SeaSpace aparthotel – mid-century design and modern coastal influences

Situated in Porth just outside of Newquay, a town that has evolved significantly in recent years, the SeaSpace draws inspiration from both the local culture and global movements. The aparthotel was a vibrant response to the post-pandemic world, where people are increasingly realising how important it is to put an emphasis on relaxation, quality time and to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

The space draws on the Memphis Group, a post-second World War movement in Italy when artists came together to create something unique and react to the moments before, rebelling against minimalist architecture. Mid-century aesthetics include terrazzo floors and rich veneers to create a sense of nostalgia, and the space then evolved to reflect its coastal location and focus on community.

Image credit: Matt Jessop

Cornwall has a local distinctiveness when compared to other locations, offering a large creative element and a tight-knit community of groups and artists. The community is as spirited as the sea. This unique identity is celebrated throughout the design – a large mural on one exterior wall created by local artist Phil Strugnell is a colourful waymarker on the coast road and South West Coast Path between Porth and Watergate, inspired by Newquay’s emerging coastal street art movement.

Elsewhere, the core of the building has been opened up to connect the community spaces, removing any remnants of a cellular building to create a fresh living space. There’s now visible interconnectivity between the holistic experiences and facilities for guests and locals, like the pantry, swimming pool, café and restaurant, to encourage interaction and flow. With a reimagined 19-metre pool influenced by 1920s Miami, complete with arched windows overlooking the sea, guests can enjoy a seamless connection between the two bodies of water.

Image credit: Matt Jessop

Sustainability and regeneration is at the core of SeaSpace’s design. The repurposing of the existing building is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that the hotel not only serves its guests but also respects the environment. This has influenced key design decisions, such as reintroducing clear views from the entrance portal and refreshing the original arches, while the extensive use of mid-century modernist render and coastal-inspired materials, like burnt timber at the entrance, further ties the hotel to its surroundings.

The south-facing arrival area has been pivoted to capture the morning sun, making it the perfect spot for breakfast before a day of adventure. The bar offers a more intimate setting with views of the sea, while the gym provides a dynamic, CrossFit-inspired environment. SeaSpace’s visibility from the coast path has further amplified the meaning behind the exterior mural, or the large picture windows offer views both in and out of the building so that all feel welcome to come in and grab a drink or a meal.

Image credit: Matt Jessop

Inside, the interiors are a modern take on the golden era of the British seaside, the 1950s, the period the original hotel was built. The gelato colour palettes are drawn from the wildflowers along the coast path opposite SeaSpace, incorporating soft pinks, greens, and yellows. Geometric shapes replicate the arched window feature at the front of SeaSpace, while materials and design elements such as light woods, deckchair stripes and bellyboards as artwork, are a further reflection of the coastal connection.

Finally, understanding the diverse needs of its guests, accessibility is a priority, with all facilities designed to be inclusive, ensuring that every guest can fully enjoy their stay and several adapted suites and apartments are available too.

Main image credit: Matt Jessop