My Houzz: Stylish Small Space Living on a Barge Awash with Smart Ideas - "I'm excited by the idea of well-designed, affordable housing," said Lee Thornley, who created this beautiful barge, now moored on the Regent Canal in London. It is attached to the outside of the headquarters interiors firm Thornley, Bert and May, so it remains here while working in the capital, before moving as a flash back to his home in the family in Yorkshire.
Creation of the barge was more than a way to dodge a long drive, however; it was a chance for Thornley to flex its muscles design and experiment with small living space. "I wanted to see if it was possible to create a beautiful home in the UK for less than £ 150,000, he said .
Thornley s barge proves it. Built by a shipbuilder in Liverpool, it took eight months to complete and was completed in April 2015. Quality materials and elegant furniture, much of this vintage, this means houseboat has all the style and comfort of a classic bricks- and mortar home, despite its small dimensions. 'A ny space can be beautiful if properly designed, says Thornley . "The barge is filled with light. It has double glazing and underfloor heating and there is an Italian bathroom here, too, for a touch of luxury.
Creation of the barge was more than a way to dodge a long drive, however; it was a chance for Thornley to flex its muscles design and experiment with small living space. "I wanted to see if it was possible to create a beautiful home in the UK for less than £ 150,000, he said .
Thornley s barge proves it. Built by a shipbuilder in Liverpool, it took eight months to complete and was completed in April 2015. Quality materials and elegant furniture, much of this vintage, this means houseboat has all the style and comfort of a classic bricks- and mortar home, despite its small dimensions. 'A ny space can be beautiful if properly designed, says Thornley . "The barge is filled with light. It has double glazing and underfloor heating and there is an Italian bathroom here, too, for a touch of luxury.
Chris Snook
Houzz at a glance
who lives here Lee Thornley, design firm founder Bert & May, which sells salvaged and new tiles, reclaimed wood and vintage furniture
property A newly built barge measuring approximately 14.5mx 3.5m
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Location Regent Canal, Bethnal Green, London
"Unlike a traditional canal boat, the barge was stripped back to create space, rather than being drunk, said Thornley. He is not a fan of television, has not included a screen in the living room.
who lives here Lee Thornley, design firm founder Bert & May, which sells salvaged and new tiles, reclaimed wood and vintage furniture
property A newly built barge measuring approximately 14.5mx 3.5m
Size 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Location Regent Canal, Bethnal Green, London
"Unlike a traditional canal boat, the barge was stripped back to create space, rather than being drunk, said Thornley. He is not a fan of television, has not included a screen in the living room.
Chris Snook
The channel where the boat is moored is quiet and peaceful. "We get the ducks swim by and a coot was raising her chickens next to us, says Thornley. Passersby often stop to admire the barge, too. "A lot of healthy-looking young professionals spent jogging regularly, said Thornley. "People sometimes take photos, ask us what we do or shout" nice boat! "
Chris Snook
Thornley designed the roof so it might become an additional tool to sit and relax. I wanted to use the roof terrace correct, it explains . "it is the most space amazing, but on barges and traditional canal boats, it is little used.
The original sloping design made it difficult to adapt, and Thornley and his team had to design a new roof. "We forgot that we would have to pass under the bridge, he said, laughing ." once we fixed railings on we realized it was too high. We have taken down and the knee joints fitted in them, so they fold now.
The original sloping design made it difficult to adapt, and Thornley and his team had to design a new roof. "We forgot that we would have to pass under the bridge, he said, laughing ." once we fixed railings on we realized it was too high. We have taken down and the knee joints fitted in them, so they fold now.
Chris Snook
during the creation of the barge, Thornley moved away from traditional embedded designs usually found in homes small space. "Why not have a vintage Danish sofa?" He said. "Why do you have to have a seat?
Furniture sits beautifully in space, rather than being integrated into its structure. "If you build all, it seems almost as if you're only interested in squeezing maximum efficiency of space, rather than the maximum beauty, said Thornley . "This is a perfect home for a single person or a professional couple, for someone who wants a nice, simple life.
Furniture sits beautifully in space, rather than being integrated into its structure. "If you build all, it seems almost as if you're only interested in squeezing maximum efficiency of space, rather than the maximum beauty, said Thornley . "This is a perfect home for a single person or a professional couple, for someone who wants a nice, simple life.
Chris Snook
Thornley treated the barge as a whole, rather than seeing it as individual rooms. "I wanted it to be the equivalent of a studio," he explains. "We're not fooling ourselves that we have two or three separate rooms here. Basically, it is just a big space.
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A double takes down that wall, so that the barge can comfortably accommodate four people.
table and chairs are vintage pieces. Size was to be a pilot when I was picking up pieces to the barge, but they looked perfect in space, too, and with the design, "says Thornley ." small pieces often lack detail, but I like architectural nature of the table legs chair.
table and Tapiovaara 'Pirkka' chairs, Concrete Brut.
table and chairs are vintage pieces. Size was to be a pilot when I was picking up pieces to the barge, but they looked perfect in space, too, and with the design, "says Thornley ." small pieces often lack detail, but I like architectural nature of the table legs chair.
table and Tapiovaara 'Pirkka' chairs, Concrete Brut.
