A Hampstead garden is transformed by a sculptural, low-energy studio that wraps around three mature Silver Birch trees. Designed to AECB standards, the space blends curved forms, birch plywood interiors, and super-insulated construction to create a games room and guest suite that sits lightly on the land, celebrating nature while delivering comfort and performance year-round.
Client: Private
Location: Hampstead, London NW3
Local Authority: Camden
Plot Type: Urban
Project Type: Residential
Internal Area (GIA): 52 sqm
Tucked away in a lush Hampstead garden, The Three Trees Studio is a sculptural, single-storey retreat that embraces its natural surroundings while delivering a refined, low-energy space. Designed by RISE Design Studio, this garden studio exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can protect and celebrate the existing landscape, in this case, three mature Silver Birch trees, while providing a serene and highly functional addition to a family home.
Shaped by nature, the building wraps gently around the trees, with curved perimeter walls that respect existing root systems and preserve the natural contours of the garden. The result is a fluid, organic form that feels embedded in the landscape rather than imposed upon it, a quiet presence that fosters a deeper connection between built and natural environments.
Designed with dual functionality in mind, the studio provides a flexible space for family gatherings, games, and entertaining, alongside a tranquil guest suite with an ensuite bathroom. Large, curved glass openings frame views of the garden, drawing the outdoors in and reinforcing the sense of calm. Two oval rooflights bring sunlight and sky views deep into the space, lifting the atmosphere and further blurring the boundary between inside and out.
Internally, the use of birch plywood adds warmth and texture, lending a natural rhythm to the interiors and echoing the trees beyond. The palette is minimalist yet rich in tactile quality - earthy, robust, and enduring.
Environmental performance is at the heart of the project. The studio is built with super-insulated walls, triple-glazed windows, and an airtight envelope to ensure optimal thermal comfort throughout the year. A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system ensures a constant supply of fresh, filtered air while minimising heat loss, underscoring the project's commitment to sustainable design.
The Three Trees Studio is more than a garden room; it’s a place of stillness and reconnection. It shows how architecture, when led by site and purpose, can create spaces that are both deeply rooted and quietly transformative.
