By Architects44
This stylish remake of a traditional surf club has created an asset for the whole community. It sits comfortably in its beachfront landscape, resilient in the face of sand, sun and surf.
This multi-functional building has been designed to sit comfortably in its beachfront landscape and to be resilient in the face of the sand, sun and surf that are part of its daily existence.
Designed with practicality in mind and with a nod to the style of surf clubs of yesteryear, the new building blends with its environment. The top story is clad in natural timber, and the mixed height stairs and balustrades are evocative of driftwood. The vibrancy of the beach and the club are reflected in the yellow of the central lift and the strong blue of the doors. Carpet tiles made from recycled fishing nets traverse the spectrum from sand-coloured to ocean blue.
The upstairs clubroom has unencumbered views of the entire bay and incorporates flexible multi-use spaces and a gym. Downstairs there is easy access to life-saving equipment and modern, robust, low maintenance facilities for club members, as well as stylish public toilets.
This stylish remake of a traditional surf club in a very busy public location has created an asset for the whole community.
Photography: Strike Photography
We create spaces for people to be. We design buildings with courage, conviction and creativity. Architects 44 is an exuberant and dynamic architectural practice, with deep roots in Te Tairāwhiti. Our heritage goes back to the 1950s and we’re proud to have named our business for the physical space that our offices occupy, in a nod to our local heritage, to our place.
Our practice is the largest and most diverse architecture practice in Tairāwhiti. We build on our strong foundation to continuously develop and challenge ourselves.
Our team is experienced in delivering every type of project - from marae to monuments, from commercial buildings to churches, from rest homes to residential dwellings. We are well-equipped to deliver – from the largest commercial projects to the most intimate of residential renovations.
We offer a comprehensive service, delivering an end-result that addresses all the functional and technical requirements of the project, as well as addressing the real needs of the building – cultural and human.