How many recycled oysters does it take to clad Pier Pavilion?

As construction continues, take a sneak peek into a unique design element of the new Pier Pavilion in Barangaroo; it’s custom oyster cladding.

Pier Pavillion is set to become Sydney’s new iconic landmark transforming Waterman’s Cove in Barangaroo into a vibrant communal sheltered space where people can meet, gather, and relax.

This design celebrates land, sky, and sea. Sea is incorporated into the Pavilion through the clever use of local, recycled oyster shells. These oysters not only reduce waste, but also pay tribute to the cultural history of Barangaroo as an important source of cockles and oysters for the Gadigal.

Over 400,500 sustainably sourced Sydney rock oysters are used in the terrazzo concrete façade. This unique feature is visible across almost all surfaces of the Pavillion. Columns, seats, exterior walls, and even interior doors are adorned with the oyster shell terrazzo.

To craft this custom cladding oyster shells are scrubbed, cleaned, and then laid out to dry. Then the oyster shells are mixed with cement and other materials including marble-chip and limestone. Each panel is then meticulously ground and polished revealing the beautiful oysters within.

Pier Pavillion is a unique space where past, present, and future some together in the heart of Barangaroo.