St George Sailing Club, situated just south of central Sydney, embodies a vital community facility deeply rooted in social memory. Its architectural design draws inspiration from the iconic boat sheds and wharves found in the area, creating a sense of familiarity and recognition among visitors.
The club represents a reinvention of a long-standing community institution founded in 1897. The replacement of the aging 1960s clubhouse was essential and long overdue. Through an amalgamation with the Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club in 2011, the St George Sailing Club found a new lease on life while preserving its historical significance.
The boatshed, a distinctive feature of the club, serves as both a practical space and a work of playful design. Its open-battened facade, constructed with salvaged turpentine from the old building's deck, brings a unique character to the architecture. The club emphasises sustainability and contemporary construction methods, with open-framed structures using blackbutt as the primary material.
The clubhouse's architecture is characterised by its simplicity and grandeur. The three offset gabled forms suspended above the water define distinct areas within the club, including spaces for public dining, an entry hall, and a services core. The central gable, in particular, stands out with its impressive proportions and top-lit design.
The building is not designed to be tiptoed around and aims to provide a welcoming space for a diverse community.
The rigging deck harmoniously bridges two adjacent public beachfront areas, serving a multifaceted role and extending beyond its function as a rigging area.
Different material treatments in various spaces create a diverse and rich experience while maintaining a sense of calmness and purpose.
The new structures at Sans Souci evoke a sense of simplicity and open-heartedness, fostering a spirit of inclusivity for the diverse community they accommodate.
Upon walking past the parking area, you are greeted by a series of gabled boat sheds with repeating triangular roofs. These boat sheds act like a fence or entrance between the road and the clubhouse. They're strong and solid but also evoke a playful and approachable nature. When you arrive, you walk through these boat sheds and get a glimpse of the sailing activities happening inside.
