Tree x Office

Built under a tree in Hoxton Square, London, TREExOFFICE was created for Groundwork London and Artsadmin as part of the Park Hack project. Park Hack is an initiative in Hackney to use lottery funds to back innovation in design and business that will create investments for the borough's parks and green spaces.

The work hub was designed and engineered by artist Natalie Jeremijenko and architects Tate Harmer working alongside collaborative artists Shuster + Moseley and briefing artchitects Gensler. The impressive transparent structure was built by Atom Build using Richilte, birch plywood, and clear acrylic panels. A unique ECTFE-filmed roof distils rain water through it's cloud-like engineering while sunlight fills the space. Created to make the perfect working environment, the popup office can accommodate up to eight people, comes complete with power and wifi and spaces can be booked for only £15 per half day.

Richlite was used as the engineered structural ribs which support the office, and was cnc-machined pre-fab and installed on site. The paper composite material was used for this project because it would stand up to the wet British weather and not fail in the winter months.

Rory Harmer from Tate Harmer architects first came across Richlite while looking for an alternative to black stained timber for a cladding project on a private house. Intrigued by the durability and versatility of the material and its good looks, Rory says the matte monotone finish makes it look very expensive. Its natural, dark finish perfectly complements the surrounding leafy area.