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Archer Office acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay respects to their elders, past and present.
Projects / Mark Taylor Oval Pavilion
Mark Taylor Oval Pavilion:
Contemporary Twin
Archer Office was engaged to design a new pavilion at Mark Taylor Oval in Waitara, creating a new ‘twin’ pavilion alongside the original 1920’s pavilion, which has served the park for over 100 years.
CONTEXT
Mark Taylor Oval Pavilion is conceived as a respectful dialogue between past and present. Rather than demolish the 1929 grandstand, the design proposes a “complementary twin” that preserves heritage fabric while introducing contemporary, accessible facilities. The underlying philosophy values continuity, restraint and civic generosity, strengthening the park’s legacy while enabling its future use.
Crowd at Waitara Oval, 1941.
Panorama of Waitara Oval, 1925.
HERITAGE
The program is resolved through a dual-building strategy that preserves the 1929 grandstand while delivering contemporary facilities in a complementary new pavilion. Works to the original structure were limited to minimal compliance upgrades, safeguarding its heritage integrity. The new building consolidates public amenities, kiosk, storage and umpires’ facilities at ground level, opening on all sides to activate the park. Above, a generous, fully accessible club and community room overlooks the field and precinct. The new pavilion aligns with the roof pitch and scale of the original grandstand, lowering toward the field and filtering afternoon light at high level. By minimising the ground footprint and elevating primary gathering space, the design maximises accessibility, operational efficiency and public engagement within a cohesive heritage and contemporary composition.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability begins with retention. Preserving the 1929 grandstand significantly reduced material waste and embodied energy. Durable concrete finishes and low-maintenance façades support longevity, while passive solar design, including filtered western light and shaded perimeters, enhances comfort and reduces reliance on mechanical systems.
Project Details
Location:
Hornsby, Sydney
Year:
2023-2026
Status:
Officially opened in 2026
Client:
Northern District Cricket Club
Programme:
Sports and Community Facility
Size:
316m2 (GFA)
Visualisation:
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