A Small Studio

Progress update from our full refurbishment project in West Norwood 👷👉🏼 We’re working with the brilliant @a_small_studio on this project, and our aim is to reuse, retain and repurpose as much of the existing house as possible. This includes the beautifully made sliding doors which are too well-crafted to consider throwing away, alongside the existing handmade kitchen cabinet and drawer fronts, giving them a second life. We’ve also given the existing 1970s extension a makeover. One of the standout features of this home is its curved turret, an architectural moment you don’t see very often. This space will become a statement bathroom on the lower-ground floor, which will feature a sunken roman shower and beautiful obscured glass bricks. We’ve also installed a circular skylight installed in the turret’s ceiling, custom made to fit perfectly for the aptly named “Tower Room”. Plaster boarding and skimming is due to commence, along with second fix electrics. Follow along for more updates.

Design Practice unit Lead Dr Helena Rivera (of @a_small_studio ) writes on what it means to practise design from inside crisis — not from a safe distance. Published on @archinect her article makes the case for a different kind of practitioner: one who is empathetic rather than detached, led by communities rather than leading them, and intimate with the political life of materials. This is the pedagogical commitment at the heart of the new MArch Design Practice at the RCA — a programme that does not want to teach a “greener” version of what already exists, but something constitutionally different. Crisis as closeness. Read the full article at the link in bio. Image by Lilia Kuksina (@liliiaaa___ ), Stages of Care

The lower ground floor gallery is an entirely new exhibition space — not a refurbished one. Previously used as occasional and temporary overflow, it has now been properly conceived and built as a permanent gallery, specifically designed for multimedia and projection-based work. The industrial ceiling has been exposed, increasing the room's height and opening up the spatial and technical possibilities for ambitious installations. Lighting, power and AV infrastructure have been designed in from the start, rather than retrofitted. The exhibition you see here — Circles and Storytellers by Bouchra Khalili — is the work of the artist and Mosaic Rooms' curatorial team. We designed and delivered the room. The exhibition is theirs. Curatorial credit: Head of Curatorial: @angelina.radakovic Curator, Programmes: Siegrun Salmanian Bouchra Khalili is represented by @ADAGP Circles and Storytellers is generously supported by @qattanfoundation Charitable Trust, @aceagrams ArtsCouncil England, the Elephant Trust and @fluxus_art_projects Art Projects. Open Wed–Sat 11am–6pm | Sun 12–5pm Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures Suppliers: Lighting: @wearedeltalight Photographer: @studiostagg Client: @themosaicrooms #GalleryDesign #MultimediaGallery #ProjectionSpace #LowerGroundGallery #NewGallerySpace #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms #BouchraKhalili #CirclesAndStorytellers #ExhibitionDesign #LondonArchitecture #AVGallery #IndustrialCeiling #AdaptiveReuse #CulturalSpaces #RefurbishmentProject #TowerHouse #ContemporaryArt #ArabCulture #SouthKensington

These images show the main gallery at Mosaic Rooms — a large, daylit room on the ground floor that can open directly onto the new courtyard garden, or close entirely to become a self-contained exhibition environment. What you are seeing in these images is Bouchra Khalili's exhibition Circles and Storytellers — her first public UK solo show, running until 14 June 2026. The exhibition is entirely the work of the artist and the curatorial team at Mosaic Rooms. We designed the space: the walls, the lighting infrastructure, the doors and the threshold to the garden. Everything within it belongs to Khalili and to the people who brought this exhibition into being. Curatorial credit: Head of Curatorial: @angelina.radakovic Curator, Programmes: Siegrun Salmanian Bouchra Khalili is represented by @ADAGP Circles and Storytellers is generously supported by @qattanfoundation Charitable Trust, @aceagrams ArtsCouncil England, the Elephant Trust and @fluxus_art_projects Art Projects. Open Wed–Sat 11am–6pm | Sun 12–5pm Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures Suppliers: Lighting: @wearedeltalight Joinery Photographer: @studiostagg Client: @themosaicrooms #GalleryDesign #ExhibitionSpace #LondonGallery #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms #BouchraKhalili #CirclesAndStorytellers #CulturalSpaces #LondonArchitecture #RefurbishmentProject #TowerHouse #SouthKensington #ConservationArea #AdaptiveReuse #GalleryArchitecture #NaturalLight #HistoricBuilding #ContemporaryArt #ArabCulture #InclusiveDesign

(Every architect knows that) Bathrooms take up a disproportionate amount of our drawing time (!!)- so it's only right to photograph them properly when they turn out well. These are some of our favourites from the refurbishment - fully accessible, baby-change equipped, and designed with the same care as every other space in the building. Each one meets all accessibility requirements, but that was never the ceiling: the brief was to make them genuinely enjoyable to use, for everyone. The colour palette carries the same logic as the rest of Mosaic Rooms — considered, warm, and rooted in the wider material story of the building. Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures Tiled surfaces: @solusceramics Lighting: @wearedeltalight Accessible bathroom range in beautiful colours: @claphamparkbathrooms Photographer: @studiostagg Client: @themosaicrooms #AccessibleDesign #BathroomDesign #InclusiveArchitecture #ColourInArchitecture #LondonArchitecture #RefurbishmentProject #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms #ArchitectureDetail #InteriorArchitecture #PublicBuilding #AccessForAll #TowerHouse #SouthKensington #CulturalBuildings #ConservationArea #HistoricBuilding #AdaptiveReuse #ArchitecturePhotography #BritishArchitecture

