Mablethorpe’s iconic Jabba beach hut has been recreated on the Lincolnshire coastline by utilising the malleable and seamless characteristics of DuPont Corian.
Designed by i-am associates as part of a competition to reinvent the original Jabba beach hut – now celebrated by the annual “Bathing Beauties Festival” – Jabba II’s original timber and aluminium design struggled in the harsh coastal climate.
To preserve the huts aesthetic qualities whilst ensuring the new structure’s longevity, Jabba II has been re-constructed and clad entirely in DuPont Corian’s smoothly curving advanced solid surface.
The hut was fabricated using 5 axis CNC thermoforming by Interior Surface Specialists. Specified Cameo White colour of Corian, Jabba II also featured “rock candy” stripes in Bougainvillea, Blooming Green and Graphic Blue, created via inlaying techniques.
By fully enveloping the ribbed substructure, the design further optimises the seamless nature of Corian. The material blends the external surface inwards to the interior, which flows continuously into the built-in seating to offer visitors both comfort and protection from the weather.
Easy maintenance
In addition to being homogenous, non-porous and durable, Corian is UV, salt and graffiti resistant. This means Jabba II, paid for by Lincolnshire County Council, will cost very little to maintain.
The rebuild was supported by i-am associates, DuPont Corian and the fabricator Interior Surfaces Specialist; sitting at the North End of the resort, just off Sea View Car Park.
Adam Grist, the District Council’s Portfolio Holder of Culture, Leisure and Tourism, commented: “Since their installation nine years ago, the Bathing Beauties huts have become a symbol for the Festival and the wider area. Visitors and residents have really taken Jabba into their hearts, so I for one am very pleased that we are helping it to live on through the Jabba II structure.”
The DuPont Corian Country Manager for UK & Ireland, Mark Hill, added: “We were delighted to support this unusual and fascinating project, especially as Corian is the ideal material for meeting the very specific design and functional needs of Jabba II. In terms of creating the seamlessly curving organic shape and the subtle striped effects, the malleability of Corian is unmatched.”
