The key intervention is a long curved wall that directs movement and creates moments of stillness. Similar to how the bends of a riverbank shape the qualities of the water, transforming a torrent into gentle eddies and deep still pools, this continuous wall turns the pavilion from one large space into a series of distinct zones, each with its own characteristics. Textural terracotta tiles – some 13,000 in all, handmade by Wardle and Simon Lloyd – line the wall, contrasting with the materiality of the glass perimeter walls and recalling the rough bark of the surrounding Scottish elm trees. The subtle sense of enclosure generated by the curves of the terracotta wall serves to enhance the experience of the views, with each table given a unique line of sight into the garden that is balanced by a comfortable feeling of privacy and seclusion.
Allen and Wardle’s shared appreciation for detail, orchestration, precision and experience is reflected in the careful selection of materials, fixtures, fittings and furniture, emphasising domestic craft and makers. Jon Goulder created the custom dining chairs; Vivienne Wong made the private dining room table from a cypress branch sourced from Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens; and the Tasmanian blackwood timber cellar was made by Ross Thompson. The bespoke lighting system is by Edward Linacre, with a pendant by Adam Markowitz and Ruth Allen. The branding was developed in collaboration between Allen, Wardle and Studio Ongarato – the logo and letterforms reference local flora, collaged together with garden elements that transform seasonally.
