Pinwheel

by BEAM Architects

Client Mallinson Woodland Workshop

Awards RIBA South West Award 2023

At the end of a timber decked path, it is a delight to discover Pinwheel, an intriguing and compact treehouse built as a short-term holiday let. The treehouse has been sensitively located within a clearing that forms part of a wider mature woodland.

The unusual volumes and playful shape of the built form is based around the geometry of a children’s pinwheel ‘windmill’. A cruciform shape is cleverly created by shifting four timber boxes, each used for a specific purpose. To separate and differentiate these boxes, a window of one-way glass has been subtly introduced. This glazing ensures privacy but still allows the visitor to feel part of the woodland beyond.  

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Structural Engineer CAKE Industries

Gross internal area in m2 35