Conceived as a quintessential Australian beach pavilion structure, the Burleigh Pavilion is the refurbishmentand partial construction of the iconic ocean facing building and swimming pool at Burleigh Heads. Across1, 200 sq m, the venue is divided into three spaces: ‘The Pavilion’, ‘Beach Bar’ and ‘The Tropic’ restaurant.Robust, sun-drenched and faded it is the next genesis in the story of Burleigh Heads.
The operational brief was to create three spaces within a beach pavilion structure; an à la carte restaurant, acoastal brasserie and a main outdoor beach bar.Creatively, our client required that the project evoke memories of his childhood spent holidaying in Burleigh Heads; a 70s Gold Coast beach nostalgia. Additionally, the space also had to be robust and easily maintained,appealing equally to guests visiting straight from the beach to those enjoying a smart lunch or dinner.To achieve this, we have explored a design that is both elegant and enduring. Beautiful volumes andarchitectural shapes are accented with faded pastels, corbeled blockwork and bold awnings. These materialswere selected for not only their aesthetic value but their unique ability to withstand heavy wear from theelements. It is here where our story begins.
Outside, the pavilion building gently reveals itself from behind a fenestrated entry elevation and beneath a greatconcrete canopy. Two palm trees and extruded metal lettersannounce its presence. A hint of retro DNA isevident in circular breeze block whilst tropical gardens flank the entrance.Inside, a large central kitchen pushes patrons toward an ever-reaching view where various furnishingsencourage them to eat, drink and stand. It is a hive of gastronomic energy built within a curving masonryarbour, a nod to past pavilion structures once dotted up and down the coast.
From this kitchen, the venue’s three spaces radiate; an unobstructed ocean front view looks north to the GoldCoast and then south to the horizon. The Tropic restaurant distinguishes itself with rattan ceiling, crazy pavedfloor and pink and brass highlights, whereas the Pavilion Bar and external Beach Bar celebrate ocean frontviews with painted concrete block and ample foliage.
Our team faced and overcame significant structural challenges throughout this project. Dating back to the1980s, the existing pavilion was built above an outdoor pool and on top of various coastal rock. In addition tothis it is also prone to severe flooding from frequent storm surges.
As a result, works required to reinforce the structure were vastly complex and required a virtual reconstructionof the building, doubling existing columns with a new super steel structure and concrete framework. The lowerfloor of the venue has been built to accommodate storm surges by installing removable bifold glazing andallowing storm surges to move into and through the building.
