For many Australians surf clubs have become modern day cathedrals at the center of coastal town squares. Australia's beaches are the most egalitarian of public spaces and the hundreds of surf life saving clubs that punctuate their shores reflect this community. Colquhoun received a national Architectural commendation for the new clubhouse at Sydney's North Bondi. Sydney, Australia (CNN) From my house I can see the waves breaking on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, where people from all walks of life duck and weave between the surf and board riders dance on the water. These remarkable pieces of national architecture -- many of which were built more than a century ago by volunteer labor -- save lives, bridge age and social divides and bring communities together through a love of the ocean and a cold beer.

Source: CNN July 13, 2016 00:11 UTC