Minimal UK townhome blends glass, plywood, steel, concrete

On an abandoned lot in South London, architect Carl Turner and his minimalist wife Mary Martin created a new type of terrace house that, in contrast to its Victorian neighbors, resembles stacked glass cubes.
Occupying most of a small plot in Brixton, Slip House is one of the UK's most sustainable homes, but it's not all windmills and solar panels. Instead, the house's three "slipped" (cantilevered) cuboids create an ultra-modern exterior and a calm, zen-like, open-spaced interior.
The cement and steel structure of the home is covered by a semi-opaque glass that opens the home to the street by allowing passersby to see the moving shadows inside. It's a new type of upside-down house: the bottom floor houses Turner's architecture office, the middle floor is the living quarters and the top floor with the best views is reserved for living. Martin and Turner are minimalists so to create a kind of sanctuary, they have hidden nearly all of their things behind hand-crafted birch plywood furniture.
Achieving a Level 5 for sustainable homes- the highest rating in the UK-, Slip House relies on "'energy piles' which use a solar assisted ground source heat pump integrated into the pile foundations", a wildflower green roof, rainwater harvesting, permeable driveway, photovoltaics, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and underfloor heating.
Arguably what makes Slip House sustainable isn't in its materials, but in its flexibility to change with the needs of its tenants. It can morph from single-family home to apartment plus office to a home plus in-law unit. Currently, Martin and Turner are "living over the shop", but it's a setup that they hope could be a model for affordable housing.
More info on original story: faircompanies.c...
Carl Turner Architects: www.ct-architec...

[@mistertee5000]

Love this house. Almost clinical and so soothing. I could see the temptation to "warm it up" with decor, colour, texture, etc... but I kinda like the simplicity of not necessarily having less stuff, but just being able to hide it all so that you're not surrounded by visual chaos all the time. It's like meditation for the eyes (which I know will sound ridiculous to some).

[@kirstendirksen]

The baby was mine. My husband was filming with a 2nd camera (also asking questions and taking photos) and carrying the baby (we brought him along for our few days in London).

[@adrianciuhu8052]

I'm a minimalist . I love this house ! Simple = perfect

[@tony_718]

It's not for everyone, It's definitely not a cookie-cutter home, it has character n minimal in design. Who says bathrooms need to be like this or that, it's one's personal taste, to someone it's a crazy untraditional design, but that's the beauty of it, it's what they like so why judge. I like it.

[@23redcomet]

I AGREE!ME TOO!👍🎯💯😀

[@emmawilliams2801]

WONFERFUL MODERN HOME! Haters gonna hate!

[@---xp1iq]

I completely agree. A tinge of light blue or a green would have the home really feel warm.

[@JAchica11]

Why would I want to talk to anyone while taking a dump? Weird!

[@shoockinvert]

+JAchica11 y good ... I'm from Brazil and I am trying to build a sustainable home if you want to help can donate, Bank Ag 001 CC 6541-2 21758-1. Stay in peace. I have a project to reuse the rainwater and clothes washing machine and sink to use them as water reuse to the bathroom. Solar panels and glass blocks for ambient lighting using the fewest possible lights. And the furniture made from recyclable materials. On the outside of floors bloquetos for improved water penetration into the soil.

[@leaperrins8373]

+JAchica11 Why do you assume that's the sociable part of the bathroom? Have you never taken a bath with your partner? I think this house is vile. It's rare for me not to like some part of it but i honestly can't find anything here that works for me.

[@patrickrobinson317]

Why not? As a society we dine together in restaurants, so what's wrong with ending the digestive process together? LOL !

[@alvageffenblad8293]

It's a bathroom, not a toilet.

[@freetobeme6013]

Big no-no for me too. A person should be given privacy for certain things in life, if we all go back to toileting in front of each other, we regress to animals. Grim.

[@Ava_Orchid]

He has a funny sort of idea on what the word small means! I live quite well in what would be the bathroom and bedroom level alone to that huge home

[@pennryan970]

This is still my favorite video on the channel. Thank you so much for filming it. I've spent a lot of time daydreaming about living here. Coming back to the video after a few years from the first time I saw it, still a classic. Two thumbs way up, as they say.

[@almannone]

Once again, Kirsten, thank you for bringing these gems to light. You are providing an invaluable service to us design/environmental aficionados.

[@jrjubach]

Looks like an Apple store.

