Why design Matters - Rethinking resilience at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club

What is flood resilience?
Flood resilience goes beyond “standard” building design. It’s about selecting
materials, techniques, and systems that do more than just look good—they perform.
They stand up to the elements, recover faster after damage, and reduce long-term
costs.

Where a conventional office fit-out might focus on aesthetics first, flood resilience
prioritises functionality, durability, and sustainability.

Why it mattered at Mengeham
Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club had already been through the worst. Over a metre of
floodwater sweeping through the building. The mission wasn’t just about fixing what
was broke—it was about rethinking how the entire space was designed to interact
with its environment.

That meant designing, specifying, and testing systems that could take a hit from
extreme conditions. The aim was to ensure the club could bounce back quickly with
minimum possible expense if—or more realistically, when—flooding happens again.

Innovation on a traditional budget
The insurance payout was based on a traditional rebuild, not a bespoke, flood-proof
scheme. That meant no big-name consultants, no expensive systems, no blank
cheque.
Instead, we leaned on innovation and common-sense design. We made non-
traditional material choices, introduced designs with sacrificial elements, and
prioritised solutions that balanced cost-effectiveness with long-term resilience.
The result was a smarter, tougher space built within the constraints of a very real-
world budget.

The bigger picture for smarter spaces in the South
The lessons from Mengeham extend beyond sailing clubs. Whether you’re running a
coastal venue or a corporate office in Southampton, Portsmouth, or anywhere across
the South, the way your building is designed matters.

Today’s fit-outs are no longer just about creating attractive spaces—they’re about
future-proofing them. From flood-resistant finishes to energy-efficient lighting and
modular interiors, the best designs are flexible, durable, and provide long term ROI.

Why it matters for your business
For businesses across Southampton, Portsmouth, and beyond, resilience isn’t
optional. Your workspace should;

● Look great and represent your brand.
● Perform under pressure.
● Adapt to real-world challenges—whether that’s flooding, climate impacts, or
day-to-day wear and tear.

The Mengeham Rythe project is proof that resilience doesn’t have to come with a
luxury price tag. With the right design thinking, we can deliver spaces that last
longer, recover faster, and safeguard your business operations.