Homing

John Pawson is one of the founding figures of minimalist architecture, known for designing spaces pared back to almost nothing. His own house in Notting Hill, where he has lived for thirty years, is no exception – stripped back to its shell and conceived as one continuous space.

Minimalism isn’t just a design philosophy for John; it's rooted in his psychology. Far from being naturally serene, he describes having a restless, “scrambled” mind.

In this conversation, John reflects on how spending much of his childhood at boarding school, with little control over his surroundings, instilled in him a desire for a space of his own. He describes how his sensitivity to the environment eventually led him to architecture in his late thirties.

We discuss the label ‘minimalist’ and why creating a pared-back space is anything but simple. We also discuss the discipline it takes to live in a minimal home, and how it can sometimes be at odds with the rhythms of family life.

This is a conversation about the relationship between our inner and outer worlds, the need for control, and the compromises we make for the people we love.

We filmed this episode of Homing inside the iconic Pawson House in Notting Hill. Join our Patreon community to watch the visualised home tour with John Pawson: https://www.patreon.com/HomingWithMatt

To hear more from John:

Instagram: @johnpawson
Website: https://www.johnpawson.com/

John Pawson's book, The Minimal Home, is out now from Phaidon: https://www.phaidon.com/en-gb/products/john-pawson-the-minimal-home-the-minimal-home

To hear more from us:

YouTube: Subscribe to our channel, Homing with Matt, for the video version
Instagram: Follow for updates and announcements, @homingwithmatt
Patreon: Watch exclusive home tours, https://www.patreon.com/HomingWithMatt
Contact: Email us at hello@mattgibberd.com

Matt Gibberd’s book, A Modern Way to Live, is available here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/320176/a-modern-way-to-live-by-gibberd-matt/9780241480496

Music by @simeonwalkermusic
Identity & design by @lena.winkler.creative.office
Produced by @podshoponline
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What is Homing?

The Homing podcast explores the importance of home in shaping who we are.

Join Matt Gibberd, author and co-founder of The Modern House, as he takes listeners inside the homes of inspiring guests to examine what really happens inside our walls – how they influence our emotions, creativity and sense of self.

Featuring leading voices from art, film, wellbeing and beyond, Homing is a thoughtful journey into remarkable homes and the minds that shape them.

Be prepared for tears, laughter, and everything in between.

"The Best Podcasts To Listen To" – Vogue

Homing is produced by Podshop, with music by Simeon Walker.

Homing is an independent podcast and operates as a separate venture from The Modern House Limited. While Matt Gibberd is a co-founder of The Modern House, all opinions expressed on Homing are solely those of the host and his guests.