Birch Pavilion
The Birch Pavilion is a garden room nestled at the far end of a Stoke Newington garden, designed as a quiet retreat for work and leisure. In crafting this space, the sequence of elements leading to the end of the garden became central to the design approach. The journey from the main house to the pavilion meanders through a carefully composed landscape of flower beds, a greenhouse, and raised planters resting on sleepers. At the culmination of this path, the pavilion serves as a gentle conclusion, its curved design responding to both the constraints of the site and the natural rhythm of the garden.
The pavilion softly wraps around three slender birch trees, integrating them into the architecture and experience. This idea of wrapping inspired a gesture of circularity, influencing the pavilion's form. A fan-like structure revolves around the birch trees, creating a focal point that grounds the design. The curved façade introduces a softer, more introspective ending to the garden, positioning the pavilion not as an outward-facing structure but as a serene space for self-reflection.
Inside, the pavilion is divided into two distinct areas: a secluded workspace and a cozy corner for relaxation. Birch plywood, the material at the heart of the design, ties the structure to its natural surroundings. Together with a cork-lined ceiling, it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and enhances acoustics, making the space ideal for quiet contemplation or music appreciation. South-facing openings invite light and warmth, while the curved walls embrace the trees, deepening the connection to the garden.
A defining moment in the design process came when the pavilion’s beams aligned with the birch trees, forming a striking fan-like silhouette. This alignment crystallized the pavilion’s purpose—a thoughtful integration of structure, light, and nature. As a result, this small "music box" within the garden feels perfectly at home, offering a space of quiet focus and harmonious connection to its surroundings.
