Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club
- Description Community facilities
- Location Collaroy
- Sector Community
- Sub-Sector Community, Cultural, Education, Environmental, Health, Lifestyle, Retail, Sport and Leisure, Wellness
- Specialties New Build
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
- Delivery Method Construct Only
- Client Northern Beaches Council
- Architect Adriano Pupilli Architects
- Photographer Martin Mischkulnig
- Videographer Martin Mischkulnig
Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club sits quietly within the rugged dune landscape of Griffith Reserve, emerging as a series of timber‑clad pavilions arranged around a central courtyard. Designed as a place for the community to gather, train and reconnect with the coastal environment, the building is intentionally recessive, allowing the natural landscape to remain the defining experience. Over time, the materials will weather in place, creating a robust, enduring facility for generations of club members and visitors.
The project was constructed in a busy and sensitive coastal setting, which required careful planning and a strong focus on community impact. Our team worked in a live public environment and chose not to work on Saturdays to reduce disruption. The build involved complex geometry, exposed conditions and specialist materials sourced overseas during COVID‑19. Through careful procurement and close collaboration, we were able to deliver the design as intended and on time.
The pavilion layout provides flexible club facilities, amenities, a café and generous community spaces. Sustainability is built into every aspect of the design, with natural ventilation, recycled materials, a trafficable green roof, energy‑efficient lighting, rainwater reuse systems and low‑maintenance landscaping all supporting long‑term performance. Timber batten façades and durable concrete finishes help the building blend into the dunes, while the layout retains mature trees and strengthens the landscape‑led plan.
The completed project delivers a resilient, welcoming and environmentally responsive community asset. As our fourth project for Northern Beaches Council, it reflects a trusted partnership and a shared commitment to creating places where people can thrive.
Our Awards
Year
2023
New South Wales Master Builders Association
Excellence in Construction Award
Public Buildings, $5 million to $10 million
Year
2024
New South Wales Local Government
Excellence in Asset and Infrastructure Award
Over $1.5 million, Awarded to Northern Beaches Council
Year
2024
New South Wales Institute of Architecture National Awards
Public Architecture
Awarded to Adriano Pupilli Architects
Year
2024
New South Wales Institute of Architecture Awards
Sustainable Architecture Commendation
Awarded to Adriano Pupilli Architects
Sod Turn Ceremony
The Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club and Grindley teams came together to mark the sod turning of the former clubhouse site, celebrating the start of a new coastal facility for the community.
Drone Completion Video
A drone‑led look at the completed works, showcasing the pavilion forms, material detailing and surrounding landscape.
Opening Ceremony
‘A unique new surf club building which will serve as an integral hub for the local community has officially opened this weekend.’
The new site was opened on 23rd February by volunteers, member of the public, all life saving club members and local council.
“The new site will not only help support the Club but enable it to continue to protect the community on the beach and provide its 1000 members a new family-friendly facility that they along with locals and visitors can enjoy. This new site is both spectacular and functional.”
Peter Kinsey, Club President, Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club