[@kazoosc]

similar limited pallete of materials, simple construction/finish

[@brillobox1964]

Or like a hospital

[@joysoyo2416]

Or an office

[@SyberPrepper]

Love the sliding doors and ceiling slats. Of course the water harvesting and solar assisted heat pump are great. Many great ideas. Thanks for sharing it with us. The second camera was a nice touch. Also great audio.

[@MsPinkan3]

Although I feel it way too cold for living there, I will have to give the architects, and the home itself, a thumbs up, because everything is thoroughly thought, and also because of all the environmental-friendly things it has.

[@vondahe]

misspinkan misspinkan Indeed. They had a dream and a vision which they turned into a home. I admire people who can see all these opportunities even though it’s way to sterile and impersonal for my taste. He also called his wife a design fascist... 8-D I wish I had just a quarter of their interior design talent, though.

[@jobney]

​@@vondahe I agree. Over time if they ever changed their preferred style it wouldn't take much effort to change the look of the house. It's already a blank canvas. Think how only adding indoor plants would have a huge effect. Changing out the dining table and sofa would also go a long way.

[@Mei-st5bq]

Yeah it feels like office is most likely loved space and feels like family doesn't exist how sad only color in the place was those photos and those beautiful orange books in a cupboard that he started frizzing on... Poor kids must be tough

[@johnjingleheimer5539]

This is brilliant! very high end yet still brilliant use, capturing the water for reuse. The raised garden is awesome. Everything very intentional. So cool. It proves that the ingenuity can breed unbelievably incredible results, different styles for different people across the board. So amazing to see the creative flow, and intentional and deliberate use of everything.

[@johnjingleheimer5539]

Zara Z only two legs.

[@MelissaBrownapt215]

John Jingleheimer - Exactly. People don't get that the aesthtic part is personal. You can change it easily.

[@JDS042]

The architect did an amazing job explaining why and how the space is how it is. Bravo!

[@taz24787]

GREAT sliding & knobless design. ... But NOTHING cozy about it, seems like a huge office.

[@bent-erikmunch9839]

great house, materials and design, love that approach to minimalism ;)

[@videoman7659]

I like it but I also like the traditional homes across the court yard.

[@lisakilmer2667]

This is a good design but I suspect most people would think this is too stark. If the wall cabinets were done with the wood grain showing rather than whitened out I think it would be beautiful. The idea of closing your functions behind cupboard doors is very intelligent. While he said the materials were cheap I imagine the carpentry bills were astronomical!

[@lisakn27]

Very cool place, but when I am using the toilet or taking a bath, I don't want it to be social..but at least you have a choice. Love your home's design. The only thing I would change is it looks too sterile. It looks kind of cold..reminds me of my dentist's office. Need a splash of color here and there.

[@GabiKalitaVEVO]

in my opinion it's cool that it's so sterile because it still feels warm & can fit everyone, also you have "place" for thoughts. you can't be distracted by things lying on shelves, everything is hidden. one thing i would change: to place kitchen in separated room with big window to not smell cooked dish in whole house.

[@guitargodkc]

***** the home was actually featured on Grand Design, and the decluttered look is part of the design, and how the wife likes it to be. This is her preferred minimalism.

[@JJoeisCooking]

I would choose a different color palate, but the design is fantastic. I love that many of their things can be easily hidden behind the doors and the floating cabinets have a really nice effect. The way the kitchen is designed to hide messy counters is wonderful.

[@JohnPChild]

Kirsten Dirksen: Hero. I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed your documentary "We The Tiny People" and your videos. Love 'em! Thank you.

[@sixpetrov]

Social while using the toilet? No thanks.

[@tehshortnoob]

There's no visible toilet there. Use your brain.

[@sixpetrov]

TehSho rtNoob No need for insults, I was commenting this 1:54

[@Ahhtisbutaaweeleprec]

That's a toilet right next to the bathtub.

[@MR-xf8xg]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one.

[@MR-xf8xg]

@@tehshortnoob are you just kidding or did you miss the toilet? I'm watching on a small phone a d saw it

[@lnvaderGir]

The home gives a simplicity that makes it seem rather elegant. More elegant than the most ornate homes. Amazing really.

[@DannyMcmonagle94]

I like the industrial and minimal finish. But I would soften it up with old fashioned style furnishings.

[@Commentator541]

I love this! When people with a lot of wealth create something new and unique. Idea meets power to materialize. Perfection.

