West Wittering Lifeguard Centre

Designed by Cover Storey Architects and delivered by King & Drury Construction, this purpose-built facility is a prestigious structure that merges seamlessly with the natural landscape of the Sussex coastline, using our British Cedar and Larch cladding. Whilst the building was to be a feature, and to be visible, it needed to be timeless and gentle to the eye – as a natural product, timber cladding helped to achieve this goal.

Both timber species are sustainably sourced and grown in the UK, aligning with the project’s environmentally sensitive target. Using natural untreated timber was key to delivering a low-maintenance, sustainable finish, avoiding the need for chemical treatments or imported timber. Over time, the cladding on the structure will weather to a silver-grey patina, further blending in with the dune grasses and sand on the beach.

A sheltered courtyard was part of the design, which included public amenities and lifeguard support rooms. The timber clad surface not only provide protection from the sand and salt spray, while creating a warm, natural aesthetic that feels welcoming to visitors.

Our homegrown cedar and larch were chosen not just for their appearance but also for their resilience. Naturally durable and well-suited for exposed locations, both species provide excellent performance in harsh coastal conditions. Their inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage made them ideal for this project, where longevity and low environmental impact were crucial.

The King & Drury team ensured the cladding was fitted with precision using a Yorkshire boarding method. This and the contrast of Cedar and Larch alongside each other, enhances the grain of the wood to  create a textural, 3-dimensional surface where shadows change as the daylight and season shifts.