The Listening Station, Southwold

The project was the result of the demolition of an old Royal Navy listening station that was at risk of falling into the sea from coastal erosion. Its replacement saw the construction of two new build portable low energy holiday homes, which have panoramic views across the North Sea from the fast eroding cliff top. These buildings can be simply disconnected and craned onto a vehicle, then moved inland to an appropriate location – portable architecture that adapts to coastal change, whilst diversifying farm income.

When designing these holiday homes on the Suffolk coast, Beech Architects were already considering the risk of coastal erosion. The buildings use a galvanized steel frame supporting a timber shell with crane points built in at either end, that allows relocation when necessary as erosion occurs.

The completed structures replaced a derelict building of asbestos and concrete that was a problem for the landowner. A carefully selected palette of materials allows for future reuse: aluminium, timber and
galvanized steel. In addition, the design is plaster free.

Read more about the 2020 sustainable award winner

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Galvanizers Association