[@pkbreeze08]

A lot of hate for this building in the comments. While I agree that it isn't the usual build that is featured here, I would highly suggest watching the episode of Grand Designs that followed the build process of this house to understand a bit more about it and the choices made for it. Thanks for sharing this with the masses Kirsten.

[@AsiyaBajwa]

Can't find it. Any link?

[@dtschuor459]

@@AsiyaBajwa I saw it on Netflix. The program is called Grand Designs. Season 12, Episode 3 (I think) Very interesting process, but with this and the other, you get a deeper look. On the program, you don't get to see it being used for living...just at the very end of the show.

[@kevinkennedy4052]

Kirsten, your tiny house & small space videos caught my attention, but I am really appreciating your coverage and exploration of these new takes on traditional homes. As the owner of a 1938 suburban DC home, these videos really help my family and I consider alternative ways to use the spaces in our house. I love your in-depth interviews exploring the designers intent of spaces. Keep up the great work!

[@Zoesstuff]

I watched the making of this house on Grand Designs here in the UK. It was really nice to get another view of the ideas behind it-I think it's brilliant-thanks for sharing!

[@coopertino1]

Absolutely, Loved this house! this is most definitely my style.

[@abrahamworang8528]

compact? It looks bigger and more spacious compared to neighboring houses..

[@23redcomet]

I AGREE!

[@simplybows1]

Your videos are great Ms. Dirsken! Giving me alot of ideas for my future home and for my rental property!

[@saxmanchiro]

Awesome use of hardwood veneered plywood. Very utilitarian, rugged, appealing to the eye, durable and long lasting, green, cheap as well. Love all the sliders too. Nice job and well thought out.

[@JD-ip4fs]

It’s still my favorite video. I glad I found this gem it’s been a few years.

[@lewisn6597]

iv'e found myself in love with this channel because all of the videos are fun and quirky. and also very well documented.

[@danij1586]

I love this house, I love that you can hide everything. Awesome home. I've already redecorated it for me in my mind. lol

[@MR-xf8xg]

I like the hideaways too. But it's a little austere

[@Sheila6325]

Simply Gorgeous! I love every inch of it. Less is so comforting, I'm working on that in my home right now too. Too much to look at, actually makes me feel tired sometimes, so I decided to change it, and minimal is indeed the answer. Very Unusual because I used to be just the opposite. With 4 children, I had no choice, today I get to decide the way my spaces look and feel. Beautiful plywood and floors, and the kitchen area table, is to die for! Thank you so much for a wonderful Video

[@BKOBatista]

The idea of the living area been on the upper level and the bedroom on the lower/darker/secluded is great.

[@CarloL525]

Beautiful! Work and home combined in a gorgeous modern house!

[@ralevdotcom]

I can't believe I'm a subscriber for this channel for some years now and I've missed this cool house. Love the minimal solutions and the working-living philosophy of this family. Some plants will probably make this space even more captivating.

[@tdubb77]

I love these videos. They're really inspiring me to live more simply, to live more eco-friendly,and realize I need to (and can) scale down. It's very refreshing!

[@ekdaufin1485]

Would have loved a more systematic tour especially of the storage spaces. Where are the refrigerators? Washer dryer? Dishwasher?

[@austindebnam3569]

This is a really nice house, it would be a dream come true for me. I really like the industrial, futuristic and minimalist style this house has. Nice work! The only thing I dislike is the bathroom, it's way too public. I like doing my toilet business in private.

[@DragonYearJoji]

Interesting use of materials and aesthetic - "monastic" and I can relate to the feeling of needing to hide stuff so that it doesn't drive you crazy, just looking at it. BUT he glossed over the low energy parts and I would like a separate video about those parts IN DETAIL!! So he has thick insulation? in roof and walls? Double glazing? Solar panels (for heat? electricty?) What is heat system and what is it made up of? Tell us more about the rain water capture. Results for UK solar & rainwater

[@ruapraia]

Thank you for posting, this was a much better showcasing of the house than was done on Grand Designs.

[@arkitecmuebles9596]

excelente trabajo.despues de tantos años no me canso de verlo.saludos desde Perú

[@brandonburrell8517]

Warm austerity. I admire this.

[@BreannaBaozi]

So inspired by all these homes on this channel that maximizes a minimal space! I might want to plan an apartment like this. Apartments where i would want to live are so expensive for 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, living room, ETC!

