Rebuilt after the Canterbury earthquakes, the new South Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is a contemporary and resilient facility that anchors the community at the edge of land and sea. The club has long been a cornerstone of South Brighton life — not only providing essential surf lifesaving services but also running safety and training programmes for local youth, with the support of over 300 members and volunteers.

The design replaces the previous damaged structure with a purpose-built, two-storey facility that carefully integrates into its dune-side coastal context. The building’s form is angular yet organic, carved to reduce its visual impact while enhancing its functionality. Timber cladding wraps a sculptural volume that settles into the landscape, helping the structure weather naturally with the salty sea air.

Internally, the building is arranged around a central ‘internal deck’ that cuts through the ground floor, connecting the carpark entry to a sheltered courtyard and creating a social spine for the building. Key operational spaces such as the gear store and changing rooms are located on the ground floor, while the first floor houses a flexible hall, club lounge, and elevated patrol room with sweeping views of the coastline. A beach-facing deck and external stair enable direct access to the sand, reinforcing the building’s role as both lookout and launch point.

Material choices prioritise durability and low maintenance in the harsh marine environment. Rendered concrete block, Alaskan yellow cedar cladding, and hardwood decking are finished in soft, natural tones that complement the surrounding dunes and native planting. Interiors feature robust plywood linings with acoustic treatment to support the multipurpose use of the spaces.

The building is raised above flood levels and is carefully sited within a previously retained footprint to protect the dune ecology. Beyond its environmental considerations, the new surf club plays a much broader role: it provides a social anchor for the community and restores a much-needed gathering space after the loss of many suburban halls post-earthquake. The project represents not just the rebuilding of a facility, but the strengthening of community identity and resilience.