The Salon has always been the most versatile room at Mosaic Rooms - used for lectures, screenings, workshops, and events. What it lacked, before this refurbishment, was the infrastructure to support the range of programmes properly. It now has an integrated kitchenette, a fully accessible bathroom, AV capacity, and flexible storage — everything needed to run a full day of activity, or hand the keys to an outside organisation for a self-contained hire. That last point matters: a well-equipped, flexible space for rent is a genuine income stream for a charity, and designing for sustainability is part of what the brief asked of us. The room retains its original proportions and simplicity. The new elements sit within it quietly and calmly, ready for whatever the programme demands. Contact @themosaicrooms for more information Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12-5pm Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures Suppliers Flooring: @forboflooringsystems Joinery fronts: @plykeakitchens Joinery worktops: @smile.materials Lighting: @wearedeltalight Photographer: @studiostagg Client: @themosaicrooms #SalonDesign #FlexibleSpaces #CulturalVenues #AdaptiveReuse #VictorianArchitecture #InteriorArchitecture #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms #LondonArchitecture #RefurbishmentProject #TowerHouse #SouthKensington #AccessibleDesign #ArchitectureForCulture #ConservationArea #HistoricBuilding #EventSpaces #MultifunctionalDesign #ArchitecturePhotography #BritishArchitecture

Meet the blocks. These aren't just any blocks — they're the heart of the Play Room at The Mosaic Rooms. Designed to invite open-ended exploration, they sit within a space built entirely around the idea that children should lead, make, and imagine freely. The Play Room is part of the newly refurbished Mosaic Rooms at Tower House, South Kensington — a project by @a_small_studio that reimagined the whole building as a welcoming, fully accessible cultural institution. The first floor space brings together flexible storage, tactile materials, and a warm colour palette, creating a room that feels ready for anything. 🔗 Link in bio to find out about upcoming Play Room sessions and family events. 📍 226 Cromwell Road, London SW5 Open Wed–Sat 11am–6pm | Sun 12–5pm Photography by @studiostagg #PlayRoom #PlayBlocks #ChildrensSpaces #LoosePartPlay #EarlyYearsDesign #PedagogicalSpaces #ChildrensArchitecture #CreativeLearning #FamilyProgrammes #NurseryInspiration #ChildCentredDesign #LondonChildrens #MosaicRooms #ASmallStudio #GalleryEducation #ArtBasedLearning #ReggioInspired #OpenEndedPlay #InclusivePlay #LondonFamilies

There’s something about a good set of play blocks that just makes you want to build. These bespoke Play Blocks live in the Mosaic Rooms’ Play Room — and this little video captures exactly the kind of quiet, focused joy the space was designed for. The Play Room is a new fully accessible space for children, families and young people, part of the major refurbishment of The Mosaic Rooms by @a_small_studio . Every detail — from the joinery to the layout — was designed to support curiosity, movement and making together. Come and play. This fun project PlayBlocks was commissioned from the Head of Creative Learning @najiabagi and by Rachael Jarvis while director of @themosaicrooms . The blocks were beautifully sewn by Yahia from Barakat Furnishings.Video credit to Gabriela Álvarez Franco (@fotosyya_ ) 📍 226 Cromwell Road, London SW5�Open Wed–Sat 11am–6pm | Sun 12–5pm #PlayBlocks #PlayRoom #MosaicRooms #CreativeLearning #LondonKids

A space made for wonder. The Play Room at Mosaic Rooms was born from an unlikely starting point — three small offices, knocked through and reimagined into one generous, fully accessible creative learning space for children, families and young people. Designed by @a_small_studio as part of the two-year refurbishment of Tower House, the new room brings together everything a great play space needs: a kitchenette (with worktops by @smile.materials ) , a smaller break-out area separated by a curtain for more intimate sessions, and a calm, carefully considered colour palette chosen specifically to support children's play and focus. A fully accessible toilet serves the space too — more on that soon. Every detail was designed around the idea that play is a serious thing. Flexible layouts and colourful joinery by @plykeakitchens make this a room that feels both grounded and joyful, with a material palette drawn from the Palestinian landscape woven quietly throughout. Currently home to Lum'a لمعة — a long-form artist-led project by Chahine Fellahi running through to November 2026. @najiabagi runs the fabulous Play Room with scheduled activities on Saturdays... free, open to all and fully accessible!! Check them out on @themosaicrooms 📍 226 Cromwell Road, London SW5 Open Wed–Sat 11am–6pm | Sun 12–5pm Photos by @studiostagg #PlayRoom #CreativeLearning #ChildrensSpaces #ArtistLedLearning #EarlyYears #PedagogicalDesign #InclusiveDesign #ChildrensArchitecture #PlayfulLearning #LondonWithKids #MosaicRooms #ASmallStudio #CulturalSpacesForKids #PlayBasedLearning #ArabCulture #FamilyFriendlyLondon #MuseumEducation #ArtForKids #SensoryPlay #CreativeKids

