At RISE Design Studio, we take our roofs seriously — perhaps a little too seriously. Our latest Pavilion proves that when it comes to shelter, bigger really can be better.
A cantilevered roof that defines both shelter and social space — RISE Design Studio’s Tennis Pavilion and Café in the Park
When Is a Roof Not Just a Roof?
(Hint: When it’s Huge)
Here at RISE Design Studio, we often find ourselves musing on the profound questions of architectural philosophy: Can a wall be both load-bearing and deeply spiritual? Is a door truly a door if it only leads to a supply closet?
And, most importantly: When is a roof not just a roof?
The answer, as demonstrated by our lovely new Tennis Pavilion and Café in the Park, is: when it's big.
You see the image above? You might be drawn to the charming timber cladding, the sensible glazing, or the pristine clay courts. But our eyes? They go straight to the sheer, beautiful, unapologetic expanse of that big roof.
The Multi-Tool of Modern Architecture
The uninitiated may look at this cantilevered masterpiece and think, "Ah, architectural whimsy. Someone needed an overhang for their ego." And to that, we say: "Well, yes, but mostly no."
This isn't just a hat for the building; it's the ultimate Swiss Army knife of sustainable and community focused design.
Function 1: The Essential Shelter - The External Room
Forget the quaint notion of a small porch. This roof is a serious guardian against the elements (if you ignore it's actually too high). Did you just spend 45 minutes getting utterly walloped 6-0, 6-0 on the court? Too ashamed to face the world? Simply stand beneath the glorious cantilever. It offers shelter from the rain (or the judgmental glare of the winners) while you consume a restorative, possibly necessary G&T or two.
Function 2: The Sustainable Superhero
We could bore you with technical talk about solar gain and thermal regulation, but we'll put it simply: this gigantic lid is a sustainable champion collecting all sorts of stuff.
It provides deep summer shading to the extensive glazing, which means the Pavilion doesn't turn into an aggressive greenhouse, allowing us to keep the community cool without incurring the guilt (or cost) of excessive air conditioning. It’s practical, it’s responsible, and it makes our engineers very happy.....Structural Engineer has stopped taking our calls.
Function 3: The People Magnet
A roof this big doesn't just protect the building; it protects the Park experience. It creates that beautiful, checkered threshold where the formal world of the architecture meets the wild world of the grass. It's an impromptu stage for the local jazz band, a perfect spot for an ice cream stand, or just a large, dry area where the entire community can gather to watch a particularly fierce game of tennis—all while sipping an artisanal flat white.
So, the next time you encounter an impossibly large architectural element, remember this. It's not just a gesture. It's not just a flourish. It's probably just us, maximizing the useful geometry of a great big roof.
Yours in over-engineered shade,
The Big Roof Team at RISE Design Studio
At RISE, we believe great architecture isn’t just about the buildings we design — it’s about the spaces they create for people and the communities they serve.
Our Tennis Pavilion and Café in the Park reflects that belief: sustainable, inclusive, and unapologetically bold in form and purpose.
Thinking about a community or leisure project?
Let’s talk about how thoughtful design can shape spaces that bring people together — under one beautiful, purposeful roof.
→ Email us at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk
→ Or call the studio on 020 3947 5886
RISE Design Studio, Interior Designers + Sustainability Experts
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