Location: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Client: Butlin's
Other Constraints: Flood Zone 3, near Conservation Area
RIBA Plan of Work stages: 0-7
Butlin’s Bognor Regis is a coastal resort located adjacent to the beach on the periphery of the town centre, with Aldingbourne Rife running through the east of the site. The resort features three contemporary hotels, previously designed by PWP Architects, along with traditional chalet accommodation. The site also features live music venues, bars, a restaurant and a fairground, along with ancillary services.
PWP Architects secured planning permission to construct a new hotel on the site of 1960s chalet accommodation in the north-west corner of the site that no longer met the aspirations of 21st century holidaymakers. Designed to attract a family market with a desire for self-catering facilities, the building also hosts a game zone for families with teenage children.
At eight storeys high, the building is stepped to offer external deck access whilst acknowledging the setting of the site adjacent to Hotham House conservation area. The reduction of building scale and form responds to the sensitivity of the conservation area, whilst the use of white render and cedar timber soffits reflect the nautical spirit of the building design consistent with the Wave’s sister hotels elsewhere on site.
The Wave Hotel was the winner of the LABC Building Excellence Awards, 2013: Best Technical Innovation & Best Large Commercial Building.
