South Eveleigh SA
Australia
Overview
Studio Chris Fox were engaged with the project all the way from concept to execution, as they were both the designers and principal contractors for the build. Therefore, they had to work out and detail every aspect of the pavilion, draft the documentation, source the materials, and project manage all fabrication and installation.
The structure conceptually references the geometry and history of the past life of the site as a railway yard. The 1400 router-cut pieces of timber forming the internal cladding of the pavilion nod to the materiality and geometry of railway sleepers.
The train track ‘switch’, which occurs at points along a rail track where direction can be switched, occurs right in the middle of the pavilion. The tracks are then elegantly swept up the structure, forming a surrealistic interpretation of the humble rail line, while also providing structural support for the battens.
Australian hardwood, Eucalyptus pilularis, commonly known as blackbutt, was used for the cladding. Blackbutt is a revered timber for exterior and interior use, having excellent figure and grain, durability, and fire resistance.
Each unique blackbutt batten has been placed with meticulous precision along twisting aluminium rafters. The aluminium steps in a waffle pattern, creating an accurate ledge for the timber to be fixed to with the correct curvature. Every angle and connection detail is unique, creating a fluid, undulating structure that forms amphitheatre seating and weather protection.
The pavilion creates a new meeting place, designed to engage local residents, workers and the wider community. Interchange pavilion is a tribute to the diverse stories and journeys of people connected with the Eveleigh Rail Yards.
Project team
Structure
The surface of the structure is doubly- curved, like a distorted helix, which is a complex shape to clad with planar timber elements. The surface pushes the boundaries of timber geometry, peeling up from the ground, arcing overhead, before re-converging at a singular point at the apex.
The execution of the geometry required complex parametric modelling, in order to uniquely detail every detailed connection between the timber pieces and supporting structure.
Digital fabrication allows complex structures with myriad unique parts to be predetermined and therefore prefabricated. Each part can be designed to fit accurately to the geometry and provide the structural support necessary, using modelling software. For prefabricated structures, a high input in the design phase allows for a faster and more accurate construction phase.
