Once Upon a Time Between Two Shores

Clacton or Portugal? My grandparents would ask my brother and me where we wanted to go on holiday.
Although they had a lovely villa in the Algarve, we always chose Clacton, drawn to the fun of the arcades. In time, they stopped asking, turning instead towards the vibrancy and sun.

This border tells a story of childhood holidays shaped by family and choice, contrasting two coastallandscapes.
Clacton is expressed through staggered timber groynes, informal planting, and a rickety boardwalk, capturing a nostalgic character. In contrast, the Algarve is defined by clean lines, evenly spaced posts, and bright, sun-filled planting, reflecting a composed marina setting.
A central backless bench represents my grandparents, the constant between these two worlds. Boardwalks meet before it, symbolising shared memories and connection.
A unified palette of grasses and coastal planting creates cohesion across both places.