Category: 2013_Challenge_Entries

The lifeguard tower was designed with function in mind. The completed design features a 360 degree view,  which is created by hinged system. This hinge system allows the life guards to adjust their view and shelter according to the surrounding conditions. For example, the front panel can be lowered to block the rising sun similar to the idea behind a car visor. The structure is secured as these panels can be lowered and closed. Once this is done, the ladder can be removed – preventing access from the public. The visual contrast between the look of the tower when it is opened and closed, allows the public to see from long distances whether or not the tower is occupied. Overall, this lifeguard tower will provide exceptional view of its surroundings. Not only is it functional it would act as a visual landmark for the beach.
 
 

This mobile lifesaving tower is inspired by a fish’s geometry. Its panoramic observation platform maximises view and the frontal slides ensure no vital seconds are wasted when lifeguards respond to those in need.
The tower’s ease of mobility enables it to be assembled and transported by one person.
The Pisces tower is made of light weight fibre glass. Constructed first, galvanised steel framing is used to strengthen and adds weight, while increasing the anchorage and durability of the overall structure. A dense polystyrene layer is inserted in between the voids of the steel frame to create a surface for the application of fibre glass.
The top section is solely made of polystyrene and fibre glass of which is connected by external hinges. When opened into place, it is held by “staple-like locks” on the side. The platform extensions slide in and out and functions as a lock for the entire structure.

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The proposed lifeguard tower breaks down the barrier between the community and the lifeguard with its communal deck allowing easy communication. It provides covered secure storage for any first aid and other vital equipment
A 2.5m high observation deck has unobstructed view stretching out along the shore line. It provides the best vantage point for any emergencies and is a beacon for the public.
The agile ply flooring and galvanized poles enable the tower to be transported, carried, and constructed together with ease, while still allowing it to be considered a sub consent structure.
The tower will be supplied with wind/solar power, providing power to the fridge, allowing cold water bottles.
The tower could have an array of future purposes such as becoming a public observation deck and a shelter, or even a seasonal refreshment stall.
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Lifeguardtower-2013-28-A3 PDF

Using geometric figure,triangle,incorporated with ‘sails’ that is a symbol of Auckland to express our idea about this project.This tower has three floors. The first floor includes a room for communication and an emergency place; the second floor is mainly used for observation by Lifeguards;the top floor has broader horizon and it can be used as a command post in case of emergency. A ladder connects three floors.We think bamboo is perfect material, cost effective, organic and Eco friendly.
 LIFEGUARD TOWER-2013-24-A3

 
FLAT-PACKED AND EASILY ASSEMBLED, THIS DESIGN MAKES FOR AN EXCELLENT FUNCTIONAL AND VISUALLY APPEALING LIFEGUARD TOWER. INTENDED FOR SEASONAL USE, IT CAN BE ADJUSTED TO SUIT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. ITS CURVATURE IS REMINISCENCE OF A WAVE AND IS CONSTRUCTED USING RECYCLED PLYWOOD, PRE-FABRICATED AND ASSEMBLED ON-SITE.

Life Guard Tower-22-A3

Our two main objectives in the design process were security and functionality, whilst keeping it simplistic. To keep it secure we implemented an overnight stairway locking system. For functionality we relied on the flow of the design to match that of the movement of life guards. There are several reasons why our tower does not need building consent. The tower does not have a roof, but a retractable canvas awning. It is not a living space. All walking surfaces are contained by hand railing. The top platform remains under 10m2. No major excavation needed because this is a temporary structure.
The tower has a 10m central support pile as the load bearing element of the design. Half of the pile is screwed into the sand while the remainder is exposed for fixing to. 8 rotatable stairs make up the access route to the top cantilevered viewing platform. All of the tower elements have been designed to be fully collapsable for efficient relocation and portability.
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The project was created to design a structure to help lifeguards perform their duties. The objective for our design was to provide maximum vision for the lifeguards, to have protection from the sun and wind, and ensure the life-saving tower fits its environment with the use of reusable materials.
Construction:
The outside planks are attached to the base and the joists
beneath the platform. The long planks of wood, when fitted
to the base and platform, form the outside shell of the
tower for protection from the wind and the sun. These planks
also provide enough strength to bear the load of the
platform. The platform is clad with decking timber. The
stairway starts directly at the front of the tower, rotating
around to the opposite side of the platform, effectively
twisting around the tower. The roof is screwed in at the
tops of the long planks, covering half the platform space.  CurvyLifeTower-2013-27-A3

CRATE provides for use as a seasonal life saving tower, which also serves as a safe storage space when not in use. The design revolves primarily around its capacity to be compactible and efficient where all the functions required for the job are facilitated by the structure itself. It also has been designed in such a way that it does not require council consent to be built.
We propose this design to be a prefabricated structure that can be lifted onto the desired site where it can then reside till the end of the season. Fabricated from a series of locally sourced recycled timber, the CRATE comes as a two part system; consisting of a base and a top box which lifts up from the base through a crank system when in use and dropped back down when not in use, thus creating a completely enclosed and secure storage ‘crate’.

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“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”
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