Pavilion provides crafted endpoint for Stoke Newington garden

Briefly describe the project.

Birch Pavilion, located at the end of a long garden in Stoke Newington, north-east London, completes an existing and carefully designed landscape sequence that begins with flower beds, a greenhouse and raised planters. We wanted to craft a space that integrates naturally into the garden's flow, providing a gentle endpoint without a direct, face-to-face connection to the house. It creates a self-contained and peaceful place within the landscape.

Who is the project for and what was the brief?

We were asked to design a functional and relaxing retreat within the client’s beautiful garden, transforming an unused shaded area while preserving and highlighting three existing birch trees. The brief was clear: create a space for both work and relaxation, where music could be listened to in peace. Key elements included a desk area, extensive shelving to house a CD collection, a dedicated unit for audio equipment, comfortable seating and a discreet tea station tucked within a cupboard.

Were there any significant factors that influenced the design?

The pavilion was strategically placed at the end of the garden, set back from the brick wall to avoid party wall agreements. This created a maintenance corridor and new south-facing openings. Although this setup narrowed the overall space available, it inspired the curved facade and unique internal layout.

The geometry of the plan features two distinct areas: a workspace and a relaxing corner, with the desk area positioned in a more secluded spot to enhance privacy.

Could you explain the external treatment of the project?

Birch Pavilion was initially envisioned as a lightweight and geometrically distinct structure, centred around the existing birch trees. However, permitted development restrictions limited the building’s height, so the fan-like element became an internal feature. Green cladding was chosen to help the project blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, creating a shell that harmonises with its surroundings while requiring minimal upkeep. This approach ensured both functionality and visual integration within the garden.

How did you design the interior?

The interior was designed to seamlessly extend the garden's essence, with a striking ceiling structure that draws your eye towards the outside. The layout encourages users to connect with their surroundings while working or enjoying music. Different openings provide varied types of light and secluded views while the curve of the room integrates the trees and paved area as a private patio.

Birch plywood is used for the interior joinery, reflecting the beauty of the trees, while a cork-lined ceiling improves sound quality. The micro cement floor acknowledges the garden context, accommodating potential muddy conditions. By incorporating natural elements and materials, the pavilion becomes a serene retreat that fosters introspection and creativity.

What was the project’s approach to sustainability?

The approach to sustainability began with the client’s decision to create a long-term garden room. This commitment to lasting use meant that materials were carefully considered: zinc cladding offers longevity and can be easily dismantled and recycled, minimising waste. Similarly, the interior plywood is biodegradable, while also being recyclable and reusable.

Describe the main challenge and how you overcame it

The main challenge was coordinating a new structure in a garden that we couldn’t precisely survey due to pre-existing elements. After demolishing an old concrete plinth and shed, the already-small room slightly changed size and the design required adjustment, requiring multiple drawing updates. To overcome this, we worked closely with the construction team, adapting the design on-site to fit the garden’s actual layout. This process allowed us to integrate the structure naturally into the environment, underscoring the importance of flexibility and hands-on problem-solving when unexpected issues arise in construction projects.  

What is your favourite moment in the project? 

My favourite moment was seeing the structure take shape as the beams were set up. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking but, once the beams aligned perfectly with the surrounding birch trees, creating a beautiful fan effect, it was incredibly satisfying. ​That alignment not only brought the vision to life but also reinforced my confidence that the concept was well-suited to the project’s scale, context and intended use.

Are there lessons from this project which might be applied elsewhere?

After working with Constant Structural Design to carefully develop the structural details during the design phase, we needed to make some changes on-site due to access issues and challenging weather conditions. By collaborating closely as a team, we made sure the final result aligned with our original vision, even with the necessary adjustments. This experience highlighted the importance of clear communication and quick problem-solving, offering valuable lessons for future projects in managing constraints effectively while maintaining design integrity.

Claudia Rosa-Cervello is director and founder of N4 Architecture

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Key data:

Total contract cost £100,000 + VAT
Area of extension 18.5m²