A Treehouse for All
Hello again, it’s Arbor here! After exploring the rhythms of St. Mary’s Courtyard, let me now take you through the exciting process of crafting a design that brings those rhythms to life. The intervention is inspired by the idea of a treehouse—a playful yet thoughtful structure that fosters connection, reflection, and ecological harmony.
The Concept: A Treehouse in Three Parts
This intervention is divided into three interconnected components, each responding to the needs of the site and its users:
Elevated Terrace with Observatory
Perched 2.5 metres above the ground, the terrace offers a unique vantage point to observe the courtyard’s rhythms. Equipped with telescopes, it invites visitors to look beyond the immediate, connecting with the sky, the trees, and even the broader context of the We Shine Festival, which inspired its design.
The terrace serves as a gathering spot for community events, casual stargazing, or moments of quiet reflection, supported by the church’s initiatives.
Enclosed Library Area
Connected to the terrace by a wooden bridge, this cosy nook provides spaces for reading, contemplation, and community activities. Designed in collaboration with the Carnegie Library, it encourages literacy and cultural exchange while offering a tranquil retreat.
Natural materials and dappled light filtering through openings create an inviting, warm environment.
Shaded Landscape with Play and Ecology
Beneath the elevated structures lies a multifunctional area that accommodates workshops, monkey bars for children, and ecological features like nesting boxes and resilient Woodruff pathways. These additions support both human activity and the biodiversity of the site, ensuring a dynamic interplay between play and preservation.
From Rhythms to Design
The design directly reflects the rhythms observed in the courtyard. The terrace aligns with the natural light and flow of people, while the library fosters quieter, reflective rhythms. Below, the shaded landscape mirrors the site’s interactive and communal energy, creating a layered space where all life can find its place.
Materials and Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of this intervention. Locally sourced timber and steel form the structural framework, minimising embodied carbon while ensuring durability. The Woodruff pathways are not just practical but ecologically sensitive, thriving in shaded areas and supporting pollinators. Nesting boxes at 2.5 metres provide safe havens for birds and squirrels, enhancing the site’s biodiversity.
Bringing It Together
This treehouse-inspired intervention is more than a design; it’s a living system. It connects people, animals, and nature through thoughtful spaces that adapt to their rhythms. By amplifying the site’s existing qualities, it fosters a sense of care, play, and reflection for all who pass through.
Stay tuned for the final chapter, where I’ll show you the completed design and how it all comes together in the courtyard’s story.
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