Node 3 Dairy Beach:

GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Working closely with eThekwini’s Strategic Projects Unit (SPU), Michael Tod Architects undertook the design of two new restaurants, a café and a retail outlet, as well as the public piazza complete with interactive fountain into the Dairy Beach Node, which is one is of the most popular Central beaches. 

Critical to the success of this development was the integration of the Development Objectives established by the City and the promenade Urban Designers, Michael Tod Architects, which included eliminating visual and physical clutter, improving sight lines, improved lighting and an increased use of landscaping. 

ARCHITECTS STATEMENT

The Site

The site is bounded by OR Tambo Drive (Upper Marine Parade) to the West, the new Promenade on the East and stretches from the existing Central paddling pools in the South to Joe Kool's in the North.  

A new parking lot was inserted on the western side of the Rachel Finlayson pools linking up to OR Tambo drive and the existing Joe Kool's parking area. Particular attention was given to space between Joe Kool’s and the Durban Surf buildings, with a new grassed and landscaped area being incorporated to soften this space.  

The new Restaurant building forms a southern ‘bookend’ to the RF Pools. East-West linkages are prioritized with linkages between promenade and parking lot on both sides of the pools. To the South, a new public Piazza was created. This was conceptualized as an event space for hosting major beach events where large marquees are required. This space incorporates a public animated fountain.

Along OR Tambo Drive seven new traders shelters have been incorporated to formalize the pavement traders into structures which incorporate much needed storage facilities and ablution facilities. 

Rachel Finlayson Pool

Previously the pool was an island between the Upper and Lower Marine Parades, hidden behind walls, screens and other accommodation, resulting in a visual blockage between OR Tambo and the Promenade. The original 90m long pool has been retiled and divided into three separate pools; including a ‘kiddies’ paddling pool, a constant 1.2m depth aerobics/learn-to-swim pool, and a 50m lap pool, with two 3m wide solid walkways separating each pool, allowing easy East-West movement. 

The pumps and filtration system for the Rachel Finlayson Pool have been relocated from the original Spanish Revival deck chair storage building, to the newly renovated grandstand. 

Restaurant / Retail Component

The introduction of a new rectilinear building, to house a coffee shop and retail outlet at ground level and restaurant above, defines the northern edge of the piazza space which opens out to both pool and fountain. The hope is for a close relationship to be established between restaurant owners and eThekwini Municipality so that patrons are able to make use of the pool. The East-West orientation of the structure takes cognizance of the residential apartments behind and their prized sea views, and forms an architectural ‘bookend’ to the linear pools. Naturally wide covered decks and verandahs are incorporated for external seating in Durban’s glorious weather. On 1st floor high clear glass balustrades protect patrons from the wind. 

Public Piazza

An ‘Event Space’ was created through the demolition of the former Ocean Sports Centre and the northernmost pool to be utilized for hosting of major events. An interactive tree lined fountain provides a civic focus to the space as well as an animated entertainment opportunity for children and visitors. 

The western edge is defined by lawned terraced steps forming a pedestrian route linking OR Tambo Parade to the piazza area below whilst supplying a place to sit, congregate and interact. Beneath these stairs are pay toilets/lockers, as well as new home for the surfboard storage facility. Further South, leading away from the piazza area, are the newly resurfaced Wedge Beach paddling pools and Noddy’s restaurant with public ablution amenities.

Recycling 

The site originally had a variety of redundant accommodation that required rationalization and upgrading or demolition. Working closely with AMAFA, the attractive Spanish Revival styled deck chair storage building was recycled into an open restaurant space. The roof structure has been exposed, the Eastern façade was substantially opened up and a large wrap around deck has been added for patrons. 

The original 1910 gazebo attached to the pool area has been completely restored into the new lifeguard station, including a new staff WC. The original changing facilities at the top of the grandstand were opened up to face the pools and have become offices for the Head lifeguard and Pool maintenance staff. 

The original North Beach SAPS offices were substantially extended and revamped by usurping the old vehicular access penetration. This ‘gap’ was filled with a new aluminium shop front which has become welcome ‘face’ of the SAPS as well an activation device for the Promenade. 

Wedge Beach Central Paddling Pools

The Dairy Beach node upgrade included the upgrading of the Wedge Beach Central paddling pools and the Noddy's Ice-Cream bar facilities.  

A new palm grove was created between the promenade and paddling pool area on the eastern edge and called for the demolition of the existing wall / screen structure which formed another layer of clutter and restricted visual connection between spaces. The same sea-wall covers used on the eastern side of the promenade were incorporated here as a defining element and affords users a convenient bench/table. 

Unnecessary mounds and fountains have been removed, and 2 feature fountains and the water slide have been retained. These structures and the paddling pools have been resurfaced. 

The existing Noddy’s building was modernized and reorganized to include a new restaurant space as well as public ablutions needed in this area. 

SUSTAINABLE MEASURES / GREEN GOAL

Of critical importance to the node was the incorporation of a large number of ‘Green Roofs’. These are seen on the restaurant building, the Piazza ablution building, the existing Wedge Beach paddling pool’s pump house and then finally on the new elements added to the RF pool grandstand. These encourage bio-diversity, form an effective insulation component, and provide a pleasant visual element for both the promenade users as well as the high-rise residential blocks on OR Tambo Parade. 

To all new structures deep overhangs were incorporated to prevent solar penetration into buildings, large sliding doors provide ample cross-ventilation and High U Value glazing provides a last line of defense. 

Material usage on the buildings was severely curtailed by the harsh beach environment, so most structures are of off-shutter concrete, aluminium and glass panels and a chemically stable face brick. 

PUBLIC CONNECTION

True to the overall beachfront upgrade’s Development Objectives established by eThekwini Strategic Projects Unit and the Promenade Urban Designers, Michael Tod Architects, strong East-West visual and physical linkages were prioritized. An east-west link from OR Tambo Parade to the promenade was created to fit between the remodeled grandstand building and SAPS / Durban Surf Lifesaving. This additional tree lined sub-promenade provides access directly between the new parking lot behind the pool and the beaches as well as ultimately connecting the node back to the CBD. 

In keeping with the City’s philosophy of creating a legacy for all, the development of Dairy Beach node hopes to become a focus point for the central beaches by stimulating the edge and catering for a diverse group of activities suitable for all South Africans.