Chris Snook
'We tried to use a small number of materials through a not very simple look, too busy, "says Thornley . "You do not walk around the barge and think, I'm in a new room now." Using a handful of quality materials, marble, wood coating, helped create that sense of cohesion. "It was a project-oriented materials," says Thornley.
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Thornley enjoys sitting on the roof terrace, watching the world go by. "It is great for entertaining and I would also like business meetings and parties lunch here, too, he said .
the terrace is fitted with tile floor polishes, recovered from Italy and Spain. "They are 100 years with a beautiful, faded color.
the terrace is fitted with tile floor polishes, recovered from Italy and Spain. "They are 100 years with a beautiful, faded color.
Chris Snook
"We wanted to use the partition wall for storage, 'says Thornley." it was the most effective space for it.' Units Powder-coated with marble shelves fits here, with storage in steps, too.
The floor is oak with a soft tone, grayish. I do not like synthetic colors, 'said Thornley . "We've spent weeks getting just the shade muted right for the boards.
Rug, Larusi.
The floor is oak with a soft tone, grayish. I do not like synthetic colors, 'said Thornley . "We've spent weeks getting just the shade muted right for the boards.
Rug, Larusi.
Chris Snook
the lights are equipped with light dimmers, so Thornley can control the atmosphere on board. By day, the barge is flooded with light from the many windows and a large skylight over the living space.
Chris Snook
Thornley installed a combination of wall lights and lamps to keep the barge beautifully lit at night.
lights, Atelier Areti.
lights, Atelier Areti.
Chris Snook
floor heating was installed throughout the barge, but Thornley also installed a wood stove. "In winter, I prefer to have it on the floor heating for a living flame, he said. Thornley w worked with Stovax to get the right size stove and puzzle how the fire could be adjusted to the barge. Weight-wise, it is very heavy, "he adds. "So we had to over-engineering the opposite side of the boat to equal weight.
Wood stove, Stovax.
Wood stove, Stovax.
Chris Snook
"I wanted to live on the boat to feel like the ultimate experience, says Thornley, and I did not establish a list of dos and don'ts. "For example, the classic design might not stretch to the marble worktops and statements in the kitchen of a boat, but the Thornley installed on its barge. "They are heavy, so that the boat began to list on that side, he said. "We had to tear up the ground on the opposite side and put in more concrete to balance the weight.
Discover 10 ways to harness the beauty of marble
Discover 10 ways to harness the beauty of marble
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"There is even a socket in the pop-up marble worktop, said Thornley. "I'm a sucker for boys toys!
Chris Snook
walls the kitchen area are hung with three large plates with black and white pattern that recurs throughout the barge.
plates, Darkroom.
plates, Darkroom.
Chris Snook
The bathroom measure a comfortable 1.8 mx 2.5 m, with a shower spacious bungalow. "It feels great!", Says Thornley.
Basin; tap; WC, all Agape.
Basin; tap; WC, all Agape.
Chris Snook
many people have recommended Thornley not use as many tiles, because of the weight. "But the boats float, so the weight is not a problem; it is the weight distribution that matters. "
tiles, kitchen cabinets, wall coverings and flooring throughout, while Bert and May.
Browse a range of patterned tiles to refresh your floors
tiles, kitchen cabinets, wall coverings and flooring throughout, while Bert and May.
Browse a range of patterned tiles to refresh your floors
Chris Snook
'the exterior of the boat is black, so I was nervous, it could become too hot in summer, says Thornley. "I'm never too hot, though." A large window behind the headboard can open, create, really good air movement throughout.
Chris Snook
There two circular windows on each side of the boat (one is in the room). "They bow open, but can also be removed completely for maximum air circulation, said Thornley.
Chris Snook
The chamber is simply designed, with a large double bed and a discreet storage space. "There is storage under the bed and behind the head to the front of the boat, said Thornley. Quality bed linen adds a touch of luxury. "Essentially, this is a beautiful simple space."
Bed linen, Larusi.
Bed linen, Larusi.
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simple blinds made of french linen hang at the windows, creating privacy at night.
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a wardrobe built in the same coating the walls discreetly inscribed in the bedroom. marble shelves continue on the kitchen luxury theme.
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Handmade details add character to the barge. Thornley and his team have done these hooks in the room from leather and wood.
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Ensure barge was carefully isolated was an important consideration. 'His isolation was first order be, "says Thornley. "You sit in an icy pond in winter. So we used the space and money for the right insulation and windows with double glazing assembly.
Chris Snook
the barge is mainly kept out of the workspace Thornley. While docked, it tilts slightly when other boats pass. "It feels as if you had a little too much glass, he said, laughing. "Or maybe there is no other passing boats and it is really the wine ...
Tell us ...
What do you think of this, intelligent contemporary houseboat? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tell us ...
What do you think of this, intelligent contemporary houseboat? Share your thoughts in the comments below.