Garden Studio and Banya

Location: Hampstead, London

, UK

Status: Built

Service: Architecture

Area: 40m² / 420ft²

2018-21

Nestled among the trees of a private garden in Hampstead, London, this unusual garden studio also houses the traditional elements of a Russian ‘banya’ — sauna, bucket shower, and plunge pool. The building's irregular geometry came from working with the plan dictated by the trees and the steeply sloping site.

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The garden had a number of tree preservation orders and was in a conservation area; obtaining planning permission was a notable achievement that required extensive coordination with ecology and tree experts. 

We took measures to ensure the continued growth of the existing trees. A special system of mini-pile foundations was developed to minimise the impact on tree roots and specific offsets to tree trunks made to ensure they continue to receive enough water and have room to grow.

The garden room has large glazed sliding doors to draw light from the garden and terrace into the timber-finished interior. A large wrap-around rooflight-window to the rear provides a dramatic framed view of the extensive woodlands behind. The net effect is a building that feels immersed in nature. Designed in collaboration with interior design company Black & Milk.

Awards & Press

NLA Don't Move, Improve Awards 2023 — Shortlisted

Process

Concept design

Construction photos

Original site observations

129.

Garden Studio and Banya

Year:

2018-21

Restrictions: Conservation area


CF team: Oliver Cooke, Francis Fawcett; Liz Ferguson, Sandra Youkhana

Interior design: Black & Milk
Structures: Philip Cooper, Cambridge Architectural Research Ltd.
MEP design: Max Fordham LLP
Contractor: Bow Tie Construction

Photos: Peter Landers, Philip Durrant