As the official botanical garden of the State of Tennessee, the Gardens at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture occupy an important place on the University’s campus. The Gardens desired a new pavilion that would serve as a flexible, multi-use facility capable hosting a variety of outdoor programs throughout the year. Though the original brief requested the site adaptation of a vendor-provided pre-engineered structure, SPA presented a more site specific and place appropriate solution which was ultimately approved.
The McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion is designed as a low-slung butterfly roof, allowing the 60’-0” long structure to preserve a low profile beneath the canopies of two mature oak trees. The roof profile directs rainwater to a 500-gallon cistern that provides irrigation for plantings while serving as an educational opportunity for students and Garden visitors. The four central piers of the pavilion are clad in native crab orchard stone and roof structure is composed of natural fir timbers and purlins supported by a galvanized steel structural system. The pavilion provides a dynamic platform for educational and cultural events while also serving as a revenue source for research and community outreach initiatives that are core to the mission of the UT Gardens.
