Tucked between traditional red-brick Victorian houses in London’s Forest Hill, a slim yet striking modern residence stands out with its chalk-colored brick façade and charred cedar cladding.
While the home appears narrow at first glance, its cleverly designed floor plan opens into bright, plant-filled living spaces and a lush, private garden that feels like a hidden oasis in the city.
Designed by Studio BAM, this two-bedroom home spans two floors and features an open-plan layout that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors.
Large sliding glass doors invite the garden inside, while a central loggia filled with tropical plants creates a calming focal point connecting every home corner to nature.
Thoughtful Design with a Botanical Touch
As you pass through the narrow front entryway, the home opens into a bright, expansive living area at the rear. The design leans slightly industrial, with exposed timber beams, visible metal piping, and terrazzo flooring.
This is beautifully softened by greenery in every corner—ferns, palms, and trailing vines that add warmth and texture. On one side of the room, a sleek black kitchen runs the length of the wall.
Terrazzo countertops echo the floor, while white tile backsplash and floating shelves keep the kitchen open and minimal. A large wooden dining table sits at the center of the space, creating a natural transition between cooking and relaxing zones.
Grounded in Nature and Light
The main bedroom, located on the ground floor, is designed around the plant-filled loggia. It’s a peaceful retreat, complete with built-in plywood wardrobes and large windows offering uninterrupted garden views.
The connection between indoors and outdoors is central to the home’s calming atmosphere. In the bathroom, simplicity reigns. A mirrored tub surround and subtle Primus Vitoria tiles create a clean and reflective space that still feels warm and welcoming.
Clean Lines and Clever Layers Upstairs
A skylight-topped staircase leads to the first floor, where you’ll find the second bedroom and an additional bathroom.
The upper level features soft gray vinyl flooring throughout and a large portrait window overlooking a sedum-planted roof.
This clever layout ensures that even upper-level spaces remain connected to nature.
A Lush Urban Garden
One of the home’s standout features is the garden. It has been carefully designed as a true outdoor room, complete with a brick-paved patio surrounded by bamboo, fatsia, and ornamental grasses.
It’s a tranquil spot that invites you to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy a moment of peace.
The rear of the home is finished with bold black cedar cladding, and even the entry passageway has been given thoughtful attention, with wildflowers planted above the elegant brickwork.
Get the Look: How to Recreate This Plant-Filled Urban Retreat
If you’re inspired by this serene, nature-infused home, here are some tips to help you bring the look into your own space:
Incorporate Plants at Every Level
- Use a variety of plants—tall potted palms, trailing vines, and tabletop succulents—to create visual interest.
- Place plants near windows, doors, and entryways to draw the outdoors in.
Embrace Natural Materials
- Choose surfaces like terrazzo, natural wood, and matte black finishes to strike a balance between industrial and organic.
- Use plywood cabinetry and simple finishes for a minimalist, functional aesthetic.
Connect to the Outdoors
- Install large windows, sliding doors, or glass partitions to increase light and maximize views.
- Even in smaller spaces, adding mirrors near plants can reflect greenery and make the room feel more open.
Use Contrast for a Modern Edge
- Combine black cabinetry or furniture with white walls or tile to add depth and dimension.
- Offset bold contrasts with natural textures such as timber, rattan, or linen to keep the space grounded.
Make the Most of Outdoor Areas
- Designate a central seating space in your garden or patio using brick, gravel, or timber for flooring.
- Use container gardens, trellises, or layered planting to create privacy and greenery in compact outdoor spaces.
Conclusion
This modern London residence is a perfect example of how smart architecture, intentional design, and a connection to nature can transform even the most compact spaces.
With its calm interiors, lush garden, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, it serves as an inspiring model for city living that feels both elevated and down to earth.
This remarkable home is currently listed on The Modern House, offering a rare opportunity to own a thoughtfully designed urban retreat in one of London’s most charming neighborhoods.
