New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club

2018–2021

Architecture

At the heart of the New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club is a shared sense of community identity, rich club history, and authentic connection to the rugged coastal landscape of New Brighton in Christchurch, New Zealand. The oldest surf lifesaving club in New Zealand, the New Brighton SLSC has provided safety and a thriving community to beach-goers for over 100 years as both a lifesaving and sporting organisation. Snøhetta partnered with South By Southeast Architects for the design of a new club building which provides better amenity to the Club and public, and rekindles a sense of ownership and shared club identity.

Typologies

Recreation

Status

Completed

Location

Aotearoa / Christchurch, New Zealand

Client

New Brighton SLSC

The sculptural timber form carves out spaces for the community to dwell, observe, and gather; and allows the public to inhabit niches at ground level that overlook the redeveloped foreshore. This driftwood-like timber element rests upon a robust boulder - the lifesaving vehicle and equipment space - whose facade shimmers with an exposed aggregate containing local New Zealand shells. The level above provides an uninterrupted observation platform, function room and bar, and external roof terrace; inviting spaces that will enable the club community to thrive for many years to come.

Located on the lands of the Maori people of Aeteroa / New Zealand. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

Winner: 2022 Public Architecture Category, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards

Introduction

Technical details