NOOMA Studio Finalist for Pavilion for All at Brent Cross Town
- Oct 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 11
NOOMA Studio was selected as one of four finalists in the Pavilion for All competition for Brent Cross Town, designing a natural, community‑focused sports pavilion at Clitterhouse Playing Fields. The proposal promotes biodiversity, inclusivity and human connection, creating a playful and accessible environment for users of all ages. The competition was organised by Argent Related in partnership with Barnet Council and the Architects’ Journal, attracting 188 entries from practices across the UK.
The Pavilion for All competition sought innovative designs for a landmark sports and active play pavilion within one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. Brent Cross Town is a visionary new neighbourhood being developed by Argent Related and Barnet Council, centred on health, wellbeing, sustainability and connected communities.
The pavilion is envisioned as the social and civic heart of Clitterhouse Playing Fields, providing a welcoming hub for sport, leisure and community activity while aligning with Brent Cross Town’s net‑zero ambitions and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
NOOMA Studio’s proposal responded to the site’s rich history and topography, integrating sensitivity to the landscape with a low‑profile form that nestles into its surroundings. A distinctive glowing beacon was designed to mark the central plaza and guide visitors from all approaches. The pavilion’s flexible spaces—housing a café, changing rooms, multi‑purpose areas and storage—were arranged to frame zones for play, community gathering and nature engagement.
The proposal was underpinned by a commitment to community building and social sustainability, aiming to provide a convergence point for neighbourhoods and promote inclusive participation in sport and outdoor life. It also emphasised sustainability and biodiversity, with natural materials such as rammed earth, structural timber and limecrete contributing to a healthy internal environment and bioreceptive surfaces encouraging wildlife. Wellbeing and active life were central to the design, with biophilic principles ensuring daylight, natural ventilation and strong connections to the surrounding landscape.
The pavilion’s interiors were conceived to feel tactile and grounding, with materials that regulate humidity and create calm, inviting spaces. Skylights and a planted roof garden brought light and nature into the heart of the building, while the café and plaza provided social and contemplative places overlooking the fields.
NOOMA Studio’s concept was selected from a list of 188 submissions, reflecting the studio’s commitment to people‑led, sustainable and playful architecture. Each finalist received an honorarium to advance their proposals, with the final winner chosen by Argent Related and Barnet Council.
