Allan Border Oval Pavilion:
Community Umbrella
The new Allan Border Oval Pavilion is the premier Cricket and community sporting venue in Mosman. The building consolidates a variety of functions into a single, shared community facility that addresses both the traditional built context and the technical requirements for a contemporary sporting venue.
CONTEXT
The Allan Border Oval Pavilion is shared by cricket and soccer clubs in alternate seasons, while also containing Council and park maintenance facilities, public amenities, a kiosk and integrated landscaping that serves all park visitors throughout the week.
HERITAGE
The Allan Border Oval Pavilion is located within the Heritage-listed Mosman Park, which includes Mosman War Memorial.
An analysis of historic and contemporary precedents showed that similar facilities were often served by two separate building types, being a grandstand and a club house respectively. The proposal combines these two sections into a hybrid type, with a hard-working and utilitarian concrete podium unified beneath a singular roof.
The roof references the pitched form of the two previous pavilions that were constructed on this historic site. To meet contemporary requirements for column-free views to the field, the roof is supported from the centre like an umbrella. In this way, a traditional presence is delivered to create an open and inclusive communal umbrella for the park, beneath which all the various community functions play out.
The concrete podium was designed to incorporate rubble from the demolished pavilion, with the board formed expression gained by utilising recycled oregon from the original pavilion roof.
UNIVERSAL ACCESS
The project was designed to provide universal access and facilities for all users, with accessibility and gender inclusiveness placed as a high priority. The project combines a range of functions for diverse user groups, supporting and complimenting the functions of the oval and surrounding park throughout the week.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The project features integrated sustainability initiatives including passive solar design principles, natural lighting, rainwater collection and reuse, and an extensive solar array.
WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT
The project required detailed consultation with stakeholders including Council and sporting clubs. Archer Office prepared detailed design reports and studies including options. The project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all stakeholders.