Designed for Calm, Built for Community

For some, the idea of entering a yoga studio can be fraught with feelings of intimidation and anxiety. What is meant to be a calm and meditative space can often be perceived by the inexperienced as exclusive, judgemental and unwelcoming; even those who are familiar with the discipline and have a long-established practice can be hesitant to join a new studio if it feels uninviting. Basic Space in Camberwell, South London, is decidedly not one of those studios.

Established by Jaime Hepburn as a “neighborhood practice,” Basic Space is warm, open, and inviting, thanks in no small part to its design. Devised by architect Matt Hepburn–founder of London’s haat studio and husband to Jaime–the studio fosters a sense of inclusivity and community through its considered material palette of frosted glass blocks, polished concrete, birch plywood, natural linen and organic plaster.

“The materials set the tone,” says Matt Hepburn. “They’re honest and tactile, the concrete underfoot, the texture of the plaster, the softness of the linen. We wanted every space to contribute to a feeling of uplifting calm.”

That feeling is noticeable as soon as one walks through the transparent glass door. Crisp yet serene, the reception lobby is flooded by natural light that streams in through the windows and is scattered about by a wall of frosted glass blocks. A sculptural plaster pedestal 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 within the space.

A corner of streamlined open shelving displays product in a neat and orderly fashion, while a low-slung Kashima sofa from Ligne Roset provides an opportunity to lounge before class or linger after. “It’s not like an ‘okay, in and out, see you later’ kind of place,” says Matt Hepburn of the lounge-like area. Beyond the reception, the changing rooms, clad in yellow-hued ceramic tiles, beckon with a soft glow.

The wall of glass blocks separates the reception from the main studio space (a second room appointed with Pilates reformers is found at the back); composed of elongated rectangles, the glass blocks are “slimmer and a little more elegant” than the more commonly expected square format. “I feel they have a slightly more contemporary feel,” says Matt Hepburn of the choice.

Fronted by full-height frosted glass, the main practice room is the epitome of serenity – daylight floods the space, but the glazing treatment soflty filters it and also provides a privacy screen from those passing by outside and mutes the visual distraction from within. Linen curtains can be used to close off the space entirely for workshops or other events, with the natural material contributing a softening effect that is complemented by warm birch plywood storage shelving.

Throughout the studio, the flooring is a uniform polished concrete with exposed aggregate that reads like a high-end terrazzo and is at once hardwearing and grounding underfoot. Matt Hepburn opted to not install a drop ceiling, instead allowing the visible industrial elements to play a role in the overall design.

The material-driven approach taken by Matt Hepburn for Basic Space has successfully created a yoga and Pilates studio that is inherently textural and honest – and one that gives the community an open and inviting place to return to time and time again.

To see this and other works by the firm, visit haat.studio.

Photography by French+Tye.