East Beach Cafe

Heatherwick Studio, West Sussex, 2007

 

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Sculptural seaside cafe with a weathered facade, occupying a narrow site on the south coast

Sited between the sea and a parade of houses, the 60-seat dining space is a kiosk and cafeteria by day and a restaurant by night.

An outer layer of steel, sliced diagonally into ribbons of 30cm widths, envelops the building providing both the skin and structure. Similar to the hull of a ship, all components of this steel shell act together structurally.

Externally, the shell is finished with an oil-based coating that permits a rust-like patination. Internally the ribbon form is expressed, yet softened by a layer of white plaster.

The facade overlooking the sea is extensively glazed, but shaded from the sun by over-sailing eaves. Roller shutters concealed within the building’s geometry protect the glazed facade at night.

Data

  • Completed: Jul 2007
  • Floor area: 280m2
  • Sector: Retail
  • Address: Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5GB, United Kingdom

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