Case Study
We were delighted to be involved in a landmark project in Swanage, working alongside BAM Nuttall and the RNLI to help create a brand-new lifeboat station for the town. This vital facility was designed to improve emergency response times and provide modern, purpose-built spaces for training, changing, and workshop use, supporting the invaluable work of the RNLI crew and volunteers.
Our role was to supply a range of high-quality stone materials for the construction of the building, sourced from our local quarries. The main cavity construction featured dressed Purbeck facing stone, providing the building with a durable, natural façade that reflects the character of the local landscape while standing up to the demanding coastal environment.
In addition to the Purbeck stone, we supplied a range of finely finished elements in Swanworth Portland Limestone. This included window cills, lintels, quoins, jambs, and a continuous plinth course, all cut and prepared to precise specifications. These limestone details added refinement and contrast to the exterior of the building, enhancing its appearance while maintaining a consistent palette of natural materials.
A particularly notable aspect of the project was the involvement of our now-retired stonemason, Micky Hobbs, who personally dressed a significant portion of the stone for this job. His craftsmanship and attention to detail ensured the stonework met the highest standards and contributed to the lasting quality of the completed lifeboat station.
All the materials for the project were sourced from our two local quarries, keeping the supply chain short and supporting the local economy. Our experienced transport team coordinated deliveries to the site, ensuring that materials arrived safely and on schedule to meet the demands of the construction programme.
The new Swanage Lifeboat Station was officially completed and opened in 2017 to coincide with the arrival of the town’s new Shannon Class lifeboat. The building now stands as a vital asset to the community, combining modern facilities with traditional materials and craftsmanship. We’re proud to have played a part in this important project, contributing natural stone that will endure for generations while supporting the life-saving work of the RNLI.
We were excited to have been involved in such a fantastic local project. Living and working by the sea, the RNLI holds a special importance to a lot of our workforce, this added an extra element of pride and interest for us in taking part.
Matt Suttle, Suttle Stone Quarries Director
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