Brent Cross Town Visitor Pavilion

Barnet, Greater London

The visitor pavilion at Brent Cross Town as the inaugural building in Related Argent’s ambitious 180-acre masterplan, this 8,000-square-foot multi-functional space serves as both a physical and conceptual gateway to the development’s vision for a green, community-focused future. The pavilion’s design is a masterclass in simplicity and functionality, harmonising seamlessly with its parkland surroundings. Its robust material palette - stone-filled gabions, larch cladding, and expansive glazing - establishes a dialogue between the built and natural environments. The use of timber, including spruce cross-laminated and glue-laminated structures, brings warmth and tactility to the interiors, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. The double-height gallery is a focal point, offering flexibility for exhibitions, community events, and gatherings, while its large timber-framed portals strategically frame vibrant parkland views, embedding the ethos of a “new town within parkland” into every visitor’s experience. The pavilion sustainable design principles have a clear emphasis on circular economy ideals. Designed for disassembly, the building minimises its environmental footprint, addressing the significant issue of construction waste. The thoughtful use of renewable materials, such as wood-wool acoustic panels and timber, ensures a reduced carbon footprint while enhancing indoor comfort. The landscaping, completed prior to construction, roots the pavilion in its context and demonstrates the priority given to creating a green, biodiverse environment. Welcoming public spaces open seamlessly to outdoor courtyard, while the layout invites the local community to engage with the space through a variety of uses. From free gallery exhibitions to yoga mornings and sound baths, the pavilion serves as a hub for interaction, learning, and well-being. Its design celebrates equity, ensuring that the building is both physically and socially accessible. The pavilion goes beyond the typical role of a visitor centre, offering a civic contribution that extends beyond Brent Cross Town. By integrating into the idyllic Claremont Park, the building provides immediate access to green space, reinforcing the masterplan’s community-focused vision. The vibrant café and dynamic programming of events further enrich the site, creating a destination that fosters connection and engagement. Small touches, such as the soundscape of local recordings, deepen the sense of place and belonging.

Judges’ Comments:

“Brent Cross Town Visitor Pavilion is a space that informs, inspires, and includes, serving as both a physical landmark and a symbolic embodiment of the development’s green, sustainable, and community-driven aspirations.”