The Point Wells Cricket Club by Pac Studio is not big but it stands tall, puffing its chest in anticipation of hosting the Boxing Day test. Architect Aaron Paterson describes it as a “red peacock with an explosion of flags”. The original brief was for a shed, but this plan was abandoned due to rain. Its replacement is a joyous little folly dedicated to the game and all its absurdity. Paterson discusses the project with club captain Wickets Boomer. 

Aaron Paterson: Tell us a little bit about the genesis of the Point Wells Cricket Club

‍Wickets Boomer: Well, in my opinion, cricket games these days are too short. The youth of today don’t understand that cricket is a way of life. It needs to be longer, not shorter. I remember watching Northland play Counties in the Fergus Hickey Rosebowl and decided I would start a club devoted to the longer, longer form of the game. We want more drinks breaks and long lunches in the sun. 

Does our design live up to that dream?

That’s a bloody silly question. I asked for a white building that looked like Lords and you gave me a red shed!

We were inspired by how the red stands out against white uniforms and green grass. I’m sure we discussed this.

I’m just glad you got a beer fridge in there. Sometimes we play all day, and I’m hoping one day to break David Boon’s record. But I do like the verandah. A clubhouse needs a good view of the pitch, and the verandah is close enough that visiting batsmen can hear me sledging them while I sit comfortably in the shade. It’s also great to climb up that ladder after a long day’s play and have a snooze. 

The sleeping loft is super fun. We thought it was for visiting umpires, but I’m glad you are using it, too.

Oh yeah, I sleep there most nights now. The bathroom is big enough for me, and every morning I wake to the sweet sounds of the local fast bowler­s nailing bouncers at a cardboard cutout of Ricky Ponting that I painted up for them. 

I didn’t realise you were a painter, too. 

Oh yeah, I do portraits mostly. I’ve got a great one of Kane Williamson on a mountain holding Thor’s hammer in a thunderstorm.