Field Station

Developed by students from the Architectural Association’s Design + Make postgraduate programme, this woodland pavilion serves as an open-air laboratory for long-term ecological studies, creating an interactive space for both the AA community and the public. The project's central theme is the construction application of 'forestry waste' - crown timber left on the forest floor after felling due to its limited productive value. Given the abundance of mature Beech in Hooke Park, this native and underutilised hardwood was chosen for the structure. In partnership with engineers at ARUP, a structural logic was developed, resulting in a distinctive space truss that incorporates 50-90mm beech round wood braces within a dimensional ash grid. This innovative design facilitates a striking 3m cantilever on all sides. Integrating a 3D camera during robotic fabrication ensured the precision of 256 round wood braces, adapting in real-time to branch variations. This technological innovation accommodates material eccentricities, demonstrating how advanced manufacturing techniques can be harmonised with natural and irregular materials to create scalable architectural solutions that minimise material waste. Sourced and assembled within just six months, the construction process culminated in lifting a 4-ton roof truss on top of three sets of tree fork columns. Prefabricated components enabled swift assembly onsite and will accommodate future disassembly, mirroring Hooke’s dynamic forest lifecycle. All above-ground work was conducted by the Design + Make students, underscoring the educational value of practical, hands-on experience. The Fieldstation is more than an architectural marvel; it symbolizes true sustainable design, marrying technical innovation with a deep respect for nature. It demonstrates the potential of architecture to contribute positively to woodland management and carbon sequestration, fostering a deeper connection between made and the grown.