First construction shots of architect Smiljan Radic’s ‘boulder’ in Kensington Gardens

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

Source: Elizabeth Hopkirk

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

This year’s Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radic, is taking shape in Kensington Gardens.

These pictures, taken by BD two weeks before it is due to open on June 26, give a fascinating insight into how the “boulder” is constructed.

The 350sq m fibreglass installation is intended to resemble a shell sitting on large quarry stones.

When he was announced as the designer of this year’s pavilion, Radic said: “This shell – white and translucent – will house an interior organised around an empty patio, from where the natural setting will appear lower, giving the sensation that that the entire volume is floating.”

The pavilion, engineered by Aecom, will remain in place until October and will include a cafe. It will also be used to stage poetry, music and film nights on selected Fridays between July and September.

This story first appeared on Building Design.

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

Source: Elizabeth Hopkirk

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

Source: Elizabeth Hopkirk

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

Source: Elizabeth Hopkirk

The 2014 Serpentine Pavilion by Smiljan Radic

Serpentine Smiljan Radic

CGI of the pavilion

Serpentine Smiljan Radic

CGI of the pavilion