First look at the Barangaroo landmark 450,000 oyster shells built
Reaching seven metres, the pavilion features 85 structural steel columns and a large oculus in the roof, which was designed to allow natural light to flood the structure.
The custom surface has been formed by mixing the recycled oyster shells with Australian marble chip, sand and cement to form a terrazzo cladding.
The material was designed to reflect the waterfront's maritime and cultural history as a source of cockles and oysters for the Gadigal people.
Nearly 2500 drought-tolerant native plants have been used to cover the 407-square-metre landscaped roof, which incorporates sandstone boulders and logs to provide wildlife habitats.
Infrastructure NSW's head of projects Bruno Zinghini touted the pavilion as a 'celebration of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability'; Stephen Edwards Constructions' managing director Mathew Edwards said the project would 'remain a cherished community asset for years to come'.
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Construction on the controversial final section of Barangaroo is expected to start this year after plans for the $2 billion-plus project were approved following more than two decades in limbo.
The Central Barangaroo mixed-use precinct will feature 150 apartments, a hotel, shops, offices and eateries in buildings up to 10 storeys above the metro station. Half the site will be a foreshore park.
Supporters said the approved proposal was a win for Sydney; critics said it would strip the foreshore of valuable public open space.
The first stage of Central Barangaroo is not due for completion until 2030.
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