Precast Concrete Ramp for Tenby RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Station
Bespoke precast design installed on a tidal beach for a heritage refurbishment project
Meeting the challenges of a heritage and marine environment
When Knights Brown was appointed to refurbish the Grade II listed RNLI boathouse on Castle Beach, Tenby, one of the most challenging parts was constructing a new ramp to launch the inshore lifeboat.
The RNLI needed a durable solution that could withstand daily saltwater exposure, the loads of a lifeboat and tractor, and the constraints of working around tides and a historic structure.
Our role was to design and manufacture a bespoke precast ramp system that could be delivered and installed in phases to meet the project’s tight logistical and environmental requirements.
Project Overview
- Client – Knights Brown
- Location – Tenby, Wales
- Sector – Heritage / Marine Infrastructure
- Services Provided – Design & Supply
- Project – Redevelopment of Grade II listed lifeboat house
- Products Supplied – Bespoke precast concrete ramp elements
- Installation Duration – Carried out over several days, timed with tidal windows
Project Background
The RNLI lifeboat house was originally built in 1895 and taken out of use in 1905. As part of a broader programme of works, the charity wanted to restore the site to operational status to house a new D-class inshore lifeboat and offer welfare facilities for RNLI lifeguards.
The location presented a unique set of challenges. The new ramp had to be carefully designed to integrate with the existing structure, resist aggressive marine conditions, and be constructed in a way that minimised disruption to the sensitive coastal environment.
Our Solution
Why Bespoke Precast Ramp Elements
To address these challenges, we produced 16 bespoke precast units: three concrete beams and thirteen reinforced concrete planks.
These were dowelled and fixed into in-situ concrete piles. This formed a sturdy structure capable of withstanding wave action, salt spray, and heavy loads.
Key benefits for this project included:
Faster installation by delivering modular ramp elements ready for quick placement.
Ability to phase installation during tidal windows, minimising site risk and disruption.
A bespoke design that matches the geometry and loading requirements of the lifeboat and tractor.
Greater long-term durability through enhanced reinforcement cover and specialised concrete mix.
The Results
The bespoke precast ramp was delivered and installed successfully despite the logistical challenges of working on a tidal beach. The combination of phased installation, off-site manufacturing, and marine-grade detailing provided the RNLI with a dependable and durable access solution.
The building is now operational once more, serving as a joint base for the inshore lifeboat and welfare facilities for lifeguards who patrol Castle Beach during the summer months.
This project demonstrated how precast can adapt to complex heritage and marine projects, offering both performance and sustainability benefits in one solution.
Products Used In This Project
Bespoke Precast Ramp Units
We designed and manufactured modular ramp components customised for this unique project. By combining increased durability with a low-carbon mix, we helped Knights Brown and the RNLI in creating a functional, sustainable solution that will benefit the community for many years.
Built-in Sustainability
The ramp was cast using a CEM III/A concrete mix with GGBS replacement, reducing the cement content and lowering the carbon footprint of the units. In addition to decreasing embedded CO₂, the use of GGBS improved durability by increasing resistance to chloride ingress in a marine environment. The reinforcement cover was increased to 75mm to provide additional protection against corrosion, extending the working life of the ramp in harsh coastal conditions.