How many of us really need a room for our bed? Granted some of us work from our bedrooms, using it as a study or home office, but for some people the only time they use the room is when it’s time to sleep. Perhaps we could use a lot less space for our bedrooms, but this London townhome goes one further and removes the ‘room’ entirely.
Located in the center of this 500 square-foot home, the ‘bedroom’ is suspended under a large, operable skylight window – pretty cool. The bed is accessed by a small staircase that wraps around the bed, and also helps to divide the otherwise open-plan interior.
Supported by a steel frame structure, it almost seems as if the bed has dropped down from the ceiling. The overall effect is that of a void (or bridge) between the inside and outside, helping to connect the two environments. The staircase leads on up past the bed to a large rooftop deck.
The bathroom is found next to the kitchen. The shower and sink are enclosed in a small compartment, providing privacy. However the bath itself is left out in the open with only a shower curtain separating you from your cohabitants. A set up that’s perhaps more ideal for exhibitionists. The exposed bath allows the designer to keep the space as open as possible. Privacy 0, space 1.
The other areas of the home are comfortably large thanks to the ‘open’ bedroom and bathroom, which are typically enclosed, reducing the available space. Couple that with the large windows and a plain color palette punctuated by furniture pieces, the townhouse is a spacious, trendy environment that I think most of us could live in very comfortably. Although, 500 square foot is a rather large space for a single person (or even two) and the interior doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a family.
Whether you like it, love it, or hate it, this townhouse features interesting ideas about space and privacy. What do you think of this home’s open plan layout – could you live with it?
For modern small houses and studios check out The Crib by Broadhurst Architects, a versatile small space for both home and work life. Or the Banyan Treehouse, a stylish office space that doubles as a retreat and guest house.
Via Dornob
Why is there a tub in the kitchen?
Jody – I think they were perhaps trying to keep the space as open as possible, avoiding the construction of a room within the otherwise open space. Or maybe they were just being different, who knows!
I like the open bed area. However, all beds whether suspended, on pulleys, Murphy, or otherwise have only one side for getting in and out. First, it is impractical for changing sheets and making a bed. Second, try getting up a few times during the night…crawling over your partner! Third, those with small bladders have to traverse, (while still half asleep) stairs with no handrails or safety guards AND the toilet always seems to be on a different floor level than the bedroom. Who can design a tiny house which alleviates this problem? And solutions which are reasonable in cost. Not the $7k – $25k European designed beds which save space in those multi million dollar apartments!
Jody, in my childhood bathtubs we always in the kitchen. It was easy access to hot water. Plumbing does not seem to be an issue any more… Now it is space. If you don’t want to see the tub, a table on wheels could easily be moved to cover it. Table, counter or desk height would provide a secondary use when tub is not in use.
Absolutely. I could live like this. There are legal issues, though. In Denmark 2 doors are required between eating area and toilet.For hygienic reasons. Also, I would not appreciate no bathroom doors if I have visitors.
Sweet space. All are valid points. I think the main reason for having the open bath is being a townhome, the vertical windows are found at either end of the unit. Perhaps a partition with a clerestory would let enough light in, or glass block/frosted walls enclosing the bath. That way, the privacy of the toilet is still maintained, the bath, well, lets face it, how many of us are bathing while guests are in our homes, and enough light would get through. And it may even solve your legal issues Helen! I agree Helen, I could live like this, but maybe a little more railing around the bed like Peggy suggests!