The De La Warr Pavilion is one of Britain’s best-known modernist buildings. Designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff and completed in 1936, it was the first public building in the UK to use a welded steel frame – a pioneering decision by the structural engineer Felix Samuely. Today, this Grade I listed landmark is undergoing a major programme of refurbishment and extension.
The Pavilion is a large structure in three parts: the auditorium to the west, a central entrance wing with its feature south staircase, and a two-storey east wing with a fully glazed South façade and cantilevered balconies. While the auditorium has a more restrained rendered finish, the building as a whole remains a celebrated example of early modernist civic architecture.
Working alongside the design team, Price & Myers is providing civil and structural engineering consultancy throughout the project. Our role includes detailed assessment of the original steel structure – in particular the auditorium’s roof trusses to determine their remaining capacity and suitability for new loading from upgraded M&E systems, photovoltaics, rigging, and acoustic or thermal improvements.
The project aims to increase accessibility, visitor flow, environmental performance and overall functionality across the Pavilion. Refurbishment of the auditorium will improve storage, equipment, access, and backstage facilities. Gallery spaces will be retained and reconfigured to meet Arts Council requirements. Semi-permanent installations will enhance external events on the terrace and gardens, and new interventions will support the Pavilion’s learning, staff and commercial spaces.
We are working to ensure that every structural and civil element of the project respects the heritage and character of the original building, while supporting its future use. This includes careful coordination of new environmental systems to support net zero carbon targets, along with structural input into proposed new extensions and remodeling works, including dismantling and re-use of parts of the existing building in the new extensions.
Alongside the main programme of works, the project includes collaboration with Rother District Council on improving the surrounding public realm and supporting the Pavilion’s role as a local cultural and civic asset.
