The Shell Grotto has been one of Margate's top attractions. Its orgins are mysterious and have been subject of local myth since the grotto was discovered in the 18th century.
A house was bulit atop of it as the domicile of the custodians. Subsequently, an entrance and shop were built in front of the house, removing the more mysterious original garden entrance and wall.
Our task was to provide a new facade for the entrance and to extend the living accomodation upstairs. The proposal was for a double-gabled striped elevation to the 1st floor above a decorative ground floor entrance and shop facade.
The stripes are a simple means of fixing insulated cladding, but also a reference to the nearby Tudor House. The decorative facade a foretaste of the encrusted shell decoration in the grotto.
Existing entrance and shop to the Shell Grotto