Bordering historic woodland once part of Epping Forest, this bespoke new build in Walthamstow called for a sensitive architectural strategy to satisfy rigorous local ecological and tree preservation constraints.

To protect the root systems of ancient surrounding trees and safeguard local wildlife, the building was designed as a lightweight, precision-engineered timber frame. It hovers delicately above the forest floor on slender steel screw-pile foundations, eliminating the need for invasive concrete footings. Built to Passivhaus thermal standards, the house incorporates integrated solar PV generation for high operational efficiency.

The landscape design mirrors the ecology of the site, utilising exclusively native British species to boost local biodiversity. A central sustainable drainage (SuDS) pond acts as natural rainwater management while establishing a thriving aquatic habitat. Inside, dramatic double-height volumes frame direct views into the surrounding canopy, offering a serene, eco-conscious sanctuary in East London.