“The brief was for a robust building that will withstand the severe North Piha coastal environment,” explains architect Ken Crosson. “It needed to provide accommodation for four lifeguards with excellent visibility along the beach. A building that was functional and responds to its context.”

Gifted the name Te Pae (sentinel or guardian) by Te Kawerau ā Maki, the tower is made up of prefabricated concrete sections, assembled on-site to minimise dune and planting disturbance. The black oxide concrete references the black sands of the beach while the design is a nod to the historic maritime observation structures still found along the New Zealand coastline.

“The tower is sustainable,” says Crosson, “utilising operable windows for ventilation, with high levels of insulation, thermal mass, and natural light, providing shelter and protection for the lifeguards.”

The placement of the windows was carefully determined to provide the lifeguards with optimum beach surveillance and the low-maintenance materials are designed to withstand the extreme west coast environment.

The United North Piha Lifeguard Service is now funding for Te Pou, its new clubhouse, with construction to commence later this year.

Te Pae, by Crosson Architects, is among 15 New Zealand projects to have made the 2022 World Architecture Festival shortlist of 420 international projects up for a WAF award in their Completed Buildings category. The award winner will be announced at the live event later in the year.