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SPURN POINT: an Amphibious Adaptation

Part 1 Project 2014
Aimee Gyorvari
University of Lincoln Lincoln | UK
Spurn Point is home to Britain’s most isolated, yet permanently manned lifeboat station, located in the rural outskirts of the 10th most deprived local authority in England; Kingston upon Hull.

Since 1810, Spurn has been home for the lifeboat crew and their families. After almost two centuries of residence, the six current families were forced to leave Spurn in August 2013 as a result of isolation. Now, the lifeboat crew temporarily reside at Spurn during shift work, leaving no permanent residence or community.

The three and a half mile ‘long neck’ of sand and shingle is regularly threatened by storm water and flooding from the North Sea, increasingly restricting access to and from the peninsular.

The proposal re-introduces sustainable well-being and liveability onto a delicate site, re-establishing a social and physical community that is fully integrated with the surrounding villages and city. A non-migratory approach to living is established within an amphibious masterplan, adapted to a unique living environment forgiving of natural and climatic influences. The amphibious structure is modular¬, stretching westwards over the Humber. Over time, the masterplan is encouraged to expand and stabilise as the land and shingle inevitably relocates beneath the arrangement.

As a common tourist place for naturalists, scientists and bird observers, with over 180 species of mudflat invertebrate and 100,000 waders and wildfowl feeding in the estuary over winter, Spurn will be protected and environmentally maintained by the community. Inevitably, replenishing a sense of well-being with the rich local nature and resources Spurn has to offer.

The masterplan entertains a social enterprise, accommodating volunteers, site residents and job seekers, as part of a mudflat conservation strategy to maintain a balance in local ecology. A public tourist information, restaurant and market are incorporated to regenerate liveability and well-being back onto Spurn. Voluntary residents will have the opportunity to experience a ‘hands on’ amphibious lifestyle, gaining experience in ‘polycultural’ harvest and preservation, as well as prospects in ‘food and medicinal trade'. Produce is prepared and traded locally, generating touristic response and integration with the surrounding villages, whilst creating a pleasant environment for human interaction and recreation.

Aimee Gyorvari

Tutor(s)

Dr Carl O'Coill

2014
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