dRMM Architects

Hastings Pier

HASTINGS PIER

dRMM

Hastings Pier
Courtesy of dRMM

ARCHITECTS
dRMM

COST CONSULTANT
PT Projects

STRUCTURAL CLT SUPPLIER
KLH

CDM COORDINATOR
KMCS

SERVICE ENGINEER
Ramboll

MANUFACTURERS
EcoChoice, Roles Broderick Roofing

FURNITURE
Bexhill Wood Recycling, dRMM and Hastings

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Ramboll

CLIENT
Hastings Pier Charity

PHOTOGRAPHS
Alex de Rijke, Oli Cunningham, James Robertshaw

JOINERY COMPANY
Timber Craft UK

AREA
11720 m²

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Hastings, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Public Space, Pier, Refurbishment

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke

Text description provided by architect.

The 2010 destruction of Hastings Pier by fire was an opportunity to redefine what a pier could be in the 21st century; transforming the shanty town of commercialism it was in the 20th century.

After local stakeholder consultation it was clear the Pier would be expected to host many different populist scenarios.

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke

dRMM’s re-design master-move was to create a strong, well-serviced platform that could support endless uses; from big-top circus to major music events, local fishing to international markets.

In homage to conceptualist Cedric Price, users bring their own architecture to plug in and play. This is the first phase of regeneration.

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
Courtesy of dRMM

Most of the work so far has been up to and including deck level. The HLF grant enabled extensive foundation and structural repairs covering fire, sea and storm damage (£9M).

Further funding (£2.5M) facilitated two buildings, the first of which, the remaining derelict Victorian Pavilion, was transformed into an open-plan, fully-glazed restaurant.

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke

dRMM were responsible for the exterior shell and cores; the interior fit-out was by tenant.

The new Visitor Centre is a cross-laminated timber structure, inventively clad in reclaimed decking.

Replacing the weakest central section of the damaged pier, it offers adaptable space for events, exhibitions and education, with an elevated rooftop belvedere.

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke

Reclaimed timber deck furniture was designed by dRMM and Hastings & Bexhill Wood Recycling as part of a local employment initiative.

The pier is an extension of the promenade from which it projects; a large public open space. The experience of free space and ‘walking on water’ is heightened by the optics of a louvred balustrade design and quality timber deck.

The new pier is a catalyst for urban regeneration. It offers flexibility, material and functional sustainability, and an uninterrupted vista of the natural and built surroundings of the special seaside town of Hastings.

Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke


Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Oli Cunningham
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© James Robertshaw
Hastings Pier
© James Robertshaw
Hastings Pier
© James Robertshaw
Hastings Pier
© James Robertshaw
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke
Hastings Pier
© Alex de Rijke


Hastings Pier
Floor Plans
Hastings Pier
Plan


Hastings Pier
Elevations
Hastings Pier
Elevations
Hastings Pier
Elevations
Hastings Pier
Elevations


Hastings Pier
Diagram
Hastings Pier
Details


Hastings Pier
3D Model
Hastings Pier
Site Plan

dRMM Architects
T +44 20 78030777
dRMM Architects
148 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU, United Kingdom