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Earlier you mentioned sustainability. Just how
does the clubhouse feel in extreme weather?
We recently had a 40 degree day and there weren’t
any major heat issues. We can regulate sea-breezes
throughout with those sliding doors and windows.
When the wind picks upon the south-east ocean
side, we simply open it up to the west. The use of
Viridian performance glazing is also a contributor
to temperature management and ambience of
the building.
Credits
How easy are glass walls and doors to operate?
There’s quite a few large panels that might need to
be quickly opened up or closed right down. Some
of these present as a big stack of doors. We haven’t
had any issue with their operation. If it is quite windy
we just crack them open to get a little bit of airflow.
They’ve been working very well. A surf club has
to be robust because of the environment and
very high usage. You need simple, straightforward
systems that work well.
Glass supplier: Viridian
And feedback?
The response has been overwhelming. Most people
who walk up the entry stairs and take in the vista
are pretty astonished. They get this post-card
experience and iconic beach image. Standing on
the balcony, or from one of the upper level rooms
and looking out to sea to the breaking waves is
a fantastic experience. The design and materials
really helped to shape that experience and it’s
working. There are so many people within the
club who volunteer and freely commit enormous
amounts of time and skill. It is very rewarding to
have been able to contribute to a building that
facilitates that dedication.
Project: Avalon Beach Surf Life
Saving Club, Avalon Beach, NSW
Architect: Richard Cole
and Robert Hopton
Project team: Penny Gibbs,
Karla Wilford, Charlotte Francis
Project engineer: Barrenjoey
Consulting Engineers
Builder: Keystone
Window fabricator: G&R Roby
Principal glazing products:
SmartGlassTM SP30 Neutral
Panoramic
Project size: 1550 square metres
Total project cost: $3.15 million