project

Lili Pavilion – Modular Demountable Fabric Event Pavilion with No Foundations

Membrane
Prev project Next project
  • fig 1
  • fig 2
  • fig 3
  • fig 4
  • fig 5

General information

  • Home page
    https://www.architen.com/projects/seasonal-architecture-with-lili-pavilion/
  • Location address
    different locations
  • Location country
    United Kingdom
  • Year of construction
    2023
  • Name of the client/building owner
    Flow State Fabric Ltd
  • Function of building
    Entertainment & recreation
  • Climatic zone
    Temperate - cold winters and mild summers
  • Number of layers
    mono-layer
  • Type of application of the membrane
    covering
  • Primary function of the tensile structure
    • Rain protection
    • Space defining elements
    • Sun protection

Description

Lili Pavilion is a modular fabric event building developed by Flow State Fabric Ltd and Architen Landrell for seasonal and temporary use. It combines a self-supporting frame, a rigid deck and a translucent tensile fabric canopy to create a bright, column-free space that can be installed and removed quickly without damaging the ground or needing complex foundations.

Each unit is 20m x 10m and 4.2m high. Units can be used alone, enclosed with walls and railings, or linked together to form a larger canopy. The canopy can be produced in different colours and patterns to suit an event or brand.

The key innovation is the deck. Rainwater from the canopy is collected and stored within a thin deck that also acts as a structural element, so the pavilion needs neither surface drainage nor foundations. A service zone beneath the modular flooring allows power and other services to be laid out freely. The design is registered in the UK and EU, with patent applications pending.

Because it leaves no trace once removed, Lili Pavilion is particularly suited to historic or sensitive sites, where permanent buildings often face long consent processes. Typical uses include weddings, festivals, pop-up restaurants, stages, corporate events and temporary exhibitions. The first Lili Pavilion was installed in 2023 at Royal Holloway, University of London, on its Egham campus, using highly translucent Serge Ferrari Précontraint 402 PVC-coated polyester.

Client/owner: Flow State Fabric Ltd. Membrane: Serge Ferrari. Design, engineering, fabrication and installation: Architen Landrell, with Flow State Fabric.

Description of the environmental conditions

Designed for temporary and seasonal use on a wide range of outdoor sites in a temperate climate, including historic and sensitive locations. The translucent canopy provides rain and sun protection, and rainwater is stored within the structural deck rather than drained to ground.

Material of the cover

  • Cable-net/Fabric/Hybrid/Foil
    Fabric
  • Type (code)
    Serge Ferrari Precontraint 402 Highly Translucent

Main dimensions and form

  • Covered surface (m2)
    200
  • Maximum height (m)
    4
  • Total length (m)
    20
  • Total width (m)
    10

Duration of use

  • Temporary or permanent structure
    Temporary
  • Convertible or mobile
    Convertible and mobile

Involved companies

Editor