2020 - present

Bondi Pavilion’s new roof includes a mix of earth-coloured terracotta tiles inspired by the history of the building. About 33,000 new tiles were carefully laid over four months to ensure the structure’s heritage elements were protected.

The roof tiles are of textured and coloured Cordova pattern, semi-circular, terracotta influenced by the post-World War I Mediterranean-style of architecture of the building’s original design, replacing a 1970s roof of concrete tiles. Careful analysis of original black and white photographs and reference to similar buildings informed the selection of natural, glazed and coloured finish, matched in colour by new Spanish tiles laid in the traditional way.

The tile colours are a mix of earth colours, alternated when layered, providing the building with a historically-appropriate, convivial beachfront character in contrast to the dull grey concrete of the past decades. The mix of glazed and unglazed finish creates a dappled sheen recalling the light on the ocean nearby.

Courtesy Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects.