Armitage Pavilion

The Armitage Education Center Pavilion is the careful synthesis of a multitude of latent forces and disparate geometries. A once overheated and underused western facing patio tucked into a neglected corner of the client's headquarters building has been transformed into a welcoming new entry sequence and a cool shady place to gather, protected from the intense winds of the plains. A simple material palette of earth and reclaimed timber was used to construct the pavilion. Due to the limitations of budget and materials, a novel double cantilever scheme with connecting cables was utilized to span the existing patio and provide ample shading. A series of rammed earth walls reinforces the primary entry axis while framing views to the prairie beyond and buffering winds. Two raised platforms fan out from the walls in either direction to serve as speaking platforms during outdoor teaching events or informal seating to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.