A project generated by the need to upgrade public and support facilities at Government House, Auckland, to allow for increased official usage and the consequent needs of public functions. A major public gathering space was required along with general upgrade of staff areas, particularly the kitchens. In addition, some changes were made to the existing house to provide for accessible entry and lift connection to all levels.

The “Pavilion” building, designed to accommodate large gatherings of people at public functions and receptions, as well as state dinners, faces onto a large lawn dominated by immense trees. The design needed to incorporate sheltered arrival space and an internal lobby linked to Government House.

A large folded gable roof covers the arrival space and the main reception room. Externally, the roof on the garden side is treated as a surface independent in its form from the structure below, and on the western edge it terminates in a long slow curve along its length. The roof construction is based on collar-tied rafter pairs, in association with steel primary portal frame. A coved ceiling where paired rafters combine with macrocarpa ceiling joists and curved plywood panels concealing the air-conditioning system, produces a strong timber textural effect.

The Pavilion opens onto the great lawn through four sets of bi-folding doors, and the end walls incorporate large windows – screened at the north end by louvres. The positions of the primary portals are marked on the exterior by battered stone columns which materially link the new structure to the existing stonework featured in the original 1930s house.