Hackney’s ‘Tree Office’ is a solution to London’s work space shortage, says Council

Branching out: an artist’s impression of how the ‘Tree Office’ might look.

An office built around a tree trunk in Hoxton Square is the new “solution” to London’s work space shortage, according to Hackney Council.

London’s first ‘Tree Office’ will have room for six to eight people and will be rented out to business or community groups.

The Council says its weatherproof structure will provide views out across the square and up into the tree’s canopy, and has been designed to be “as transparent as possible.”

The ‘Tree Office’, which will be in place for seven months, is a group project by Hackney Council, Groundwork London and Arts Admin as part of the Park Hack project- one of 11 projects in the UK piloting new business models that aim to generate investment in parks and open spaces.

Cllr Jonathan McShane.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture said he was “excited to see the people using this space” once the project launches this month.

“The Council has partnered with a range of organisations to launch this innovative project which will help provide unique workspace in the heart of borough’s tech cluster that is home to thousands of small, growing businesses”, he said.

“Also helping to generate funding for the borough’s beautiful parks and open spaces, the innovative design of the ‘Tree Office’ will provide a space not only where people can work and meet, but also to interact with the natural environment, a vastly different experience from working in a modern office.”

The Tree Office has been created by artist Natalie Jeremijenko in collaboration with artists Shuster + Moseley, architects Tate Harmer and consulting architects Gensler. A range of other sponsors will provide stronger Wi-Fi connectivity, building materials and bespoke furniture.