Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club was a project eight years in the making. First conceived in 2006, together with architect and fellow club member Robert Hopton, we were integral in the conception, generation, design, approval, funding, documentation and construction of the project.  Integrating elements of the existing dilapidated clubhouse which had undergone three iterations since first constructed in 1933, the major renovation was a huge step for the community club made up of more than 1000 voluntary members and Pittwater Council, the building owner.  The new surf club incorporates a Club Lounge, Club Room / Community Function Space, Hall of Champions, caretakers flat, meeting room, offices, restaurant and cafe, club and public amenities, gym, nippers canteen, lifeguard room,  and extensive storage areas for rescue equipment, surf boats and boards.  With a cost of $3.15 million the building is extremely economical in construction and robustly built to withstand the extreme elements of a south facing surf beach.  The shape of the roof reflects the abstract form of the sand dunes, and the plane of the ceiling and eave echoes the plane of the ocean and broad horizontal of the horizon.  The building is naturally ventilated, highly insulated, uses minimal energy and collects its own rainwater and solar power.  We have deliberately created a facility that is welcoming and open to the general public, and we look forward to the opening of the restaurant and cafe to fully activate this much loved beach side precinct.