Construction has just commenced on the new North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. Elana Castle chats to architect Neil Durbach, principal of Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ), about their design.
July 6th, 2012
After five years of design development, work has begun on North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club’s new state-of-the-art facility, which will replace the ailing structure, support the club’s growing membership and accommodate a range of expanded functions.
Situated on the edge of North Bondi beach, and blessed with one of the most dramatic views in the city, the site was not without its challenges.
“The new building had to be bigger and smaller,” explains Durbach, when asked about the primary design challenge. “We felt that a smaller footprint was important, but we also needed to satisfy the client’s brief for additional accommodation.” DBJ succeeded in achieving both objectives. By creating a vast subterranean level, they were able to restrain the visible footprint of the new building.
An additional challenge was the site’s harsh climatic conditions. “We needed to respond to the site’s exposure to the elements in addition to the spectacular views,” adds Durbach. “As a result, the building is both introverted and extroverted.”
The striking interplay between solidity and openness was also informed by DBJ’s response to the club’s public-private personality. “We felt strongly about transforming the public aspect of the building,” explains Durbach. “As a result the new club will feature a dedicated entrance from Campbell Parade, bringing people straight into the heart of the building. The lower entry level supports member activities, but both aspects culminate in the centre of the building, which opens up to the view.”
The material palette is also restrained, supporting the architect’s vision for a softened relationship to the landscape. “We didn’t want a building that bristled with its own self importance,” Durbach adds “The building is like a glazed sand dune, reminiscent of a tumbled, weathered piece of glass.” As a result there are only two primary materials – concrete and colourless vitrified tiles – which will change in tone and texture at varying times of the day. The curving and rounded forms also mimic the natural landscape, responding to the arc of the promenade and the two dramatic headlands.
Expected completion is September 2013.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Indesignlive recently visited Methis Australia in their newly refurbished Pyrmont showroom in Sydney. What we saw will make you want to sit down…
Popular culture meets Mex in this new south-of-the-border eatery in Melbourne’s CBD.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Explore the future of cancer treatment at the Australian Bragg Centre, where a revolutionary design by Woods Bagot integrates cutting-edge proton therapy with patient-centric features, including natural light and adaptive Verosol blinds, creating a space that merges innovation and empathy for a holistic healing journey.
The multidisciplinary design practice recently announced a nine-day fortnight working policy. We find out more in this Q&A.