Set within Highbury Fields, Islington’s largest park, and Highbury Fields Conservation Area, the new cafe, park keeper’s base, public toilets and stores will provide an upgraded community focal point for this well-loved park. Sited on a triangular site, constrained by existing footpaths to the east of the busy pedestrian Church Path, it is slightly larger than its dilapidated predecessor. On land defined as “Metropolitan open land” the new building is efficient and nestles beneath the canopy of mature plane trees and navigates their roots while protecting the long term health of these trees, which characterise Highbury Fields. Using entirely concrete free construction, steel screw piles and recycled materials from the old building, along with a timber frame and natural insulations, the new building will be of very low embodied carbon construction in line with Levitate and Islington Council’s climate change objectives.

A generous overhanging timber pitched roof creates a sheltered outdoor terrace with a south and west facing aspects across the park and nearby tennis courts. An apron of bonded gravel allows level access around the building and to the surrounding paths. Externally built in timber benches bring cafe users in direct contact with the natural tactile qualities of UK grown Ash cladding. Large windows along three sides of the cafe grant panoramic views to the wider park whilst providing a comfortable indoor space. A naturally ventilated covered passageway provides park users with upgraded public toilets that are shared with cafe users. Incorporating a new Changing Places facility means a wider range of the community will be able to access the cafe and the park facilities in the future.

The building is fully electric, with heating and hot water provided by an air source heat pump, while low water use taps and toilets reduce fresh water consumption. Shading from trees made solar panels impractical, but high levels of insulation, good airtightness and double glazed windows will help to minimise energy use.

Alongside the cafe, a derelict park bungalow will be removed and the site returned to create 200 sq.m of open park space, improving views and perception of safety along the eastern edge of the park.

In a later stage, the derelict bandstand will be replaced with a teaching shelter covered with planted timber roof and set within a new wildlife garden. Circular in form and made with recycled crushed brick and concrete from the demolished cafe, the wildlife shelter will be the focal point of a new wildlife teaching garden where local early years children can learn outside through touching, smelling and engaging directly with nature. A large roof light over the shelter brings daylight into the heart of it, illuminating a mini amphitheatre surrounded by stepped seating for small groups. A meandering gravel path which weaves amongst new trees, brash piles and wild flowers, connects the shelter to a low fenced new pond at the heart of the garden creating a mixed habitat for wildlife, where children can pond dip and watch the pond skaters. An accessible WC and washing facilities ensure access and hygiene for all.