Melbourne’s city foreshore has a new upgrade

The South Melbourne Life Saving Club designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects and built by Connell Constructions is a space that brings life to the community foreshore.

Being directly exposed to Australian elements the Life Saving Club required a durable and stable timber.

“The Cumaru durability and rigidity provided reassurance the timber species was an appropriate selection for this public building in a highly-exposed environment”

- Simon Beeton, Jackson Clement Burrows Architects.

With added benefits of near-zero leeching and pre-coating for easier installation, Cumaru suited the project perfectly.

The naturally warm and inviting tones of Cumaru helped create a welcoming terraced style deck that spills from the verandah down to the beach level acting as seats for watching activities such as beach volleyball.
Innovative and collaboratively designed custom Cumaru tactile strips also feature on the stairs, avoiding the need for extensive tactile ground surface indicators and making installation easier.

Texture has been added to the contemporary light coloured façade with a bespoke Cumaru cladding profile.

Divided into two sections this multipurpose building features an elevated observation room while the western portion includes room for the wider community including public toilets and a kiosk.

Product: Porta Cumaru Hardwood
Design: Jackson Clements Burrows
Build: Connell Constructions
Photographers: John Gollings Photography other photos by Porta

 “Inspiration came from the beach setting and playful environment that is Melbourne’s city foreshore” _{- Simon Beeton, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects}