Skip to main content

Waikainae Surf Club

Waikainae Surf Club

Architects44

Architects44 logo
  • 15.0K profile views
  • 8 saves
Visit Website
This stylish remake of a traditional surf club has created an asset for the whole community. Read more
Visit Website

Project team

A stylish and resilient surf life saving club designed to blend with its beachfront landscape, featuring multi-functional spaces, stunning bay views, and eco-friendly materials, creating a valuable community asset.

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

3750h 31m

Like this Project?
Hire Architects44

Professional Reviews

1 / 2

“For more than 15 years, the architect has made a contribution that goes well beyond a typical design engagement. Heritage preservation, the drafting of funding submissions and physical contributions to the internal preservation work were all part of a role that has resulted in an enhanced building preserved for future generations. This discreet structural upgrade retains the integrity of the original building. Carbon-fibre, inserted behind exceptional whakairo (carved wooden panels) helps bring the church up to code.”

NZIA Gisborne Hawkes Bay Architecture Award (2016) - Toku Toru Tapu

Professionals used in
this project

The practices and trades credited on this project.

Next Project

Keep scrolling
Hill House