The Conference
House Park Pavilion
The Conference House Pavilion aims to reflect the site’s rich history through a multifunctional outdoor community space facing the expansive views of Raritan Bay. Located at Ward’s Point, the 4,500 sq. ft. pavilion complements the 17th-century Conference House. Both structures are part of Conference House Park, a National Park named after the Staten Island Peace Conference during the American Revolutionary War. Replacing a deteriorated and largely demolished neo-Victorian-style Pavilion, the project salvaged the existing pile structure while elevating the deck eight feet to achieve a new Design Flood Elevation. This cost-effective and sustainable approach mitigated site disturbance.
Awards
- AIA New York State Excelsior Award, Conference House Park Pavilion, 2021
- Conference House Park Pavilion, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards, Honorable Mention, 2020
- Conference House Park Pavilion, AIA New York State Design Award, 2020
- Public Commission Award for Excellence in Design, Conference House Park, Staten Island, NY, 2014
Evoking a garden pergola, the Pavilion’s column-supported canopy frames the surrounding views. Re-using and extending existing piles and introducing new pile caps to reach the current Design Flood Elevation, the recycled plastic decking is supported by heavy timber joists. Glue-laminated Alaskan Yellow Cedar roof rafters shape the undulating canopy. Spanning the gaps between members, a translucent resin panel modulates the sunlight and supports a robust stormwater management system.
The Pavilion provides a sheltered open-air space for community gatherings. Its modest yet graceful design allows direct access to the landscape and harbor view without overshadowing the historical setting. It provides an accessible vantage point directly at the waterfront for all to enjoy.
FLOOR PLAN
ELEVATION
ELEVATION
The Conference House Park Pavilion was designed as part of Mayor Bloomberg’s Design Excellence Initiative, which allowed smaller design firms to engage in the public discourse and challenge the expectations for making great public architecture.
