Studio Four were involved throughout the design and delivery of Wells Lifeboat Station; a newly delivered replacement lifeboat facility set adjacent to the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.

The building is shaped by its exposed coastal location, where the need to deal with severe flooding and storm conditions has strongly influenced the design. The building is constructed from a glulam timber frame and raised a platform supported by driven piles to help icope with the harsh environment. A gabion wall provides additional protection from surge and erosion.

At its core, the station is focused on reliable day-to-day operation. A robust precast concrete and steel slipway extends into the sea, allowing lifeboats to be launched and recovered easily and safely in all tidal conditions.

Alongside its practical role, the scheme is also carefully integrated into its surroundings. Marram grass has been replanted to help stabilise the coastline, while “Launch a Memory” installations provide a simple, community-led way to remember and honour local and personal connections to the station.