Set over multiple levels and containing five accommodation pods built amongst plenty of creative spaces, East Quay is a stunning building situated in Watchet, Somerset. The project was commissioned by Somerset-based social enterprise Onion Collective and led by architects George Williams and Owen Hughes Pearce of PEARCE+Fægen.
The duo designed the pod interiors whilst Invisible Studio were the concept architects for the building and Mark Anstey of Ellis Williams Architects was the project architect.
Due to the priceless artwork displayed on rotation within the creative spaces above and below the accommodation pods, a fully tanked waterproofing solution was high on the list of priorities. Pairing this with the innovative design elements required for each individual pod meant that floor build up also needed to be taken into consideration. This is where tile and stone protection expert Schlüter-Systems stepped in to put together a specification for three of the pods.
A DDA-compliant wetroom sits on the lower floor of Pod 2 for full accessibility. Due to these requirements, Schlüter advised that a point drain would be most suitable and therefore suggested their Schlüter point drain system as the perfect solution.
Pods 4 and 5 needed linear drains, with the architects choosing to install the low height version of shower tray Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER-LTS and its partnering product, the Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-G3 drain for each. This guaranteed entry level access within the bathroom areas.
Reliable waterproofing was taken care of within the three pods with the help of uncoupling membrane Schlüter-DITRA-25. The multi-talented product offered many benefits to the project such as crack-bridging, waterproofing and load distribution.
East Quay and its creative presence has given Watchet and surrounding areas a new lease of life, displaying just how vibrant and welcoming the town and community is. Pulling together unique and thought-provoking design elements with technical know-how was paramount in getting this project off the ground, and Schlüter are incredibly proud to have been part of it.