‘saltwater coast’ by NH architecture, point cook, australia north-south wing of the building with view down long south east facade image © dianna snape

within the ocean-side town of point cook, australia, ‘saltwater coast’ is a lifestyle and recreational facility for local residents by melbourne-based practice NH architecture. in close vicinity to port phillip bay, the building is carefully integrated into a reinterpreted beach context to support bird migratory patterns within the encompassing cheetham wetlands, a delicate ecological area. attempting to counteract suburban development, this landscape solution is an investment in public infrastructure within the community driven center.

a lap pool, spa, gymnasium, multi-functional space, tennis courts and cafe provide a venue to focus on health of the body while strengthening neighborly relationships. clad with timber staves, the gently angling external form opens towards adjacent parks and the horizon. a partially covered outdoor promenade protects the pool area, opening to the landscape. cuts and manipulations to the facade reveal glass and dark-bronze framed windows.

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 2 overall view looking south image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 3 overall view looking south west image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 4 lap pool looking south east image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 5 lap pool looking north west image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 6 view to lap pool image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 7 north-south wing of the building with cafe below image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 8 northern facade of north-south wing with outdoor cafe seating below image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 9 north-south wing of the building and poolside seating image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 10 south western facade looking into gymnasium image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 11south western facade and main entry image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 12 entry foyer image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 13south eastern facade image © dianna snape

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 14 site plan

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 15 floor plan /  level 0

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 16 floor plan / level 1

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 17 elevation

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 18 elevation

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 19 elevation

NH architecture: saltwater coast - 20 elevation

project info:

title: saltwater coast lifestyle centre location: saltwater coast, point cook, vic date of completion: november 2011 project cost: 6.1 million AUS gross floor area: 1,410m2 type of building contract: design & construct with consultant team novated to the builder owner / client: fkp property group photographer: dianna snape NH architecture design team: peter dredge (project principal), hamish lyon (design principal), andy gentry (project director), fiona collie (project architect) emily kilvington (project architect), astrid jenkin    architect), mitch mctaggart (architect), chris reddaway (architect), silvia tasani( architect),jan vastestaeger (architect), chad harrison (architectural draftsperson), ramiro marroquin (architectural illustrator & model maker) builder: masbuild developer / project manager: FKP property group structural & civil: cardno ltd mechanical, electrical & hydraulic: murchie consulting building surveyor: mckenzie group consulting acoustic: acoustic logic consultancy traffic: gta consultants cost consultant: donald cant watts corke pool consultant: david powick & associates landscape: tract