Project Description:
In August 2018 Greendale completed work at the Grade II listed Swanage Pier Marine Villas, as part of the Swanage Pier Trust’s restoration project. Marine Villas is a Georgian villa which originally contained fashionable cold salt-water baths but was eventually converted into a private dwelling.
Refurbishing the existing two-storey villas has required the construction of a new partially glazed structure extension, forming a new seated cafe area; internal structural alterations to facilitate the construction of new toilets, a commercial kitchen, and a platform lift to first floor office accommodation.
Demonstrating yet again our experience of working in a challenging coastal environment, the reinstatement of the original cold salt-water baths was a unique challenge faced by the team. Using the right combination of materials and support, the feature is now incorporated into the interior of the café area. Visible by four glass panels, the baths can be viewed changing in depth between the high and low tides.
Outside the villas, the teams were tasked with carrying out ground and path works around the site. Due to the coastal location of the site, it is imperative that the works remain durable and of the desired quality.
The project has seen the 190-year-old building restored and turned into a new visitor centre and café. Bearing in mind both the limited access and exposure to adverse weather, the team delivered a high-quality product which was warmly received by both the architect and members of the Swanage Pier Trust.
Architect: Studio Partington
Surveyors: BAQUAS Construction and Property Consultancy
Structural Engineers: Integral Engineering Design
M&E Consultants: Peach MacLean Ltd
Heritage