The cabin was thoughtfully designed around the existing magnolia tree. Clad in black stained cedar it allows it to blend effortlessly into the garden, letting the tree remain the focal point.

This versatile space functions as a home office, gym, and family entertainment room at the front, with a hidden workshop and storage area at the back. A mezzanine, accessible via a wall-mounted ladder, overlooks the main room and serves as a playful hangout for our daughter and her friends.

The cabin was inspired by our travels through New Zealand and the unique cabins we stayed in along the way. While it echoes the form of a traditional cabin, its black exterior and slimline door and window give it a contemporary edge. Designed with a striking pitched roof over three metres high, the structure evokes the feeling of a remote retreat—right in the heart of a London garden. A large picture window frames views of the lush garden, drawing the outside in and fostering a sense of calm. Natural materials were chosen for the interior: birch plywood lines the walls and ceiling, while a dark cork floor adds contrast without compromising the organic feel.