The Girdlestone Tree House responds to pressing issues of low-quality, high-cost housing working professionals are faced with. This design solution for the overlooked interstice within Girdlestone Estate site in Archway, Islington, offers a 1-bedroom housing that not only meet the needs of the clients but also the gardening aspirations of the local area.
Clients
Jack, a 25-year-old botanist at the Barbican Conservatory, combines his passion for plants with technology, constantly seeking innovative ways to expand and share his knowledge.
Liam, a 23-year-old environmental activist and aspiring botanist, focuses on preserving natural habitats, organising tree-planting events, and advocating for green spaces. Both are driven by their commitment to botany and environmental sustainability.
Located within the Girdlestone Estate in Archway, a small town located north of Islington, encompasses a variety of urban components including social housing, retail, leisure centres, hospital facilities as well as an urban square and public parks.
It also holds historical significance of being a city entrance infrastructural node.
Brief and Programme
Girdlestone Tree House provides Jack and Liam a permanent 1 bed living space which incorporates kitchen, workspace and garden which allows them to conduct small scale botanical research.
In contribution to Archways’ large gardening community, it also invites the public to engage with botany and environmental activism through workshops, gardening and presentations/exhibitions.
Conceptual Model
This project utilises the existing infrastructure and preserves on-site vegetation with lightweight timber interventions. The building’s design balances user privacy, maximises sunlight for indoor and outdoor spaces, and creates an inviting gathering space for the local community.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Roof Plan
Construction Detail