[@bryanpadgett2571]

I just got on the internet and it has become my TV and your stuff is my favorite channel . Thank you .

[@MsGale10]

I am stunned that they got planning permission for this home; it is not anything like the homes around it. I am sure the folk in the other homes are glad about that too!

[@Intactisin]

what a comforting and beautiful house. I could move right in!

[@SofiaArthursxo]

personally, i love the minimalistic, open and industrial look.

[@micoforion5308]

Nice to see Grand Design home, thanx for sharing .

[@Anakianaj]

Sure white is kind of the 'new' in-color when it comes to interior design and boxes and clear and clean is another popular thing... - But the structure of the house+thebox-setup+the materials make it look like a laboratory/hospital. I think there are quite a few good ideas in there and the design is interesting (at least the interior design) - but it's definitely not something I would feel "at home". But that's personal preference I guess. As opposed to them I prefer the "looking a bit like a sort of a woodman's cottage" - or just: I prefer at least some warm tones and bright colors and edges and nice shapes.

[@77Tadams]

I liked the house. And there was color, just minimal. Also the floors were all just sub floor and very easy to keep clean.

[@drich5259]

Easily one of the best interiors ever!!

[@lilspiderlily]

change the lighting, paint to warm colors and put in some comfortable couches... it'll become such nice living space! i'm so liking this

[@halifaxliving]

This is a beautiful home. I especially love the thinking behind the many details, subtle yet supreme. Nice work!

[@lucidfrog]

Yaay! A new house tour. Thanks Kirsten I love your videos! I think this home is great, minimalism is growing on me. I like the no clutter feel. The social bathroom is unusual, but if it works for you go for it!

[@synapse131]

This house was featured on Grand Designs. Nice place.

[@bryanpadgett2571]

Thank you , Maam .

[@fatihilhan90]

his voice is as minimalist as his house! how does he manage to speak with only one tone?

[@PASCALP25]

unny when it says this a small place, he should take a look about the videos in NYC

[@kazoosc]

remember his firm has their offices on the ground floor. total square footage is 2,150 sq.ft. ( Architectural Record ), and the ground floor is largest of the 3 floors .. so 2 bed, 1 bath house in 1,400 sq.ft. -- more likely less .. big compared to a 400 sq.ft. or less apartment, but hardly massive

[@ChazEvansdale]

I really like a lot of the spaces they have. They have a lot of sliding doors. I wouldn't want their bathroom, but to each their own. I'd add strong color highlights with pillows and hanging things on the walls, but I like the flow as is too.

[@Acquavallo]

I like this house more and more and more and more as the video goes on.

[@lisakaye6923]

Its nice, but not my idea of "homey". Lol But everybody has different tastes. That is what makes the world great! Great job on the house. Its really beautiful.

[@Saeshmea]

Of all the houses you have showed us this is probably the most cold and less cozy. It's the first time I finish one of your videos without thinking "it would be nice living here". And I don't understand why because many times you have filmed other minimalist houses and apartments that hide everything; I'd say that this one lacks whatever it is that make them homes.

[@Aleckiano]

It looks like a hospital operating room !!! great, I love it

[@Lebles90]

Amazing, right up my street. Designs like these dont get old dated unlike most of the temporary crap that is built nowadays.

[@marajazwieck675]

I loved it! Gorgeous, thanks for inviting us all in!

[@Elnato23]

It's well done, but minimalist to the point of being depressing

[@blurayffan66]

I agree- needs some plants and a television! His all black clothing too are depressing- probably listens to Joy Division all day long. I like minimalist and clean living spaces but this is going too far- in my opinion.

[@MoebiusSound]

I think its the lighting thats killing any feeling of comfort. The tube lights give it a hotel/hospital vibe.

[@MR-xf8xg]

Omg yes. It looks like a store display.

[@MsMojoworks]

He manages an Apple Store?

[@neology81]

And the monotonous tone of his voice..... 😴

[@SPLICEDPRODUCTIONS]

I couldnt have said it better i love simplicity , simplicity = elegance

[@tfwolfgirl]

I think so too in a way. I have gone to work in many different places and most of them have that same industrial look, everything is clean edged, no handles, all smooth and no textures. Any mess or clutter is hidden away. This place just does not feel warm, more of a house rather than a home.

[@atomnous]

I love this house!!

