Serpentine Gallery Pavillion 2005 (dismantled)

The architects have designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2005 (approximately 25 m x 15 m in plan) to cover an area of the Serpentine Gallery lawn, which unlike previous Pavilions will include a section of the north/south cross path and the lower lawn. At 400 m², the pavilion is larger than in previous years. The structure is made up of a series of open timber trusses that interlock to make a free standing canopy. This network of trusses creates an envelope that undulates across the lawn, to a maximum height of 6.0 metres. The structural timber frame canopy comprises of deep timber sections (550 x 69mm), which themselves provide the strength to form the single span canopy. Through this depth of timber, natural shading is provided. The timber sections continue from the roof canopy to the wall, folding down to the ground level, where they are connected to a series of flat steel flange plates which protrude through the lawn, the change in material gives the appearance that the timber structure sits just above the lawn level, and create a feeling of lightness. The canopy is covered with 248 semi translucent 5mm thick polycarbonate panels affixed to the timber sections, that create an impermeable shell that will fold over the structure. The sheets stop on a line 1.35 metres from ground level, thus allowing the natural green landscape to flow through and under the canopy uninterrupted. This height has been determined specifically so that when people are standing within the structure they cannot see directly out into the park, although once they are seated (in the café, or for a lecture) the surrounding landscape is visible. Lighting is produced by way of a series of autonomous solar-powered lights set into the ceiling, each positioned in the centre of each individual polycarbonate panel (cross sectional square created by the timber sections). A rectangular area, as a counterpoint to the curvature of the main structure, is formed under the canopy, made of a hard-standing grey brick, set in a linear pattern. This area allows for daily activities within the Pavilion: in a seating area for the café and for the presentation of films, talks and entertainment activities in the evenings. The existing lawn area surrounding the Pavilion is maintained with the area to the west of the structure being slightly redefined to accentuate the curvature of the Pavilion's elevation. Adjacent to the east elevation of the structure two extra-mature Chestnut trees have been planted to make a physical connection between the Pavilion and existing Chestnut tree line along the perimeter of the site.