The winning design in a 2020 national design competition for a new permanent, civic pavilion at Waterman’s Cove, Barangaroo, has finally opened to the public. Commissioned by Infrastructure NSW (INSW) and designed by Sydney-based practice Besley and Spresser, the new structure functions as an event space and, according to the designers, “a place of public repose to take in harbour views and enjoy the public realm.”
The site forms part of a wider harbourside regeneration effort along the western edge of Sydney’s city centre – an area that has been a topic of great controversy over the past few years.
Director of Besley and Spresser Peter Besley said it was important that the new Pier Pavilion establish a public presence within Barangaroo. “We gave the pavilion a distinctly civic feel; all are welcome here,” he commented.
Coinciding with the building’s opening, INSW’s media release noted that the pavilion was “funded through developer contributions” and “underscores Barangaroo’s commitment to accessibility, design excellence and extensive public domain – with more than half of the precinct available for community use.”
Standing over seven metres high, the triangular pavilion possesses what INSW describe as a “lantern-like design [that] radiates light at night, creating a striking landmark on Sydney Harbour.”
According to a design statement from the architects, the pavilion references land, sea and sky through its form and material. Director Jessica Spresser noted, “We began the design process by focusing on the natural elements that compose the site. Sydney Harbour is a unique and beautiful landscape, and the building is uniquely positioned to respond to it.”
In plan, the pavilion mimics the geometry of the harbour’s coves and peninsulas. A perimeter of 85 freestanding columns supports the pavilion’s landscaped roof, which is populated with nearly 2500 native plants, sandstone and hollow logs typical of surrounding headlands so as to attract native insects and birds and create microhabitats.
The project description from the architect noted that within the ceiling plane, “a circle of light from a large roof oculus roams across the ground […] balancing internal and external daylighting” and allowing the weather to enter. Underneath this canopy, a second, freestanding building known as the ‘cella’ accommodates a servery with bar, store and technical area to support events.
The entirety of the pavilion is clad in a pioneering “oyster terrazzo,” combining whole Sydney rock oyster shells sourced from Sydney’s coastline with a variety of recycled aggregates. The material was developed by Besley and Spresser over a year of experimentation in order to express the connection between the pavilion and its site, where Sydney Rock oysters have flourished for millenia.
For Spresser, the use of the recycled shells was intended to reference communal gatherings by the sea. “We wanted to pay respect to the long history of oyster feasting in the area and to celebrate the use of a recycled material in the public realm,” she said.
According to INSW, nearly half a million oyster shells were recycled and used in the construction, which would have been otherwise committed to landfill. INSW noted that 92 percent of the building’s construction waste was also recycled. The project was delivered over a period of 13 months and with women in trades comprising seven percent of total work hours during construction, surpassing three times the industry average.
“The pavilion is intended to remain for a long time, and to figure in people’s memories of Sydney,” Besley reflected. “We think the shells will be particularly memorable for children.”
INSW commended Besley and Spresser for their creativity, expertise and collaborative approach.
“Besley and Spresser’s design for the Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo delivers a high-quality architectural solution that thoughtfully responds to its surroundings. Selected through a design competition, their approach celebrates the defining elements of the site – land, sky, and sea – while meeting Infrastructure NSW’s brief to create a prominent visual landmark. The result is a stunning public space where people can shelter, meet, gather and relax by the water.
“We are confident this versatile public space will leave a lasting legacy for locals and visitors to Barangaroo, fostering connection in an inclusive and visually striking setting.”
Infrastructure NSW head of projects Bruno Zinghini observed, “The Pier Pavilion is more than a landmark – it’s a celebration of collaboration, innovation and sustainability. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail demonstrates the dedication of everyone involved in bringing this iconic vision to life.”
The Pier Pavilion is open to visitors from 30 April.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