[@jesscmovie]

Thank you Kirsten I love your videos!

[@ruthpayot6683]

i love the interior lighting and ambiance

[@xWithBrokenWingsx]

this is probably the most interesting channel on youtube, you deserve way more views

[@caps8723]

I’d love to see it

[@AsiyaBajwa]

Wow wow wow what a treat for my eyes and mind!!!!!

[@benwilkins6208]

Interesting house in its own right, but it stands out like a sore thumb in that neighborhood. Looks like something a Bond villain would live in.

[@dawnpaoloabes8441]

This house belongs inside a modern art museum, needs to have a lot of people otherwise feels so empty

[@PeteS_1994]

An overused opinion.

[@dawnpaoloabes8441]

yeah just joining the ride -____-

[@Angela-xk2jy]

I'm in love with this :) For me, it just needs a little bit of color. I love the way they keep stuff and the doors. It was truly well thought of :D

[@BenevolentXMachine]

Real beautiful. Can appreciate the thought put into this.

[@bob26873]

Almost summer up in the northern hemisphere, i think its time to do a quick recap with everyone you have had on the show and do a special show with all these spaces living in the summer.

[@pixpusha]

I love it! It looks clinical but its perfect for me. I also love that its air tight. I sure could use that living in the country I get spiders from time to time. I live in fear of when a critter might get in.

[@SkoduOtaku3970]

This is definitely isn't my kind of home, but it is still a unique use of space, material and concept. I appreciate that :)

[@icefayth]

loving the toilet concept sooooo much!

[@SirEveryone]

I love zen spaces, but this just looks like a art gallery

[@thekoolkidzondaendz]

This is my dream house. I love it...

[@imapersondealwithit8972]

In that neighborhood the house sticks out like a sore thumb. 1:48 Also, why would you have the sliding door behind the tub? wouldn't it be inconvenient to try to pull it over while having to take a massive sh!t like "Oh!!! I HAVE TO SH!T SO BAD!!! WHY ARE THE DOORS SO FAR APART!? F@CK IT! One door will do." 0.o

[@justiceunderstanding8863]

your videography has gotten much better with time.

[@NowAndThenEH89JW]

I like it. Cool vid. Cold? I bet it's nice and warm. If it gets too warm in the summer I guess the heat gets sent beneath. No drafts. Air tight. It is too white for me. Like a hospital.

[@dtschuor459]

The only thing that really bothered me, besides the fact that I would like slightly larger art work, a bit more color in the bedrooms especially, would be the windows are fixed. I like outdoor air. Perhaps in London, that is not missed. You can go outside if the air is nice. But I would feel closed up in a box when sleeping year round with fixed windows.

[@jukes243]

A splash of color would be nice, but I really like the floor plan, furniture design and open feel of your home. If it works for you, it's perfect.

[@dphotos007]

O sorry about the baby comment. I thought he was hiding the baby toys. I have a daughter and when she was young my house was filled with toys and stuff. It is a never ending battle to keep a house clean with young ones. Hope you guys enjoyed your trip. I love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@fkwcfkwc]

This is perfect for office use or design house, for residential, some of the areas can be better. But overall it’s nice 👍🏼

[@mikeausra6950]

best use of space a pluss and clean look tyvm god bless you

[@papalevies]

It's a cool house but I think they went too far with the industrial look for my tastes. With some slight modifications though it would be a good place to live. I also like the way they hide all the small things behind smooth surfaces, that really makes it look tidier. The bathroom is a horrible idea, even with the glass walls closed.

[@ASIT7TR]

+papalevies I totally agree with you.... although this house looks "calming and serene", to me its bit too cold, no accent colour whatsoever and for me, a 'home' its should be a place where we feel comfortable to walk around with bare feet (if we want to), and not require us to wear shoes all the time (which is it seems you do in this house with the type of flooring like that..)

[@kazoosc]

​@@ASIT7TR while Carl and Kirsten are wearing shoes .. not sure they're required. and although they have not gone for a radiant heat system -- the combination of high insulation values and solar/ground heat pump system probably keeps it warm enough.

[@matthewsoltau3407]

This is perfect

[@pdtrv]

I like it and I feel it. I like how calm he is and all this interior design and smooth colours. Its all about materials texture and tactical feelings. It's also important for me. Exterior look is pretty unusual comparing to neighbours.

[@5000cache]

brilliant design. bravo !