Mardyke Pavilion, UCC

University College Cork has a long sporting tradition played out on the Mardyke, a flood plain of the River Lee. A brick pavilion, much loved and full of trophies has celebrated sport here for over 100 years. The pavilion was extended for better changing facilities and to provide a room for prize-givings, speeches, and dining. It is celebratory building in which to prepare for, watch and then celebrate sport.

The old building of warm red brick and slate faced the rugby field. The new extension follows suit, grafted on but facing the other way. It is like a megaphone slung on a pole, acknowledging the river, the pitches and running tracks in its newly expanded three-dimensional role. The main room, primarily a gathering space for university clubs and societies, opens on to a new terrace overlooking the running track, a nod to the veranda on the original. Slate roof planes fold the new volume into the old. At ground level, a pattern of recessed brick headers punch out sharp shadows. The pattern intensifies as headers are omitted to make perforated bands over windows. At first floor, smooth planes of flemish bond brickwork frame the terrace towards the pitches and long, deep piers give a filtered view through trees towards the river.