There are numerous World War 11 military defence structures near Chesil Beach. From gun emplacements to pillboxes, these are a reminder of the area’s once-strategic location.
A few years ago, we were commissioned to create a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and play area. During the refurbishment, we set out to adjust several walls and introduce new openings. What we didn’t expect was the sheer resistance we’d encounter: reinforced concrete, dense steel bars and wall thicknesses that made alteration virtually impossible. It’s not every day you discover an entire building wrapped around what may well have been a wartime structure.
In the end, the building won. We revised the layout and worked with what had stood the test of time. We still can’t say for certain whether it was originally a military defence building.
The front-of-house offered more freedom for the design. Exposing the steel trusses brought character, authenticity and more architectural theming that we were delighted to enhance.
Understanding a site’s history is essential. The more knowledge you gather, the more informed and ultimately, more respectful, your design choices become.
A few years ago, we were commissioned to create a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and play area. During the refurbishment, we set out to adjust several walls and introduce new openings. What we didn’t expect was the sheer resistance we’d encounter: reinforced concrete, dense steel bars and wall thicknesses that made alteration virtually impossible. It’s not every day you discover an entire building wrapped around what may well have been a wartime structure.
In the end, the building won. We revised the layout and worked with what had stood the test of time. We still can’t say for certain whether it was originally a military defence building.
The front-of-house offered more freedom for the design. Exposing the steel trusses brought character, authenticity and more architectural theming that we were delighted to enhance.
Understanding a site’s history is essential. The more knowledge you gather, the more informed and ultimately, more respectful, your design choices become.