From outside it looks like a big wooden box with a tower in the middle but actually its 4 separate buildings each with a sedum roof. Surrounded by a steel structure clad in oak the exterior is designed to soften with age and blend into the landscape to give the impression of a tree house.

The perimeter steel walkways that wrap around the interior are harsh and almost brutal to look at. These areas are exposed to the elements sun, wind, rain and snow but then the original concept is a hard exterior and soft inside.

The softer interior has a café at its heart that is warm and inviting; ready to offer a range of snacks and hospitality. It will also provide a serving point for the outside picnic areas and buffet in the events room.

Directly opposite is one of two office areas each housed in a separate building that includes toilets and shower area. Up the steps or around the ramp the next building is the public toilets. The last of the 4 buildings is the events/conference room. Located on an upper level to give views across the park down to the lakes. This room is both contemporary and stylish being equipped with conference facilities. The space is surprisingly large with separate utility kitchen, disabled toilet and storage areas. The glass doors along one side fold back to the surrounding walkway allowing summer visitors to walk on to the ramp and up to the viewing platform or back down to the café.

Lighting will continue down the path to the Sandwell Valley car park and around two sides of the building. This along with appropriate fencing will provide an enclosed area close to the building for picnics and toddlers play.

Once the initial shock of the exposure has been overcome the journey around the walkways is a delight. Each stage takes you higher with different views into the park. There is a picnic area on the roof of the café that allows views of the lake and children’s play area. It also provides a rest point for the onward journey up to the top of the tower. It is only here on the viewing platform that the extent of the design is finally shown. With panoramic views across Dartmouth Park at tree top level and views back to the interior of the structure the contemporary design becomes apparent.

What is clear is this is no ordinary park pavilion. The outer structure creaks and groans in the wind and rain. It is much thought provoking and inviting in equal measure. It’s a play tree house, a meeting place, café, toilets, and conference area all in one.

When put in the context of the extended play area the proposed water play and skate park it becomes a visitor destination in its own right and finally gives Dartmouth Park a central focal point.

The pavilion will be fully operational and open to the public in the Spring.