Durable Coastal Exterior Lighting for Bonbeach Life Saving Club, Australia

Project Overview

Unilamp delivered a durable coastal lighting solution for Bonbeach Life Saving Club, providing long-life exterior illumination designed to withstand harsh beachfront conditions while enhancing architectural presence.

Bonbeach Life Saving Club is a long-standing and highly respected community institution on Victoria’s coastline, playing a vital role in safeguarding beachgoers and supporting public safety for generations. The facility’s redevelopment aimed to enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and community engagement, all while preserving the club’s important civic identity.

The project demanded exterior lighting capable of consistent performance, visual comfort, and architectural clarity in one of Australia’s most severe coastal environments. Located on Victoria’s southern coastline, the site faces relentless exposure to salt-laden air, strong onshore winds, intense UV radiation, and extreme weather events, including storms and heavy rainfall. Seasonal temperature swings, wind-driven sand, and the corrosive marine atmosphere create highly aggressive conditions that quickly degrade conventional building materials and lighting systems.

Unilamp was proud to contribute to this critical public project by supplying exterior luminaires engineered to endure these extreme conditions, delivering long-term durability, precise light output, and minimal maintenance under continuous exposure to Victoria’s challenging coastal climate.

 

The Challenge

Beachfront architecture presents unique challenges that significantly influence luminaire specification and detailing. At Bonbeach, the building is exposed year-round to airborne chlorides, abrasive sand, high winds, and storm activity. These conditions accelerate corrosion, degrade finishes, and reduce the service life of standard exterior lighting solutions. For a facility dedicated to lifesaving operations and public access, lighting reliability and longevity were critical.

Key performance requirements included:

• Long-term resistance to saltwater and airborne chlorides
• Marine-grade materials and coatings suitable for continuous coastal exposure
• Reliable light output to support operational safety and public use
• Effective glare control in open, low-ambient beachfront environments
• Reduced maintenance and replacement over the asset lifecycle

The Solution

Unilamp delivered a marine-grade exterior lighting solution specifically engineered for demanding coastal and public infrastructure environments. All luminaires installed at Bonbeach Life Saving Club were manufactured from corrosion-resistant LM6 aluminum with Unilamp coating, providing a robust barrier against salt spray, wind-driven sand, and harsh weather conditions.

The lighting strategy prioritized both performance and longevity, focusing on:

• Material integrity through corrosion-resistant LM6 aluminum and protective coatings
• High ingress protection with IP65–IP66-rated luminaires, suitable for severe outdoor and beachfront exposure
• Precision optical control to illuminate only the intended surfaces
• Shielded, low-glare sources to ensure visual comfort and reduce light spill
• Serviceable designs that minimize maintenance requirements in exposed and difficult-to-access locations

 

Products Used

CYCLOPS

CYCLOPS bollards were used to illuminate pedestrian pathways and circulation areas, providing glare-free, shielded light directed precisely onto walking surfaces. Designed for coastal environments, the luminaires feature vandal-resistant polycarbonate covers, integrated heat sinks, and controlled light distribution to support safe movement around the facility.

ZOUK1

ZOUK1 slim wall luminaires were applied to façade and wall surfaces where a refined, unobtrusive appearance was required. Manufactured from LM6 aluminum and protected with Unilamp coating.  ZOUK1 delivers long-term corrosion resistance while maintaining architectural clarity.

TUBE – Medium

TUBE luminaires were selected for architectural elements requiring robust and adaptable exterior lighting. The cylindrical form, high corrosion resistance, and flexible mounting options allow TUBE to address a wide range of façade and column lighting applications in harsh coastal conditions.

ATHLON Optic

ATHLON Optic mini floodlights provide precise beam control for targeted illumination of building features and site elements. High-performance optics ensure accurate light placement, minimizing spill light while maintaining efficiency and visual comfort.

Mini MIRA Round – Down

Mini MIRA Round Down luminaires deliver controlled downward illumination with sharp cut-off. The flush glass design prevents salt and dust accumulation, supporting consistent optical performance and reduced maintenance over time.

Mini MIRA Round – Up / Down

Mini MIRA Up/Down luminaires add depth and architectural rhythm to vertical surfaces. The configuration enhances façade legibility while maintaining glare control and corrosion resistance, integrating seamlessly with the coastal building envelope.

Project Outcomes

The completed Bonbeach Life Saving Club now benefits from a cohesive and resilient exterior lighting system that supports its lifesaving mission and community role. Unilamp luminaires deliver consistent performance, durability, and visual comfort, despite ongoing exposure to Australia’s coastal climate.

The lighting enhances safety, accessibility, and architectural expression while reducing long-term maintenance demands ensuring the facility remains functional, welcoming, and reliable for years to come.

Unilamp is honored to have contributed to a project that plays such an important role in public safety and community wellbeing.

Technical Learnings from the Project

• Coastal environments require luminaires engineered from IP65
• Marine-grade materials
• Controlled optics and shielded sources improve comfort in open coastal locations
• Durable lighting solutions reduce whole-of-life costs for public facilities

Project Reference

Project: Bonbeach Life Saving Club
Client: Kingston Council
Location: Bonbeach, Australia
Lighting Design: LPA Lighting
Specifier: Erbas Consulting
Architects: Haskell Architects
Builder: Fimma Constructions
Electrical Contractor: Mellor Electrical Group
Photographer: Robert Hamer Photographer
Author: Unilamp Team

To see more project reference images from this installation, please visit our Bonbeach Life Saving Club, Australia

For more information, visit www.unilamp.co.th or contact online@unilamp.co.th