The opportunity to design an artist's studio is unusual. The very specific functional requirements of the artist, together with the need for the space to inspire creativity, is a complex brief.

Our client purchased a loft space primarily as a space to paint, but also needed to use it as occasional overnight accommodation. The double height space, which overlooks the Tate Modern Gallery on London's South Bank, had been partially fitted-out by a previous occupier. In order to create the largest possible volume, the original mezzanine was removed, maximising space for the double-height studio. A new mezzanine living platform was installed, reduced in size yet maximised in function.

A specially designed storage area for canvases is located underneath the mezzanine, together with a paint store and wash up area. These spaces are concealed by large white pivoting doors to create a clean aesthetic within the studio space. The kitchen is also partially concealed by the free-standing staircase wall, ensuring that the domestic elements of the space are downplayed. The free-standing staircase wall incorporates a slot for an Eileen Gray fold-away table.

The concrete ceiling prevented the installation of concealed lighting. To generate the levels of light required for painting, illumination is provided by a sculptural suspended 'tongue' element, which both uplights the ceiling for indirect lighting and provides downlighting over the painting area. The studio floor is finished in lacquered plywood panels and the staircase, bathroom and mezzanine are clad in Portugese Piedra Plano limestone.

The mezzanine living platform contains a concealed study behind folding full-height doors. A concealed bed pivots from the wall. The bathroom, which has a purpose-designed suspended etched glass shower enclosure, is positioned above the kitchen.

The staircase to the mezzanine continues up to a roof terrace with inspirational views over London. The terrace contains a shallow reflecting pool, aligned with the window on the living platform, to create dappled, ever-changing light reflection on the suspended lighting 'tongue' in the main studio space.

The studio is sparsely furnished in accordance with the artist's wishes. The project was completed in 2000.