceiling height, giving the space with an airy, uplifting feel, while underfoot, a raw concrete floor flecked with exposed aggregate provides an understated yet grounding counterpoint to the vertical glass blocks. The centrepiece of the lobby is the organic plaster reception desk by Fred Tuppen, which introduces smooth, sculptural curves paired with a vintage Kashima Sofa from Linge Rossett.
Basic Space - Lobby
At the centre of the space is a soft yellow central changing and bathroom area, creating a warm glow at the heart of the interior with vertical tiles to reinforce the generosity of the volume and reference the vertical glass blocks. In the studio spaces, soft, indirect lighting projects a sense of calm, while birch plywood joinery provides natural warmth, while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Soft linen curtains complete the scene, offering gentle privacy and a subtle, ethereal elegance that reinforces the space’s serene, welcoming atmosphere.
Basic Space - Changing Area
By removing ceiling and floor finishes from the project and using self-finishing materials the embodied carbon has been reduced by an estimated 20% (when calculated using modules A1-A5 vs business as usual)
Matt and Jaime Hepburn - Basic Space x haat
The project was completed in just 4 months as the timeline to open was very strict, work commenced in September and was completed in time for a January opening.
