Bondi Pavilion - Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
The revitalised Bondi Pavilion is a centre of community life – home to a vibrant mix of cultural, community, recreation and commercial uses that have been nurtured and expanded through this sensitive upgrade.
TZG’s strategy for a “new beach journey” strengthens the connection between Campbell Parade and Bondi Beach. With additional east-west connections throughout, the Pavilion now relates closely to its parkland setting, the town beyond and the iconic beach.
Rich in Gadigal history, Boondi is thought to mean ‘water tumbling over rocks’, a place where a fight with Nullas took place. The revived courtyards, are called Garu and Guya, the local Dharawhal names for northern and southern. These courtyards, originally filled with timber dressing sheds, are now landscaped and designed to be flexible in function, holding 2000 people for outdoor festivals and performance events.
Among the retained features was the Aboriginal Floor Mosaic by Terry Yungulul, gifted from the people of Arnhem Land in 1983.
Serious structural flaws were repaired by stitching together the brickwork with hundreds of helical ties. Throughout the building, all historic features were scheduled, repaired and protected.
New precast concrete columns hold up a new glass roof to the old atrium, while timber beams filter the direct sunlight to reduce heat overload. This new heart of the pavilion is open, allowing natural ventilation throughout the building. On the roof, 217 solar panels supply 71% of the building’s energy needs.
Central to community life, this revitalised building will be home to a vibrant mix of cultural, community, recreational and commercial uses for many decades to come.
Awards
2023 National Trust of Australia (NSW): Judges Choice, Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project.
2023 National Trust of Australia (NSW): Conservation – Built Heritage, Highly Commended, Bondi Pavilion Restoration and Conservation Project.
2023 AIA NSW Architecture Award for Heritage – Creative Adaptation Architecture.
2023 AIA NSW Architecture Award for Public Architecture.
