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The pavilion forms the centrepiece of the new Carbon Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Designed by Mizzi Studio with technical design coordination and fabrication design by Xylotek, the pavilion is both an architectural landmark and a functional classroom, drawing visitors into conversations about carbon, climate and resilience.
Taking inspiration from the natural symbiosis between plants and fungi, a central glulam larch “trunk” rises to support a broad translucent canopy fabricated from natural flax fibre composites. The canopy is tilted to channel rainwater down through the structure into a surrounding rain garden, embedding the theme of carbon and water cycles directly into the architecture.
Xylotek was responsible for the fabrication design of all structural elements and the technical coordination of the pavilion. The structure comprises sixteen tapered glulam ribs in FSC-certified GL24h larch, each with a nominal 425×90 mm cross-section and tight radii requiring precise detailing. The ribs are braced by thirty-two bespoke, doubly curved laminated larch veneer “waves,” while a glulam tip ring completes the rib geometry at their upper ends.
To achieve seamless integration between the timber and composite canopy, Xylotek worked closely with Format Engineers to develop bespoke steel connection systems. These included an interface ring between the ribs and granite footings, a reclaimed CHS720×10 throat tube tying the ribs at the core, and an apex steel ring that braces the structure beneath the canopy.
Beyond the timber elements, Xylotek also coordinated the integration of the pavilion’s other components, including the polycarbonate rainwater funnel, seven granite stone footings with steel base plates, nine decorative glulam fins, and the natural fibre-composite canopy shell by 2D3D.
Conceived as an educational and social space, the pavilion hosts school groups, workshops and community gatherings. The result is a hybrid structure that combines structural rigour with architectural expression - embodying both environmental responsibility and craft.
