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Converting an
existing pit into a contemporary urban spiderhole can create a magical
space for guests, one at a time, writes Darcy Farquear'say.
Next year's essential home improvement for stylish Londoners, I
predict, will be the spiderhole. Both sanctuary and showpiece, its
minimalist interior makes it the perfect place for a solitary guest to reflect
in silence.
If your home lacks an existing pit, do not despair. Specialist
design/build contractors can create a roughly hewn hole for around
£5,000. You can then decorate the space yourself (if you feel you
have the correct taste) or hire a professional. Homeowners whose
property is not at ground level should certainly seek advice.
The absolutely vital rule - in this piece and in all my others - is
"Less Is More". A truly authentic urban spiderhole should
contain only a small item of art (available from most London
galleries) an ambience passage (check the internet for interesting
examples of hand-crafted titanium tubes from Germany) and your guest.
At a recent dinner party, we were all - celebrities and common folk
alike - invited into the host's miniature Mediterranean courtyard.
Beneath the eco-shelter lay the entrance to her newly-excavated
spiderhole. We queued in a solemn, snaking line, each of us taking it
in
turns to lower ourselves into this marvellous, mysterious void and lie
down close to the almost-invisible art. Of course, I went first.
If you're looking for something special for your spiderhole you could
perhaps try splicing in a ramped circulation system, with translucent
walls of smart glass and a bifurcated floor laid with kiln-dried
tiles, but it would be pointless and vulgar.
Ground
Zero revisions
2003:
A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR ARCHITECTURE, FINE ARTS AND OTHER
ARTS
İSKIMMED
PERIODICALS ARCHIVE
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