img(height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2939831959404383&ev=PageView&noscript=1")

Flotsam, Jetsam and Metsäm

Timber facing that flies in the face of seaside sodium

Since Le Corbusier said buildings should be more like liners, it’s no surprise that modernists saw the coastline as ripe territory – spawning the likes of the De La Warr pavilion, Midland Grand hotel and a whole host of kiss-me-quick white rendered holiday homes. Unfortunately, they discovered that concrete reinforcement really dislikes salty places, a problem that won’t trouble architect Walker & Martin’s design at Camber Sands in Sussex. The firm specified Metsä Wood for two homes designed to be entirely open plan and structure-free internally. With timber facing, that flies in the face of seaside sodium, off-site construction means the whole thing can be easily dismantled – even when the rot does finally claim the old sea dog.

 

Latest

20 May 2025 from 9am to 11.30am

RIBAJ Spec: Architecture for Housing and Residential Development Webinar

Archaic infrastructure has throttled Arklow’s growth and left its environs polluted. But after decades of delay, a radically inventive solution by Clancy Moore Architects is a joyous success on every level, finds Shane O'Toole

Clancy Moore Architects’ radically inventive solution is a joyous success for Arklow and for Ireland

The Yorkshire-born architect held both himself and his Dundee students to the highest standards – which he would go on to apply to his beautiful, self-built family home

The Yorkshire-born architect held himself and his Dundee students to the highest standards

The 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes would have enormous influence on European and American architecture of the following decade

The 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes would have enormous influence

Sheppard Robson's new building uses a simple palette of bold, industrial materials to make an immediate impact at the university, and wins a RIBA North West Award and Project Architect of the Year

Sheppard Robson's simple palette of bold, industrial materials makes an immediate impact