Reception and Office Building for Haslar Marina

Client: Haslar Marina

Location: Gosport, Hants

Haslar Marina is a modern purpose-built marina situated at the eastern end of the Solent, near Gosport. In order to provide yachtsmen with an efficient support service and 24-hour security surveillance, the owners, Dean and Reddyhoff decided to commission a new office building. This was to be sited in a prominent position to the left of the main access brow.

The other buildings on the marina complex are built from natural materials with timber boarding, slate and clay tiled roofs. A timber framed building that respected the environment and made imaginative use of similar materials was therefore essential if it was to meet strict local planning restrictions.

Plans were drawn up, planning permission obtained and invitations to tender sent out to companies specialising in supplying buildings for environmentally sensitive areas. Bakewell based Pinelog was selected as the successful contractor.

A low, ring-beamed structure on piled foundations, the new 110 sq. m. building is highly attractive and very practical. It uses a highly insulated timber frame with a rendered blockwork exterior and tiled roof with a feature lantern. It has a curved façade to give staff almost uninterrupted views over the whole marina allowing easy monitoring of day to day activity. The tight radius of the frame presented Pinelog with a number of challenges. The timber frame had to be fabricated on the curve and the roof tiles cut to shape on every course to maintain tile bonding.

A lantern roof clock feature has also been included. The result is not only visually pleasing but also provides a dramatic, open feel to the reception area. Landscaping around the office building, which also includes special planters, is in keeping with the coastal character of the site.