Sensitively arranged around a mature horse chestnut tree, the new-build Peckham Rye Pavilion blends gently into the historic tree-line, looking onto the Park’s open playing fields to the south and providing easy access to its facilities.

The faceted form takes its aesthetic cues from London’s picturesque Victorian park pavilions with a steeply pitched roof, deep overhanging eaves and a prominent entrance portal to the playroom. The overhanging eaves provide shelter along with the entrances and act as external shading devices, avoiding overheating in the summer. The pitched roof sheds rainwater directly into a rain garden, and the site’s natural topography directs water towards the River Peck. The rain garden is shaped like a small forum and has become a popular stopping point for children to play and dog walkers to gather.

The pavilion utilises natural light and ventilation where possible, with the tall spaces, skylights and large windows designed to take the best advantage of this. The natural timber not only applies to the internal finishes. The building is constructed of cross-laminated timber, while the juxtaposition of traditional wood and modern finishes to create a bright space, that is appropriate for children playing while remaining durable.