As a key part of the regeneration of Felixstowe’s historic seafront, we were commissioned to deliver the construction of the new shell and core for the Martello Park Café. A project that has won multiple local architectural awards including the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, “Winner of the Award for Excellence, Small to Medium Building”.

The striking façade and roof line provides customers with a panoramic view of the seafront. The building was constructed from steel with a feature zinc roof covering and stunning curtain walling that followed the pitch and geometry of the building. The unique shape of the structure required patience and focus in delivering the required tolerances between trades to deliver the required quality for such a stunning landmark in the town. Working closely with our sub-contractors, the varied and unique problems caused by the building shape were solved with innovative approaches- such as revising the size and depth of ply to better suit the required curvature of the roof sections.

Working through covid presented challenges for the team including labour shortages, but we were able to manage this through strict protocols on site. Working closely with East Suffolk Council, our site team actively contributed to buildability and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the Employers requirements were interpreted and developed sensitively and accurately. Obstructions were found in the ground pertaining to an old public house, but the site team helped to develop foundation designs to incorporate mass-fill foundations rather than the additional cost and time of shuttering as per the original intention.

“Very pleased with my experience of working with Barnes Construction. A professional organisation prepared to work with and listen to the client and manage challenges and issues effectively.”
Neil Cockshaw, East Suffolk Council