© Anson Smart
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The story of an iconic Australian Coastal Pavilion
Australia is known for its vast coastline, surfing spots, and beach culture. Oceanfront pavilions are of equal architectural and design importance and were built to provide shelter and amenity to bathers and surfers who flocked to the beaches when the ban on daytime ocean bathing was lifted in 1903.
The Burleigh Pavilion at Burleigh Heads on Australia’s Gold Coast, (a metropolitan area south of Brisbane in Queensland) is one such iconic beach ‘Pavilion’ structure.
The important ocean-facing building with panoramic views of the world-renowned surfing point break is historically significant, originally an indigenous meeting area and then built on top of a popular 1950s swimming pool.
Sydney-based architectural practice Alexander &CO. was commissioned to renovate and expand the dilapidating structure. The design had to be a robust and easily maintained multipurpose venue that would appeal equally to guests who walked straight off the beach to those enjoying a smart lunch or dinner.
Built upon the rock, the works also had to accommodate storm surges and prevent flooding.
The resolution was a 1200sqm venue; robust, sun-drenched and faded, a study in scale and simplicity.
Divided into three spaces; an a la carte restaurant (‘The Tropic’), a coastal brasserie (‘The Pavilion’) and a main outdoor beach bar.
Creatively the client wanted the project to evoke memories of his childhood spent holidaying in Burleigh Heads; a 70’s Gold Coast beach nostalgia.
