The courtyard is the heart of the newly built Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club surrounded by the club house, public amenities, café and community storage which officially opens this Saturday.

The centralised public area will see beachgoers meet, access the beach via the existing tracks, wash off, grab a bite to eat, or seek shelter from the often-harsh Australian climate.  

Designed by award winning Sydney and South Coast based architecture practice Adriano Pupilli Architects, the shape of the courtyard and placement of the buildings was dictated by the preservation of some existing, much-loved trees including two Pandanus, a Norfolk pine, and the Banksia grove.

The design intent, for the buildings was not to compete with the natural environment but rather to sit unobtrusively within it. This has been achieved with the design of three distinct, weathered timber pavilions nestled into the rugged coastal dune scape.

The main building is tucked behind an existing dune with the ground level hosting a training space, gym, first-aid room and two large storage sheds for surf craft and rescue equipment while the second level has a spectacular function room serviced by a commercial kitchen and bar taking in sweeping views of the ocean.

The other two low rise buildings include a public amenities block, café and additional community storage lockers, including the Council Lifeguards and local Board Rider group.

The build utilises natural materials such as sustainably sourced timber and is environmentally sympathetic with water saving fixtures and fittings, some PV power generation, LED lighting on automated controls, drought tolerant planting, green roofs, bike racks and permeable paving.

There is also an accessible shower and toilet in the public facilities - and a lift to ensure inclusive access to the upper floor of the club building.

Local multi-disciplinary artist Leesa Knight was selected to design a two-dimensional artwork inspired by nature which has been integrated into the tiered concrete seating in the public spaces adjacent to the courtyard.

The project’s construction took 24 months to complete and was made possible with funding from Local, State, Federal Governments, and the Surf Life Saving Club.