A Modernist Pavilion Among the Trees – Forest Pavilion by Chris Tate Architecture

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Photography by Simon Devitt

Nestled in its lush, densely vegetated surrounds, Forest combines clean lines and long planar geometries to form a hidden retreat. Chris Tate Architecture utilises a considered sustainable approach to touch the earth lightly.

Sitting as a long sliver of glass and steel, Forest Pavilion is nestled amongst its own dense landscape, surrounded by a well-established collection of curated native gardens. As part of a considered approach to creating a sustainable solution to this remote site and in response to the stringent planning restrictions, Chris Tate Architecture mobilised a series of tactics that allowed for the structure to fulfil a contemporary brief of convenience, while also operating as an ecologically conscious building. The resulting form, which speaks to the quiet serenity of its location, emphasises the outward facing aspect and is one of clean lines and a minimal palette. Long planar geometries come together to mould an immersive experience.

Tlp Forest Pavilion Chris Tate Architecture 03

Sitting as a long sliver of glass and steel, Forest Pavilion is nestled amongst its own dense landscape, surrounded by a well-established collection of curated native gardens.

The resulting form, which speaks to the quiet serenity of its location, emphasises the outward facing aspect and is one of clean lines and a minimal palette.

As an homage of sorts, Forest Pavilion draws inspiration from Californian modernism, in particular the work of Richard Neutra. Located in Titirangi, in a dense New Zealand forest west of Auckland, the like-named home is an oasis amongst its integrated garden, lawn and fire-pit and associated entertaining areas. With natural flora and fauna abounding the site, the forested hills surrounding offer bike and hiking trails, welcoming activity. As one story, the home is framed by what is described as a ‘spider’s leg’ extension of painted steel, extending outward from the mass volume of the home in a move that references a similar feature that was a signature to Neutra’s work.

Chris Tate Architecture mobilised a series of tactics that allowed for the structure to fulfil a contemporary brief of convenience.

As an homage of sorts, Forest Pavilion draws inspiration from Californian modernism, in particular the work of Richard Neutra.

Contrasting with its untamed and rugged surrounds, the considered piece of Californian modernism in the forest offers both internal and external observation vantage points. The extended deck that hugs the exterior with matched cantilever overhang, cleanly hiding the gutter in the fascia, invites time spent outdoors. Connecting each of the internal areas is a long corridor, which acts as both a gathering and conduit space at the same time. At the end of the corridor an open and connected living, dining and kitchen area surround the home’s hearth, with large glass doors opening to the forest beyond. The three bedrooms, two bathrooms and ancillary spaces then extend from the central entry spine.

Forest Pavilion respectfully occupies the site, while Chris Tate Architecture’s contextually appropriate nod to Californian modernism provides a reference that connects the project to a wider architectural legacy.

Utilising a retrained and considered palette, the materiality speaks to a sense of subservience to the pavilion’s surroundings. The use of a natural muted timber adds a warmth to the white walls and overhang gestures, where black steel is a common connecting element. Forest Pavilion respectfully occupies the site, while Chris Tate Architecture’s contextually appropriate nod to Californian modernism provides a reference that connects the project to a wider architectural legacy.