Cumaru: In Review

Completed in late 2019, the award winning construction of the South Melbourne Life Saving Club featuring Porta Cumaru continues to be celebrated.

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows and built by Connell Constructions, the life saving club is a popular destination for little nippers and the public alike.

Two and a half years on from the completion of construction, the public continue to enjoy this space featuring long lasting and hardwearing Porta Cumaru timber cladding and linings boards as a feature of the design.

Porta Cumaru is the ideal hardwood timber to withstand the harsh conditions being in such close proximity to Port Philip Bay, it also meets the challenging requirements of design trends, construction codes and sustainability demands.

South Melbourne Life Saving Club President Andy Graham explains “The timber has lasted very well considering a very harsh and busy environment…The timber has been almost perfect”.

Mr Graham describes the importance of the inclusive and practical design, “The physical building has delivered seamless integration with the community. It’s a public feature people interact with and use every day, representing what the club is about in terms of integration with the community.”

The outdoor spaces are subject to direct exposure to the harsh Australian elements which required a durable and timber, cue Porta Cumaru.

“The Cumaru deck on the bay side is very popular with the public, which encourages people to get down to the club, where there is a sense of community” says Mr Graham.

Senior Associate Simon Beeton from Jackson Clement Burrows Architects explained the decision to specify Porta Cumaru cladding and timber lining boards. “The Cumaru durability and rigidity provided reassurance the timber species was an appropriate selection for this public building in a highly-exposed environment”.

The hardwood decking for this project was specified for its high quality, sustainability with near-zero leeching and its ability to be pre-coated for easier installation, low maintenance and longevity.

Since its inception at the South Melbourne Life Saving Club, the Porta Cumaru decking has endured a heatwave or two over the summers and very cold and windy and abrasive conditions over the winters – not to mention the salty sea breeze.

Over time, the timber has worn extremely well, evident by the beautiful ageing colour of the timber which has adapted to the climate seamlessly.

Jackson Clement Burrows Architects specified a bespoke Cumaru cladding profile to create a textured finish to contrast with the contemporary light grey coloured concrete façade of the building.

Porta Cumaru is notable for its durability, termite resistance and bushfire rating. Available in an extensive range, Porta Cumaru products include cladding, lining boards, decking, battens, handrails, beams and posts adding natural warmth to your next project.