Designed by Fletcher Crane Architects from Kingston upon Thames, a more southerly part of the metropolis, the building seems to shake the foundations of the streetscape – but then it blends in astonishingly harmoniously. “Stitched boldly into the street scenography” is how the planners themselves fittingly put it. It looks as if it has been stitched into the existing streetscape, boldly and with the utmost precision. Its cubed shape and use of materials harmoniously compliment the surrounding forms And while the neighbouring buildings are ornamental, the Tree House remains elegantly restrained.
Upon entering, however, its great contrast to the traditional surroundings is revealed: an open split level landscape runs through the building. The kitchen and living area occupy the top floor, with maximum natural light thanks to the large-format windows. Two bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are arranged below in a semi-sunken floor, which includes a small, lower-level garden with black cobblestones.
The exterior of the Tree House focuses on purism and sharp contrasts between rough brick and crisp black elements. And inside, too, the focus is on just a few materials for maximum clarity. Rough brick walls are combined with bespoke ash woodwork, terrazzo tiles and finely crafted metal balustrades. All the interior design details are characterised by straight lines, concentration is focused on the essentials. The switches and socket outlets of the Gira Esprit linoleum-plywood design line perfectly match this, with a modern look that is at the same time confidently understated – in other words, very British.
Architecture: Fletcher Crane Architects | fletchercranearchitects.com
Photography: Lorenzo Zandri | lorenzozandri.com
Location: London, UK
Installed Gira products: Esprit linoleum-plywood