Ocean-inspired accessible shelters on iconic Bondi Beach

Leading architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects was engaged by the Waverley Council to create a series of picnic shelters at Bondi Park, Bondi Beach.

For the project, the architects took inspiration from the iconic Bondi Beach – the new shelters recall wave and cloud forms, and have a reduced visual impact. The materials palette consisting of highly durable materials such as stainless steel, copper and treated plywood integrates natural and urban finishes in a form that responds directly to the landscape.

The roof of the shelter follows the fall of the land, dipping to shelter the seaward side and lifting for winter solar access to the north-west. The profile of the roof promises uninterrupted views from Campbell Parade to the ocean, while the newly-regenerated landscape provides wind protection to each shelter.

The minimal support and flexible seating layout allow multiple groups to enjoy the shade. The picnic shelters are highly functional in design and visually appealing too, thanks to the composition of materials and textures. These shelters echo so many attributes of the waterfront, and particularly Bondi Beach, including a flowing form reminiscent of many things found in and around Bondi and the sandy coast of Sydney.

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects won the Small Project Architecture Award in 2017 at the NSW Architecture Awards for this project.