Sun, Sand and Shelter
That most ingrained fixture of patrolled Australian beaches – the stalwart lifesaver’s tower – has been elevated into an architectural feature in its own right by MRTN Architects.
Text GEORGIA THOMAS / Photography JESSE MARLOW / Architect MRTN ARCHITECTS
The Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Tower is located on the exposed coastal park edge of Phillip Island, Victoria and its site and function made for a singular brief.
Part of the protected Phillip Island Nature Parks, this area is habitat for shearwater birds – so the prefabricated structure’s drum form with angled ironbark fins was designed to be minimally disruptive and potentially moveable. Facilitating lifesaving duties was also crucial; the tower accommodates up to five lifesavers when in use in summer, provides room for first aid services and equipment storage.
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