Calshot is a working shipyard built for restoration, fabrication and design. What began as a shipyard has developed into a production space where engineers, joiners and technicians work alongside each other on complex projects. We do not draw lines between old and new, marine or architectural. The focus is always on detail, material and performance. The result is purposeful work that holds up over time.
Values
We care about how things are made and the thinking that goes into making them. We are not interested in imitation or surface gloss. We focus on clarity, material honesty and the kind of detail that only comes from being close to the work.
Our team brings experience, but also freedom. We encourage questions that can improve outcomes. We believe the need to stay open to better ideas mid-process. The results are built through collaboration, not just direction.
We work across restoration, joinery and fabrication, but our approach stays consistent. Simple decisions are well executed, with a focus on how things feel and function. The result is work with depth and character.
James’ Wharf is the clearest expression of those values. It is a working shipyard shaped by us and by the things we create.
Restoration
Whether working on historic vessels or listed buildings, restoration at Calshot is about understanding what exists and knowing how to work with it. Every project begins with close study of the structure, materials and original design intent. The process is steady and collaborative, led by the condition of the piece and the skills of the team. We aim to retain character while making each element ready for the next stage of its life. More
Our Team
The strength of Calshot lies in the people who work here. Our team includes bespoke joiners, engineers, shipwrights, welders, painters, electricians, plumbers and designers who bring a depth of skill and a shared commitment to doing things properly. Everyone is close to the work and every decision is shaped by hands-on knowledge. This is a place where craft is taken seriously and where collaboration happens at source. More
Our Site
Calshot is based at James’ Wharf, a historic boatyard on the River Itchen in Southampton. Originally built in the 1870s as a ship repair depot for the London and South Western Railway. With over 2.5 acres of working space and more than 6,000 square metres of covered workshops, the site has been restored to reflect its industrial past by the very craftsmen that now operate within its boundaries. With the last remaining dry dock in Southampton, and one of the oldest in use with the UK, we can handle complex, multi-disciplinary projects. It is a truly unique place with history.
The yard itself has been restored piece by piece using salvaged materials and traditional techniques. The buildings now house a full-scale operation, including marine engineering, bespoke joinery, fabrication, painting, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, all supported by a design and CAD department.
Sustainability
We work with what already exists. That means restoring rather than replacing and sourcing reclaimed materials wherever possible. Sustainability at Calshot is built into the way we design, plan and make. It is not a separate process. It is part of how we work every day.