Project Data: 

Completion Date:     1/1/2028 

Square Footage:      76693 

Building Use:           Recreational Surf Park 

Project Description: 

Snug Harbor Surf Park re-imagines seven central acres of the Newport Beach Golf Course as a dynamic surf and wellness destination. Designed with a clear respect for the surrounding landscape, the park introduces a state-of-the-art surf lagoon system, community-focused amenities, and sustainable infrastructure—all while preserving the integrity and functionality of the existing golf course.

The site is anchored by a series of sculpted surf lagoons, oriented for optimal wind protection, solar exposure, and pedestrian flow. These lagoons are complemented by viewing platforms, terraced seating, three warming pools, and a spa—each element intentionally placed to enhance engagement, relaxation, and connectivity throughout the site.

At the heart of the park stands a three-story clubhouse, designed as both a social hub and a functional centerpiece. Architecturally expressive yet grounded in simplicity, the building houses a reception area, surf academy, yoga studio, fitness facility, administration offices, and locker rooms. On the public-facing level, a surf shop, café, and restaurant open to gathering terraces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor experiences. The building’s massing and materials reflect the fluid movement of water while providing transparency, shade, and a strong visual connection to the lagoon below.

A two-story athlete residence building offers 20 compact units, each with a private bathroom, storage, and a patio facing the water. Designed for training retreats or visiting teams, the building strikes a balance between privacy and camaraderie in an environment centered on performance and recovery.

Operational spaces—including surfboard storage and maintenance areas—are discreetly placed below grade, preserving the visual clarity of the landscape. Distributed restroom pavilions are integrated throughout for convenience and minimal site impact.

Sustainability is foundational to the design. Solar canopies cover portions of the clubhouse, residential building, and outdoor zones, generating renewable energy to power the wave system and heat pools. Passive strategies and durable materials further reduce the project’s environmental footprint while enhancing comfort and longevity.

The site plan respects the original golf course framework. The front 6 and back 9 holes remain untouched, with circulation paths, parking, and sightlines preserved to maintain continuity for existing members. This thoughtful integration of a new program into an established recreational landscape exemplifies design restraint and respect.

Snug Harbor Surf Park exemplifies how purposeful architecture can promote wellness, create inclusive recreational opportunities, and foster community. By merging high-performance surf environments with sustainable, purpose-driven structures, the park sets a new benchmark for site-sensitive, experience-led design. 

Design for Economy 

The design strikes a balance between performance and cost by integrating sustainability into the architecture itself. Integrated solar infrastructure—on buildings and parking structures—reduces energy demands, while passive orientation, efficient layouts, and resilient materials minimize long-term operating and maintenance costs through thoughtful, performance-driven design. 

Firm Name:              Pieter Berger, AIA 

Completion Date:     1/1/2028 

Square Footage:      76693 

Building Use:           Recreational Surf Park 

Location:                 Newport Beach, CA 

Design Architect: 

Pieter Berger, AIA 

Associate Architect or Firm: 

Landscape Architect: 

Conceptual Design + Planning Company 

Owner / Developer: 

Back Bay Barrels, LLC 

Engineer: 

Civil Engineer: Fuscoe Engineering, Inc. 

General Contractor: 

Consultant: 

Photographer: