East Beach Cafe
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Andy Stagg (website) Download Original
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
Professional Team 
- Architect: Heatherwick Studio
- Client: Brownfield Catering
- Structural engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
- Main contractor: Langridge Developments
- Environmental advice: MDA Consulting
- Shopfitter: Uno Interiors
Suppliers
- Architectural steelwork: Littlehampton Welding