Thursday, March 12, 2026
Accsys, the global leader in sustainable wood technology, has played a pivotal role in the restoration of Tinside Lido, a Grade II listed Art Deco landmark on Plymouth Hoe. As part of the city’s National Marine Park project, Plymouth City Council commissioned the redevelopment of the 1935 seafront structure, transforming it into a modern, year-round public destination. Accoya and Medite Tricoya Extreme were selected as essential materials for the project, ensuring the structure’s preservation and resilience in one of the UK’s most challenging coastal environments.
A Heritage Asset Protected from Coastal Elements
The restoration project was driven by the need to preserve the historic character of Tinside Lido while making it durable enough to withstand the aggressive marine conditions at Plymouth Hoe. The Lido is exposed to salt spray, high humidity, strong winds, and heavy public use, all of which demand materials that offer long-term resilience and minimal maintenance.
Accoya, a high-performance wood, was chosen for several key applications throughout the site, including sun terrace decking, external doors, windows, benches, planters, handrails, and joinery repairs. The material’s exceptional durability and low-maintenance characteristics make it ideal for the harsh coastal conditions, allowing it to endure both the physical and environmental challenges posed by its location.
Medite Tricoya Extreme panels were utilised for the seasonal storm shutters, designed to provide low-maintenance protection for the structure during winter. These panels play a crucial role in protecting the Lido’s historic features during the storm season, ensuring its continued structural integrity.
Collaborative Effort for Longevity and Aesthetics
The restoration project was managed by Currie & Brown, with design input from LHC Design, structural contributions from Airey & Coles, and building services engineering by SDS. The design team’s challenge was to honour the Lido’s historic Art Deco aesthetic while using materials that could withstand the harsh marine environment. Accoya’s properties allowed for slimmer profiles and tighter tolerances, especially in curved and exposed components that aligned with the Lido’s signature Art Deco geometry.
Matt Oxley, Architect at LHC Design, highlighted the design challenge, stating, “At Tinside Lido, every decision had to support longevity, precision, and aesthetics. Accoya allowed us to revitalise the Lido’s Art Deco elegance with durable, low-maintenance elements that will endure decades of public use.”
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Sustainability was a key focus for the project, both in terms of material selection and overall environmental performance. Accoya’s FSC® certification (CO12330) ensured that the timber used met the highest environmental standards. Additionally, its extended service life plays a significant role in the low-embodied-carbon strategy adopted for the project, which is crucial for public-sector regeneration schemes.
Accoya’s durability reduces the need for frequent replacements and lessens maintenance requirements, ultimately leading to a lower carbon footprint and more predictable costs. The material’s long-term performance contributes to the Lido’s sustainability by reducing the environmental impact over the building’s lifecycle.
The timber, when left uncoated, naturally weathers to a uniform silver-grey, blending seamlessly with the coastal environment. This aesthetic feature not only aligns with the Lido’s heritage but also reduces the need for frequent refinishing, further supporting the low-maintenance approach that was central to the project’s design.
A New Chapter for Tinside Lido
The Tinside Lido restoration is an exemplary model of how sustainable building materials can be successfully integrated into heritage restoration projects. By using Accoya and Medite Tricoya Extreme, the team has ensured that this iconic structure will continue to serve the public for generations to come. The project highlights the importance of choosing materials that not only meet the aesthetic and structural needs of the building but also contribute to its long-term environmental resilience.
The Lido’s restoration is part of Plymouth’s broader National Marine Park initiative, which aims to create a vibrant, sustainable space for the public while respecting the city’s rich heritage. The use of Accoya and Medite Tricoya Extreme aligns with the city’s commitment to sustainability, making the Tinside Lido a model for future restoration projects.
Ensuring the Future of Tinside Lido
The restoration of Tinside Lido using Accoya and Medite Tricoya Extreme is a successful blend of heritage conservation and modern sustainability. The materials’ durability, low-maintenance qualities, and environmental benefits ensure that the Lido will remain a beloved public space in Plymouth for years to come. This project not only preserves an important piece of British architectural history but also sets a benchmark for sustainable restoration practices in challenging coastal environments.
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Tags: Accoya, Art Deco, marine environment, Medite Tricoya Extreme, sustainable building materials, Tinside Lido, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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