Pavilion for All - Architects Journal Competition

PARKdesigned recently entered the ‘Pavilion for All’ Architects Journal Design competition. The design competition was for a new sports and active play pavilion in Brent Cross Town, North London.

Pavilion for All seeks an outstanding net zero design for the sports and active play pavilion which will be built at the heart of Clitterhouse Playing Fields in north London. The playing fields, an area of green space the size of 22 football pitches, has never been developed before and is central to the vision for the £7 billion ‘park town’.

Our concept is to create a low-impact, but highly useful and welcoming hub for Clitterhouse Playing Fields. The rammed-earth design takes note of the current site topography and integrates itself into the ground as two spaces separated by an aperture through which the public can enter. In the Northern side is the reception, multi-function rooms, changing rooms and public toilets, and to the Southern and most visible side is the cafe and deck from which the community can spectate the closest playing fields.

The locally sourced timber structure supports two large green roofs that stretch over each building, simultaneously providing a diverse habitat for plant life and a raised pathway for users to view more of the playing fields. The curved form of the building emphasises its function as a fulcrum of the paths that connect the park to the surrounding communities, making a definitive focal point for users from all park entrances to be directed towards. This design aims to highlight a commitment to environmentally sensitive design by using materials only sourced locally, and using the rammed earth green roofs to create a naturally insulating space. Further elements, such as natural ventilation and effective heat recovery systems will also contribute to improving the building’s whole-life carbon footprint.