top of page
Value
Role
Full service
Client
RNLI
Project
New Build
Type
Lifeboat Station
Location
Cornwall
£1.2M

Penlee Lifeboat Station

Penzance, Cornwall

The two storey building has been designed to respond to its working harbour setting. Within a Conservation Area and in a prominent waterfront location, the scheme reflects the nature of the surrounding timber-clad buildings. Varying widths of Siberian Larch cladding have been used to provide interest to the elevations; this will ‘silver’ over time and the building will further blend in to its surroundings. The architectural form was carefully considered; a mono-pitch roof allows for large windows which provide operational views across the water towards St Michael’s Mount and beyond. The scheme also includes a number of renewable energy features, in common with other modern stations, including solar PV panels and a ground source heat pump linked to the underfloor heating.

The powerful and poignant history of the RNLI in Penlee meant there is considerable local and national interest in the station. An exciting build, attention to architectural detail, quality of work on site and great relationships between all those involved has resulted in a hugely successful project and building for the volunteer crew.

Related Projects

The RNLI Penlee lifeboat station provides state of the art facilities to the crew and visitors alike. On the site of the previous 1983 station, the shore facility serves both the Severn-class all-weather and Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats, which are kept afloat in Newlyn Harbour. The previous station, no longer fit for purpose due to inadequate/cramped internal spaces, was demolished in 2018 to make way for the contemporary structure. Internally, spaces within the new building are light and bright and an excellent environment for the crew to operate from, train in and interact with the public to deliver the RNLI’s Sea Safety message. Ultimately; to save more lives at sea.