WELLINGTON

Project Description

Located on New Zealands wind swept sand dunes featured on the North Islands west coast, the new surf club buildings has been designed to sensitively contribute to it’s landscape while being practical and secure for the local surf lifesaving club.

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Commissioned as a new base for the Levin-Waitarere Surf Lifesaving Club the building is set within a sensitive beach environment. The building is loosely based on the concept of wrapped shelter from the wind, utilising recessive forms and featuring a prominent patrol tower. Internally the building features an open plan floor and storage layout with a durable and deliberately heavy material façade. 

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Set into the dunes on the site, the building is intended to compliment its surroundings by not being too prominent but also respecting it is a two story structure amongst low lying venegtation and sand dunes. The concept will become more successful in time as landscaping takes hold and softens the edges of the building visually. 

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When we were first approached to design a surfclub in the Waitarere area the clients had already established a strong and informed point of view. They were keen to ensure practicality and contribute to a beachfront setting.

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Driven by a love for the sea and educating budding lifeguards, making new friends, and providing a community resource the initial conversation revolved around designing something that can be a base for members family and friends, store the lifesaving equipment safely, and where they can appreciate this lovely beach.

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The architectural translation is an understated building with a complimentary interior that is now home to the community, the surf lifesaving club and is a beacon on the beach.

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