Hastings Pier wins RIBA 2017 Stirling Prize

Hastings Pier – Winner of RIBA’s 2017 Stirling Prize

Hastings Pier has won the biggest award in British Architecture – the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building in the UK.

Designed by London-based architects dRMM, the pier, nicknamed ‘The Plank’, fought off stiff competition against five other contestants to scoop the prestigious RIBA award.

Re-building of the once neglected pier, which originally dates back to 1872, was a community-led project taking 2 years to complete. The result is an aesthetically stunning, accessible and sustainable structure for all to enjoy.

Ecochoice played a fundamental role in the realisation of the community-inspired project, and was commissioned by the Hastings Pier Charity to supply all of the 35×145 mm FSC® certified Ekki planks as well as customised joists, decking, handrails and steps for the 11,000 m² pier.

Ekki (Lophira Alata), is an FSC® certified timber sustainably sourced from West Africa. Naturally durable, it won’t deteriorate in sea water, making it the perfect marine timber choice for Hastings Pier.

The timber is so heavy it sinks in water, so transportation needed to be organised with care and precision, requiring multiple bundle deliveries weighing no more than 1 tonne per load to comply with building restrictions.

The generous staircase leading up to the rooftop belvedere of the visitor’s centre is a particularly attractive feature. It’s made from FSC® certified Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry), a beautifully grained sustainable timber often used for internal flooring, and again, supplied by Ecochoice.

The RIBA prize jury were particularly impressed by the involvement and fundraising efforts of the local community who were determined to re-build the pier after it suffered irreparable storm and fire damage.

“The architects and local community have transformed a neglected wreck into a stunning, flexible new pier to delight and inspire visitors and local people alike,” said RIBA president and prize jury chairman Ben Derbyshire.

The ‘People’s Pier’ is a triumph of community spirit, architectural innovation and sustainable construction which Derbyshire describes as a “masterpiece of regeneration and inspiration”.

Ecochoice, sustainable timber specialist, is delighted and proud to have been involved in the Hasting Pier success story.

Contact us today on 03456381340 to see how we can help you with your civil or marine projects.