The Dendy Beach Pavilion and Brighton Life Saving Club is a beloved community asset serving the City of Bayside since 1921. The existing 1950’s clubhouse was no longer fit-for-purpose, calling for a new building. The new clubhouse fosters relationships between volunteers, community and visitors via seasonal patrolling, first aid courses, water safety education and multiple training programs. It also provides an exemplar of coastal environmental and socially sustainable development through high-quality design and amenity.

The conceptual framework amplifies the unique qualities of the site and provides an engaging and permeable gateway to Dendy Beach. At the first level entry forecourt, the design presents two separate pavilions; the north accommodating clubhouse entry lobby, observation room, administration, multi-purpose space, kitchen, amenities and an all-abilities lift to the lower level; the south pavilion accommodates kiosk and café. Playful spatial planning and facade geometries reach and recede to optimise views, shade and lifesaving observation of the beach.

The pavilions exude warmth via blackbutt cladding and open battened screens to envelope shaded decks with bay and city views, unified by a generous community deck. Compact circulation maximises space for club equipment storage, first aid, kitchen, changerooms and public amenities with direct access to the forecourt. A dynamic seating terrace allows the public domain to flow through the pavilions and links the community deck with the  forecourt. The public are invited to relax, enjoy the bathing boxes, club activities or a kiosk coffee.

• Country

  Bunurong/ Boonwurrung

• Address

  Brighton, Victoria

• Year

  2025

• Status

  Completed

• Client

  Bayside City Council

• Consultants

  Site Office,Stantec,Storm, Waterman AHW, Slattery, McKenzie Group, Before Compliance, Traffix Group, Lovell Chen, BG&E, Gincat, Homewood Consulting, Ecology & Heritage Partners, Cardno, FJP Safety Advisors, Hardrock, Landserv Environment.

• Builder

  FOURSQ

• Photography

  Peter Clarke

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