The design concept was to build a large treehouse, a ‘non-building’ because of our concerns about replicating a former Victorian Tea Room which was burned to the ground. Working in collaboration with artist David Patten, the design for the new Community Pavilion reflects aspects of the parks landscape, particularly the notion of movement through landscape, the use of framed views, and the mathematics that appear to underpin the original park avenue.
Set within an existing circle of trees the building is wrapped in a 'Woodland Walk' which wraps around and continues in through the new building so that visitors are able to enjoy views across the park from different levels culminating in a viewing platform to provide views over the wider Sandwell Valley. The outer screen creates a dappled lighting effect and acts a protective layer around the building to provide security. The new Pavilion meets access and DDA requirements, and is a robust, maintenance-light, and environmentally friendly structure.
