RFL Central Park Pavilion

In working with Clark Condon and the Warmack Woodlands and the property managers at Avision Young we began to look at precedents of smaller pavilions and structures they found appealing, and we found is that a butterfly roof was the common denominator in all the structures they favored. The initial design concept focused on a large reaching butterfly roof that's fulcrum came together at the pavilions mass that would be the restrooms and storage area. To allow the pavilion to become lighter the idea of fading the pavilion from solid to louvered was also introduced to help lighten the structure as a whole. | Photos provided by Clark Condon

As the Design began to move further, we began to simplify things in order to control cost eliminating superfluous items in the structure. This allowed the design to be distilled to simplistic materials and forms. The walls are to be constructed of board form concrete, with simple wood lovers above to allow ventilation to all the support spaces. The roof will be constructed of a Tongue and Groove deck with simple steel members. With the design being simplified we worked through several details to see how these pieces would come together as elegantly as possible.

Research Forest Lakeside Park Pavilion transforms a former parking lot into the heart of the office park , a place where employees can trade their desks for fresh air, grab a shady spot for lunch, or gather for a team event without ever getting in their car. Surrounded by trails, pickleball courts, lawns, and seating, the pavilion anchors the park as both a retreat and a hub.

The design began with a simple idea: make a structure that feels open, light, and welcoming. A bold butterfly roof became its defining gesture, meeting at a central core that tucks away the essentials; restrooms, storage, and the electrical hu so the rest of the building could remain airy and transparent.

To ground the structure, board-form concrete brings durability and texture, while the  neo lumber  on the trellis and louvers add warmth without compromising durability. These materials mimic the look of natural wood beautifully while reducing long-term maintenance, allowing the pavilion to blend seamlessly into its landscaped setting. Above it all, the butterfly roof is finished with clean steel framing and a wood-look soffit, creating a canopy  that blends durability with natural look.

More than just shelter, the pavilion is built for daily life: shaded seating for breaks, space for grilling and catered events, facilities that keep the park running, and open views that connect people back to the landscape. Simple, resilient, and human-scaled, the Research Forest Lakeside Park Pavilion is designed to be used, enjoyed, and remembered.