Better said in the words of the Mosaic Rooms team, then in ours: “The Mosaic Rooms Bookshop, designed with reading and lounging spaces and activities for children is part of Mosaic Rooms in London. We offer a curated selection of books, zines, rare editions, and prints from the Arab region and beyond; from fiction to theory, poetry to art, children’s books, and more. We regularly organise literary events, such as book launches and reading groups, as well as our annual publishing fair, Small Press Fest.” "Every purchase directly supports our work at Mosaic Rooms." The poet Saeed El Hassan (@saeedelhassan ) looks after the bookshop and you should see the account at @mosaicroomsbookshop Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures MEV Consultants: AGP Consultants Ltd Fire Consultant: FSCE UK Ltd Principal Designer: HSRS Ltd Suppliers: Joinery fronts: @plykeakitchens Joinery worktops: @smileplastics Lighting: @wearedeltalight Branding and Identity: @pentagramdesign Tiled surfaces: @solusceramics Upholstery: Barakat Furnishings Photographer: Andy Staggs: @studiostagg Client: Mosaic Rooms: @themosaicrooms Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12-5pm #Bookshop #IndependentBookshop #CulturalSpace #ReadingCommunity #LiteraryCulture #SmallPress #PublishingCulture #ArabLiterature #ArtBooks #Zines #RareEditions #ChildrenBooks #LondonArtsScene #MosaicRooms #ASmallStudio

The enlarged bookshop of @themosaicrooms transforms the former entrance into a brighter, more generous retail space—supporting the organisation’s sustainability while showcasing books, editions, and artist-made works. There is a self service kitchenette where you can make tea or coffee and offer a donation in exchange for your drink. The children’s area sits at the heart of the space, rather than in a corner, inviting them to play, scribble, and spend time in the centre of the shop. Every purchase directly supports the work at Mosaic Rooms. Saeed El Hassan looks after the bookshop, and you should see the account at @mosaicroomsbookshop Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Structural Engineers: @vestastructures MEV Consultants: AGP Consultants Ltd Fire Consultant: FSCE UK Ltd Principal Designer: HSRS Ltd Suppliers: Joinery fronts: @plykeakitchens Joinery worktops: @smileplastics Lighting: @wearedeltalight Branding and Identity: @pentagramdesign Tiled surfaces: @solusceramics Upholstery: Barakat Furnishings Photographer: Andy Staggs: @studiostagg Client: Mosaic Rooms: @themosaicrooms Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12-5pm #BookshopDesign #CulturalRetail #AdaptiveReuse #ArtsOrganisation #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms

"I want people to think of these stones as portals to the future of a free Palestine.” — Dima Srouji Her permanent installation Four Moons greets visitors the moment they arrive. Each window celebrates a season through carved stone and coloured glass, patterned on the flora of Palestine. Their forms echo the traditional qamariya windows found across Yemen, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine—honouring generations of stonemakers and glassblowers who have illuminated homes and sacred spaces throughout the region. By day or by night, the Four Moons act as gentle beacons—drawing visitors toward The Mosaic Rooms from afar, and offering a place to sit with their details up close. A permanent home for Palestinian stone brought directly from Bethlehem, held with care at the threshold of the building. ‘Four Moons from Home’ was commissioned from the amazing artist @dimasrouji by Rachael Jarvis while director of @themosaicrooms . The stones were tenderly cared for and beautifully installed by @twwco , with the support of Patrick, Alan and crew @RDSL Ltd. The project was funded by Art Fund, Al-Qattan Charitable Trust and Mosaic Rooms Dima Srouji: @dimasrouji Project Team: Architects and Contract Administrators: @a_small_studio Main Contractor: RDSL Ltd Specialist artwork installation: @twwco Structural Engineers: @vestastructures MEV Consultants: AGP Consultants Ltd Fire Consultant: FSCE UK Ltd Principal Designer: HSRS Ltd Landscape Architects: @aarde.land Suppliers: External Games : @windsorworkshopltd Joinery fronts: @plykeakitchens Joinery worktops: @smileplastics Lighting: @wearedeltalight Branding and Identity: @pentagramdesign Tiled surfaces: @solusceramics Balustrade: @mealdealworkshop Amphitheatre Stone: @shropshirebrickandstone Upholstery: Barakat Furnishings Photographer: Andy Staggs: @studiostagg Client: Mosaic Rooms: @themosaicrooms Mosaic Rooms Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12-5pm #FourMoons #DimaSrouji #PalestinianStone #QamariyaWindows #ArtAndArchitecture #CulturalCraft #StoneCarving #Glasswork #ASmallStudio #MosaicRooms #AdaptiveReuse #CulturalSpaces