De Matos Ryan has created a tree-less treehouse with a curious cartoon connection for a family home in London.

The project is a 4.1-metre high structure that was created for a site with no mature trees. Designed in collaboration with the client's children, it was developed around creating the idea of creating a den with an elevated look-out or crow’s nest that could only be accessed by them.

The children's favourite cartoon Danger Mouse was a key influence. A love of the main character's reluctant sidekick Penfold gave the idea to develop a timber frame based on geometry, that would be a fitting space the children imagined Penfold would retreat to in times of need. When assembled, the prefabricated triangular frames combined to make a truncated pyramidal form. The slatted cladding has a cable lattice to encourage climbing plants and create the sense of a tree.

This project has been longlisted in the small building category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Architect: De Matos Ryan

Project: Penfold

Read more: De Matos Ryan