Precision-Crafted Curved Bifold Doors for Saltdean Lido in Brighton

Summary: Gowercroft Joinery played a key role in the £8 million restoration of the Grade II* listed Saltdean Lido in Brighton.

We provided custom curved bifold doors and French doors, using our precision craftsmanship to solve unique challenges. The project required expert measurements and durable solutions for the harsh coastal environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Precision and Expertise: Gowercroft Joinery delivered custom timber doors with expert installation, overcoming significant structural challenges.
• Durable, Custom Solutions: We provided The Tutbury Bifold Door and The Melbourne French Door, using Accoya and Red Grandis hardwood for long-lasting durability.
• Heritage Restoration: Our work contributing to its successful restoration of the Grade II listed* building whilst preserving the Art Deco style.

The Challenge: Restoring an Art Deco Masterpiece in Brighton

Saltdean Lido, located on Brighton’s eastern seafront, is one of the UK’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Designed by Richard W H Jones and opened in 1937, it became a popular destination for locals and holidaymakers.

Its unique design, including the crescent-shaped pool and ship-like structure, made it a seaside icon. It was once described by Historic England as ‘one of the seven wonders of the English seaside’.

However, decades of exposure to the elements took their toll on the building. By 2011, the lido was in disrepair and placed on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register. The Saltdean community campaigned to save the lido from residential redevelopment. Through the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (SLCIC) they gained funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the local community and Brighton and Hove City Council and the £8 million restoration project began.

R H Partnership Architects were appointed to lead the design team in the sensitive restoration of the lido. The project has won multiple awards, is a popular destination venue and an excellent example of what a community can achieve to bring historic buildings back into use with a sustainable future.

The Solution: Precision, Expertise, and Custom Timber Doors

Gowercroft Joinery was selected to provide custom curved bifold doors and French doors. These doors had to match the original 1930s design while offering modern durability. The building’s structural issues, however, made this a complex task.

The original concrete, degraded from years of exposure, had been repaired with spray-on concrete. This created uneven surfaces, making accurate measurement difficult.

David Brown, Gowercroft’s Special Projects Director, used a laser spirit level to create vertical plumb lines and a horizontal datum point.

Datum point: A reference or starting point used for accurate measurements in construction, surveying, and engineering. It provides a fixed, known position from which other measurements can be taken, ensuring consistency and precision.

His precise approach ensured accurate measurements, despite the challenging conditions. David’s detailed diagrams and notes guided the installation process. In fact, the precision of our work led the contractors to use our doors as a reference for the final rendering of the building.

The Products: Durable Timber Bifold Doors for a Coastal Environment

For this project, Gowercroft Joinery supplied two custom timber door types:

• The Tutbury Bifold Door (DG): Crafted from Accoya with a finger-jointed engineered Red Grandis hardwood frame and Accoya cill.
• The Melbourne French Door (DG): Made in Accoya, featuring a finger-jointed engineered Red Grandis hardwood frame and Accoya cill.

These doors are typically made entirely from Red Grandis hardwood, but for Saltdean Lido, we adapted the design. We used Accoya for the more exposed sections to reduce wear and tear from the coastal environment.

The Outcome: Blending Heritage Design with Modern Durability

Saltdean Lido is now fully restored. It serves as a popular venue for both the local community and tourists, featuring a poolside café, a restored ballroom, and community spaces. Gowercroft Joinery’s heritage windows and doors helped maintain the Art Deco aesthetic while providing modern durability.

Thanks to our precision, expertise, and craftsmanship, we overcame the building’s structural challenges. Our high-quality timber bifold doors will ensure the long-term preservation of this important landmark.

Awards and Recognition
The Saltdean Lido restoration project has garnered significant acclaim, winning several prestigious awards. It received the 2024 Sussex Conservation Award in the Public and Community Category, where Gowercroft Joinery was acknowledged for its craftsmanship. The project also won the 2024 Constructing Excellence SECBE Regeneration and Retrofit Award and an AABC Conservation Award. These accolades highlight the success of the restoration and Gowercroft’s role in preserving this architectural gem.

Key Products Used:

• The Tutbury Bifold Door (DG): Accoya with a finger-jointed engineered Red Grandis hardwood frame and Accoya cill.
• The Melbourne French Door (DG): Accoya with a finger-jointed engineered Red Grandis hardwood frame and Accoya cill.

Looking for bespoke heritage windows and doors for your project?
Contact us today to discover how our precision-engineered solutions can enhance your building’s aesthetic and performance.