Completed in 2024, the Garden Room by Wilkinson King Architects is a detached, 24-square-meter private annex located in the garden of a Grade II listed Victorian house in Stockwell, south London. The project was commissioned by the client to provide a home for their mother who had moved to the city to be near family. Built on the site of a former raised terrace, the new structure is designed to harmonize with its garden setting. The design is sensitive to its surroundings, particularly the large tree canopy that provides protection for the small building. The exterior is clad in charred timber (shou sugi ban), which takes on the dark tones of its environment and provides protection from the elements. The form is characterized by a rectilinear elevation contrasted by a large, circular, moon-like opening. A pergola structure acts as an intermediate threshold between the shared garden and the interior. This space can be screened for privacy by sliding lattice panels that mask the full-width glazing. The interior of the single-room space is designed to feel bright and open. Birch plywood wall linings give a soft, warm feel, while Douglas fir flooring provides an organic texture. The roof features exposed diagonal joists, reminiscent of tree branches, and circular skylights cast dappled light onto the floor and provide views of the tree canopy above. A full-height cupboard divides the space to create a separate shower room while maintaining visual continuity of the ceiling. The highly sustainable design features excellent insulation, electric underfloor heating, and natural light and ventilation. The dry-construction technology is fully reversible, as the structure is built on small screw piles that can be easily removed. Credits Architects: Wilkinson King Architects Structural Engineer: Structure Haus M&E: Lamorbey Associates Principal Designer & CDM: Wilkinson King Approved Building Inspector: Integral BCS Main Contractor: 3 Build Construction Photography: David Grandorge