The Tree House

Southwark, Greater London

Civic Trust Awards Citation

The Tree House is a captivating focal point within Elephant Park, serving as a welcoming destination, celebrating the existing trees and landscape while providing delightful moments for visitors. 

The design, expressed through natural materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), bamboo decking, and timber cladding, harmonises with the surroundings, encircling a mature London Plane tree that has been preserved from the site’s previous use. The pavilion’s multi-functional design includes a kiosk, public restrooms, storage, plant facilities, and a viewing terrace, enriching and complementing the adjacent park. Its flexibility shines through as it can adapt to host various public events such as yoga sessions, open-air screenings, or food and drink stalls. The glazed sliding screens allow the internal space to seamlessly extend into the park during warm weather or be enclosed and heated in colder periods, enhancing year-round usability. 

Ensuring the coexistence of the pavilion and trees, advanced techniques like ground-penetrating radar were employed to map tree roots, and 3D scanning of branches ensured minimal impact on the tree canopy. Accessible facilities such as flush thresholds, ample circulation areas, alternative stairs, and lift access to the upper terrace, ensures that The Tree House is welcoming to all visitors. The Tree House represents a harmonious convergence of architecture and nature, as visitors are afforded a unique opportunity to ascend into the ethereal realm of the tree canopy, forging an intimate connection with the surrounding parkland. The simplicity and elegance of its design inspire gatherings, repose, and reflection, creating a three-dimensional experience that enriches the park’s central focus.

In essence, the Tree House is a harmonious convergence of architecture and nature, epitomising a delicate balance between form, function, and community impact.

Judges’ Comments: “The end result is nothing short of enchanting, a testament to the architects’ vision and expertise.”