Visitor Seating and Shade for Porthkerry Country Park

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Porthkerry Country Park, Barry

As part of the enhancement of the visitor information space adjacent to the car park at Porthkerry Country Park in Barry, we were commissioned to design and manufacture a custom shade and seating solution that would provide visitors with a comfortable space to gather information and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Client: Vale of Glamorgan Council

Year: 2025

The centrepiece of the scheme is a 6-metre Cairns Perimeter Beam Shade Sail, manufactured to provide reliable all-weather protection for park visitors. The structure features a galvanised steel frame designed for long-term durability and minimal maintenance in an exposed outdoor environment. Finished with a white waterproof shade membrane in RAL 9016, the sail offers excellent protection from both rain and direct sunlight while maintaining a bright, clean aesthetic that complements the natural surroundings.

The perimeter beam design creates a taut, architectural appearance while ensuring effective water management and structural stability throughout the year.

Beneath the shade structure sits a custom Helston steel and timber bench, designed in a distinctive S-shaped configuration to encourage social interaction and flexible use. The curved form allows multiple users to sit comfortably while creating a more engaging and inviting seating arrangement.

The bench incorporates a galvanised steel frame and legs, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideally suited to the demands of a public park environment. The seating surface is formed from FSC-certified Iroko timber slats, which have been carefully planed and sanded to create a smooth, high-quality finish. Iroko was selected for its natural durability, attractive appearance, and ability to withstand outdoor conditions while ageing gracefully over time.

Located on the coastline near Barry, Porthkerry Country Park is one of South Wales' most popular green spaces, attracting visitors with its woodland walks, open meadows, historic viaduct, and stunning coastal scenery. The new information space helps support the park's role as a destination for families, walkers, cyclists, and tourists by providing a comfortable and accessible area within a key arrival point.

By combining durable, high-quality materials with contemporary design, the project contributes to the ongoing enhancement of the park's facilities, ensuring visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Porthkerry Country Park in greater comfort throughout the year.