Month: September 2013

“Our design was inspired by the beach and nature. We took the basic form from a clam shell, with its rough exterior and soft interior. Our tower is a fixed observation tower. It has enough space for 3 or more life guards and is 1.8m from the sand making it safe to jump from in emergencies. The construction of our Tower will include a timber frame and C frames for the curve. Corrugated iron and recycled timber decking will be laid straight onto the frame work. There is also the opportunity for solar panels on the roof to supply power and a tank system to collect water from the roof if needed. In off season or in future the tower could be used for a variety of sporting and music events”
CLAMSHELL-2013-40 sm

This project is to design a sub consent lifeguard tower for the Sustainable Habitat Challenge of 2013. The purpose of our tower is allowing the ability for lifeguards to observe and monitor their designated area of the beach from an elevated platform. The long lifespan of the specified materials means it can be used for many years into the future as a life guard tower or for an adapted purpose.
Construction
The structural frame of the tower will be a prism shape made from tubular steel bent into form.
The platform will be constructed of hardwood or treated timber. The platform is partly cantilevered on the tower frame while also connected and supported via support beams and a tension cable.
The umbrella will be attached at the peak of the steel frame. It will be built of durable weather resistant fabric supported by light weight steel webbing. It will be coloured in the alternating colours of Surf Life Saving New Zealand (red and yellow).
The rails and stairs will be a combination of steel and timber in a ship like form.
The trailer bar and wheels will be attached via conventional trailer standards including a jockey wheel. The jockey wheel can also be used to level the tower on an uneven beach.
All connections and construction are built in accordance with NZS3604.2011 and engineers specifications where applicable. Sustainable materials include the recycled timber decking and/or hand-railing.
BrollieTower-2013-13-A3 PDF

Inspired by Maori folklore, Moana O Te Kaitiaki (“Guardian of the Sea”) or The Fish Hook of Maui is the design solution proposed for the SHAC lifeguard post competition.
The proposed design makes use of laminated plywood by separating the frames. This creates an open structure that appreciates and blurs the thresholds between the physical planes.
The fish hook, while integrated into the design, builds up the traditional Maori concept. By taking advantage of both its aesthetic and functional capabilities, it makes a structure that appreciates the landscape and provides an appropriate environment for lifeguards.
The structure is a seasonal addition assembled as a kit set and can be disassembled for easy storage.
The cantilevered shelter will be covered in fabric to retain the structure’s connection to its context. This also provides a suitable and comfortable post for lifeguard duties. Wood boards will cover the floor and the desk space.

BRNC-2013-15-A3 PDF

Providing Surf Life Guards with…
* 360 degree Panoramic view of the beach
* 3 Access ways for quick exit
* Easy communication between surf life guard and the public
* 9 lockable sliding walls for weather and vandalism protection
Materials
The timber used is radiata pine H3.2 SG8, treated and stained
Prefabricated slide – Aluminium
Engineered tension/compression system
SHS posts
Construction
Connect stairs and slides to the sides of the base structure
Ensure stairs are facing away from the beach
Connect the tension/compression system to the slides
and staircase from centre of base structure
Connect posts to base, connect roof to posts
Install tracks and panels
Connect barriers to remaining sides
SHAC-2013-44 PDF
SHAC-2013-44-Building Acts PDF