Bathing Beauty: an emblematic beach hut reinvented with Corian®
Mablethorpe’s iconic “Jabba” beach hut, one of series of distinctive architectural designs to revitalise the Lincolnshire coastline, has been recreated by maximising the robust, malleable and seamless qualities of Corian®. Jabba II now stands proud among the sand dunes whose shape it is intended to echo, a witty, striking and memorable interpretation of a British seaside classic.
First conceived by i-am associates for a competition to reinvent the humble beach hut (now celebrated by the annual ‘Bathing Beauties Festival’) the original design in timber and aluminium had not fared so well in the harsh coastal climate. To preserve the aesthetic ideas while ensuring the new structure’s longevity, Jabba II has been rebuilt and clad entirely in Corian®, the advanced solid surface that offers considerable benefits for both interior and exterior applications.
A sensuous scoop of smoothly curving Corian®, the new hut was fabricated using highly skilled 5 axis CNC thermoforming by experts Interior Surface Specialists. Predominantly in the warm Cameo White colour of Corian®, Jabba II also features ‘rock candy’ stripes in Bougainvillea, Blooming Green and Graphic Blue, created via inlaying techniques.
By virtue of the renowned performance of Corian®, which is completely homogenous, non-porous and durable, plus UV, salt and graffiti resistant (though repairable if necessary), Jabba II forms a forward-thinking installation that the public can enjoy for the long term.
The new structure was paid for by Lincolnshire County Council who also own and maintain it.The rebuild was made possible through the support of i-am associates, Corian® and the skills and creativity of the fabricator Interior Surfaces Specialist. Jabba II is sited at the North End of the resort, just off Sea View Car Park.
The District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Adam Grist, comments, “Since their installation nine years ago, the Bathing Beauties huts have become a symbol for the Festival and the wider area. Visitors and residents have really taken Jabba into their hearts, so I for one am very pleased that we are helping it to live on through the Jabba II structure.”
