Conveniences: Milford-on-Sea

Milford public conveniences are located on a beachfront site overlooking the Solent, with views across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. We started with the idea that the seafront site is really quite unique and that although this is only a modest building, it should in some way address the sea, so this led to the idea of a covered entrance portico and protective wall, providing a place for a public bench. As in the preceding three designs, Milford utilises the same kit of parts and ventilation strategy of slightly lifting the walls off the ground and lifting the roof slightly off the walls, introducing air gaps for natural ventilation.

The structure has a distinctive aluminium gull-wing roof with a 3m cantilever and polycarbonate used on the section beneath the roof to allow in obscured natural light whilst being durable to the high winds and pebbles flying up from the nearby beach. Vandal proof uplighters are integrated into the floor and this was the first public convenience where covered lighting was introduced to each cubicle.