Riverhead Gable Pavilion

The brief Set beside the pool in Riverhead, this pavilion was designed to create a more substantial outdoor living space without closing the deck off from the surrounding landscape. The brief was for reliable shelter over the poolside lounge, but with the warmth and finish of an architectural outdoor room rather than a conventional pergola. Maintaining the outlook was important, as was creating a space that felt equally considered during the day and after dark. Design response We developed a freestanding gable pavilion combining aluminium and steel structure with an insulated roof and timber-lined ceiling. The dark structural frame gives the pavilion a crisp, defined silhouette, while timber sarking across the underside introduces warmth and texture. The open gable end preserves views beyond the pool and gives the ceiling additional height, allowing the structure to feel generous without becoming visually heavy. Rather than treating lighting as an addition afterwards, it was integrated into the ceiling design. Recessed downlights provide functional light over the living area, while concealed warm LED lighting follows the perimeter of the timber ceiling to create a softer ambient layer in the evening. At approximately 5.55 × 4.20 metres, the pavilion is relatively compact, but the combination of roof volume, material layering and integrated services gives it the presence of a complete outdoor room. The finished project demonstrates an approach we are increasingly using at Sanctuary: separating the structural frame, weatherproof roof and visible ceiling so each material can perform the role it does best. Aluminium and steel provide the structure, insulation improves comfort, and timber forms the finished architectural surface experienced from below.