Architectural studio Ao-ft has unveiled Tree Courtyard House, a two-bedroom home in Walthamstow Village, London, featuring a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure. Built around a 15-metre-tall London plane tree, the home combines sustainability, privacy, and integration with nature.
Design Inspired by Nature
Occupying a 63-square-metre L-shaped plan, the home leaves ample space for a large courtyard garden. The tree’s root system and foliage influenced the house’s layout and window placement, allowing seasonal light changes to shape its ambiance. In summer, the tree provides shade, while in winter, its bare branches let in more light.
Liz Tatarintseva, Ao-ft director, explained: “We took advantage of the seasonal changes in the tree’s foliage, creating a symbiotic relationship between the house and nature.”
Innovative Construction
The structure, formed from 43 prefabricated spruce CLT panels and a glulam beam, was assembled in just five days in collaboration with ConstruktCL, a mass-timber specialist. The glulam beam supports seamless ceiling panels, creating a minimalist interior aesthetic.
Inside, the spruce CLT has been left exposed to highlight its natural texture, complemented by polished concrete flooring and gridded tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.
Daylight and Privacy
To address the site’s close proximity to neighbouring homes, Ao-ft designed a mono-pitched roof with high-placed windows. These openings frame views of the tree while maintaining privacy. A skylight in the bathroom offers a sense of openness, connecting the space to surrounding foliage without compromising seclusion.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Tree Courtyard House incorporates an exhaust air heat pump, reusing waste air energy to reduce operational carbon. Its compact size and eco-friendly materials reflect a commitment to sustainable urban living.
A Legacy of Timber Projects
Tree Courtyard House continues Ao-ft’s focus on CLT construction, following projects like Spruce House, also located in Walthamstow. These projects demonstrate the potential of mass-timber as a sustainable building material in urban settings.
