the former london chapel nikjoo converted into an artist's house + studio has hit the market

back in 2018, architect alex nikjoo converted a former chapel built as memorial to philanthropist joseph mead in 1906, into an artist’s house and studio. located in south east london, ‘utopia house’ was renovated in close collaboration with the artist owner, anastasya martynova, who, together with nikjoo, transformed the dilapidated construction into an open, light-filled space. the home, which recently hit the market, features a main living space of vast proportions that can be adapted in various ways to suit individual needs; while a mezzanine that cantilevers above the open kitchen offers access to an east-facing roof terrace.all images courtesy of aucoot

currently listed by real estate agency aucoot, ‘utopia house’ maintains its historical charm, as nikjoo carefully stripped away years of modifications to reveal the original features of the building. the three-bedroom, two-bathroom detached property is accessed via a small tiled porch area with a set of original solid wooden double doors that lead to the main living space. this space benefits from a soaring ceiling height and double-aspect windows that bring ample daylight inside. topped with a vaulted pale wooden ceiling and white beams, this generous main room offers a feeling of calm and tranquillity.

polished concrete floors and a neutral color palette complete the main living space, while emphasizing the presence of the matte black kitchen at the rear of this room. the hand-built units of the kitchen are complete with black granite counter tops and island, while the handmade gold verre églomisé splashback has been uniquely created by its current artist owner. right behind the kitchen, an oak staircase leads up to the mezzanine area, with bespoke storage and shelving running its full length.the sleeping quarters are located on the opposite wall of this anteroom, and include a master suite, two guest double-bedrooms and a bathroom.

wrapped in a skin of birch plywood, the mezzanine area cantilevers above the kitchen, facing out into the open plan living area below. the mezzanine is complete with a built-in four meter solid wood desk, and offers room for a home office or creative space. on this level, the east-facing roof terrace can be accessed through large double doors.