Pavilion Tea House | Hove Park
A new eco café and community hub with green roof and wood-fired pizza oven
Local café owner Gino had outgrown the tired old tea house in Hove Park. The existing structure, offering only limited snacks and no indoor seating, was holding back the potential of what could be a vibrant community gathering space. Gino approached us to reimagine the building as a welcoming, year-round café and pizzeria—one that would feel rooted in the park and powered by sustainable design.
Inspired by the simplicity and openness of traditional Japanese tea houses, our design features a solid timber structurewith a large, flexible indoor seating area that flows naturally onto an expansive decked terrace. A deep roof overhang shelters the outdoor seating, encouraging use in all seasons while blending harmoniously into the park setting.
The superstructure is formed from cross-laminated timber (CLT)—a low-carbon material that provides strength, speed of construction, and a warm, natural aesthetic. The green sedum roof enhances biodiversity and helps the building sit gently within the landscape, while floor-to-ceiling glazing provides visual openness and a strong connection to the park’s greenery.
At the heart of the café is a wood-fired pizza oven, designed not only to serve food but also to provide hot water for the kitchen and toilets via a heat exchanger. Rainwater harvesting from the roof further reduces environmental impact by supplying water for flushing toilets.
This new pavilion will be more than a café—it’s designed as a welcoming, sustainable space for locals to gather, relax, and enjoy great food in the heart of Hove Park.
"Mark came up with a wonderful design which maximises the natural attributes of our rural site”
Geoff & Gail Aucock
“Mark’s contribution has been invaluable. I have recommended him to others and I would be happy to work with him again”
Ruth Stoton
“Mark has been very straight-forward and professional and has given me sound practical advice.”
Roger Ross
“Working with Mark was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We couldn't have been happier with the end result.”
Andrew & Emma Wilkie
"It's his quiet confidence that makes you feel more confident about what it is you’re doing. We would definitely recommend working with Mark from Koru."
Adele O’Hehir
"Koru Architects have been a 'breath of fresh air’ in helping me develop my concept and taking this through to design."
Gino Fox
"Mark’s designs have been very innovative, making good use of a difficult site. His service has pleased me enormously!"
Herb Etkin
Ready to discuss a project? Get in touch today.
01273 204065
info@koruarchitects.co.uk
Studio 221, 91 Western Road,
Brighton and Hove, BN1 2NW
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