Solar Flares Triggered by Sunspot Activity
Revamped Essey Coast Gem
Jaywick Sands, the hidden gem nestled along the coast of Essex, has received a breath of fresh air, all thanks to Sunspot. This architectural wonder, crafted by HAT Projects, aims to breathe new life into the less-celebrated village.
Seaside History
Jaywick Sands – a coastal hamlet once known for its summer escapes – saw its growth in the early 20th century as Londoners sought charming chalets along the seashore. Although characterized as a mere "shackery by the sea" by some, it's inclusion as a footnote in Essex: Buildings of England by Nikolaus Pevsner validates its historical significance. It's fair to say, however, that the village has often been overlooked, much like its architectural history.
The Golden Age of Cars
The village's early 1920s boom can be traced back to Frank Stedman, a car enthusiast who bought coastal marshlands and divided it into plots for Londoners. His innovation went beyond just selling plots; he also planned the village to resemble a car radiator, naming streets after car manufacturers. But time and poor infrastructure took their toll, leaving the village in limbo with the local council. Miraculously, the seasonal chalets stood the test of time and gradually evolved into year-round residences.
Enter The Sunspot
HAT Projects got involved in revitalizing Jaywick Sands in 2018 and identified the need for essential public spaces, like a cafe, retail outlets, and office space. After a successful grant application, the Sunspot project was born. It comprises small retail spaces, a spacious market hall, a cafe, office space, and first-floor studios for businesses and startups.
A Shed With Heart
Stretching £2,300 per square meter, expenses skyrocketed due to asbestos removal, pushing the budget up to £2,800. But HAT Projects managed to make something magical out of the little they had. Rather than creating an isolated building, the team saw it as a piece of public infrastructure, opting for an extra bus stop and an extended bench to create a welcoming space.
The exterior is characterized by a bold color palette, including peppermint green, bright red, and buttercup yellow, while the interior boasts a red steel frame reminiscent of 1960s technology. The market hall showcases a striking, minimalist "Serlian" window, contrasting the simple structural details. Subtle touches, such as the rhythm of the gable ends and the warm hue of the cladding, add character to the building.
Future-Proofing Jaywick Sands
The Sunspot was designed as a "long meanwhile" building, meaning it can be easily dismantled and relocated if needed. This innovation draws inspiration from the high-tech approach of the 1960s, envisioning adaptable, demountable architecture with industrial-grade techniques. If it becomes feasible in the future to develop the site for new housing, Sunspot can be rolled out – Cedric Price style.
On the whole, Sunspot stands for the revival and renewal of Jaywick Sands. A symbol of optimism and hope, it adds vibrancy and wealth to the village while signaling a brighter future for the community.
Sources:- Tendring District Council- Essex County Council- Getting Building Fund via SELEP- HAT Projects- Momentum- Ingleton Wood- Potter Raper Partnership- Comar- Assa Abloy- Nora- Isocrete
Additional Images
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Credits- Architect: HAT Projects- Landscape Architect: HAT Projects- Structural Engineer: Momentum- Services Engineer: Ingleton Wood- Quantity Surveyor: Potter Raper Partnership- Main Contractor: TJ Evers- Cladding and Roofing: APL- Windows and Glazed Doors/Shopfronts: Comar- Sliding Doors: Assa Abloy- Rubber Flooring: Nora- Screeds and Resin Flooring: Isocrete
- The revitalization of Jaywick Sands, a coastal village in Essex, includes the introduction of businesses and startups, as HAT Projects have incorporated office space and first-floor studios in their Sunspot project.
- In addition to the Sunspot, improvements to Jaywick Sands may contribute to its growth in other sectors, such as the automotive industry; the village's early boom was due in part to car enthusiast Frank Stedman, who modeled the streets after car manufacturers.
- Forward-thinking investors may find opportunities in real-estate development in Jaywick Sands, as the Sunspot was designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for potential future dismantling and reuse – a concept reminiscent of the high-tech approach from the 1960s.
