Barangaroo’s big new pavilion is made from over 400,000 oyster shells

The unveiling of Barangaroo’s impressive new Pier Pavilion is a shining example of how architects and designers are at their best when blending sustainability with a sense of place. Remarkably, more than 400,500 Sydney Rock Oysters shells were scrubbed, cleaned and air-dried before forming part of the new structure’s columns, seats, exterior walls and interior doors.

They not only shine with sustainability, but the sun-kissed shimmer of this impressive new feature is unlike anything else in the world right now. It speaks closely to Sydney’s cinematic harbour, reiterating Barangaroo as the city’s most futuristic neighbourhood as it continues to shift shape.

This is Pier Pavilion, the next major new feature for the city of Sydney following the introduction of new Metro stations last year, including Barangaroo Station. Designers Besley & Spresser, who won a national competition for Pier Pavilion in 2020, conceived the imposing structure as a sightly spot for public events and leisurely strolls, propped on the water’s edge with uninterrupted harbour views.

The 7-metre-tall structure takes shape with a triangular form, inspired by the geometry of the harbour’s nearby coves and peninsulas. Visitors can look up from the pavilion floor to find a large hole peering out to the sky, framing the clouds in a way not too dissimilar from a James Turrell piece.

Building something that speaks to equal parts land, sea and sky was the concept and its evident in the materials used. In addition to the definitive oyster terrazzo, there’s a stunning landscaped roof pocked with 2,500 endemic species to attract birds and insects, as well as copious natural light thanks to a seven-metre-wide oculus overhead that filters light across the pavilion floor, bouncing off 85 columns.

“We gave the pavilion a distinctly civic feel,” said architect Peter Besley. “All are welcoming here [as we pay] respect to the long history of oyster feasting in the area and [celebrate] the use of a recycled material in the public realm.”

You’ll find Pier Pavilion on the edge of Barangaroo at Waterman’s Cove, just a stone’s throw from the public pool, which is one of the only sections where its viable to actually swim in Sydney Harbour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Pier Pavilion open?

Pier Pavilion opened to the public on April 30, 2025.

Who designed the Pier Pavilion?

Barangaroo’s Pier Pavilion was designed by Surry Hills-based studio Besley & Spresser after the firm won the contract in 2020.

What events are held at Pier Pavilion?

The Pier Pavilion is a free public space for Sydney’s locals and visitors. It’s dynamic structure means it can host weddings, markets and various other events. It’s also a place for leisure, with an 18-metre double-sided permanent seating area providing space for people to relax and admire the harbour views.

Who paid for the construction of the Pier Pavilion?

The Pier Pavilion was funded entirely by Barangaroo developer investments.