Caerphilly Castle is the earliest example of the true regular concentric fortification, the so-called Edwardian style, in the British Isles. With its inner defences overlooking and commanding the outer ring of walls and salients, it is a bold and masterly design.
The new Visitor Centre, located within the Outer Ward and dominated by these inner fortifications, responds to this setting by focussing on the main Inner Gatehouse the new building attacking the old. Although primarily a massive oak framed structure, the proposed materials and form of the building ensure it is clearly a building of its time, but one that enhances and compliments its surroundings.
The sites south facing aspect and the thermal mass of the water within the adjoining moats is consequently being used to reduce the energy consumption of the completed building.
One of Wales most picturesque castles set amid a glorious pastoral landscape, it is one of the finest late medieval buildings in Britain. CADW commissioned Davies Sutton to provide new visitor facilities within the ruined gatehouse at the entrance of the site, a very difficult challenge.
The new building is carefully designed to lessen its impact upon arrival at the castle, by integrating itself behind the existing stone structure. The predominantly oak boarded walls will fade with time to a similar colour of the weathered stonewalls. A ground source heat pump provides the main heating source for the building.
Part of the building is built over the outline of the existing ruined gatehouse, and the other half an extended building set back from the existing ditch wall.
A carbon neutral Visitor Centre for the National Trust upon a scheduled ancient monument, and constrained by adjacent listed buildings.
Inspired by and responding to its setting, the new building sits comfortably within this location and is focused upon the sites main feature, the impressive waterfall. This waterfall, which played an important role in the industrialisation of South Wales, now generates energy to heat and light the building, via an air-source heat pump. All surplus energy is sold back to the National Grid.
Both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade 1 listed building, Oystermouth Castle stands today within a largely suburban environment.
The historic fabric is being conserved and repaired, the techniques used enhancing the existing romantic appeal of the ruin. New visitor facilities are simultaneously being provided to enhance the visitors access to the monument and increase their understanding.
The new visitor facilities culminate within the ruin of the Chapel Block; Self-evidently modern, these new structures clearly distinguish clearly distinguish the old from the new. These facilities are completed by a sailing glass walkway at high level that subtly allows interpretation of the former Chapel, providing access to the main East window and the expansive views beyond over Swansea Bay and the Bristol Channel.
This exceptional neo-classical Grade II listed building is of significant historic and architectural importance, and probably dates from Tudor times. Part of William Talmans late 17th century building still survives, but much of what is seen today is by Sir John Soane with subsequent embellishment by Joseph Banomi.
With the building laying empty for eighty years and having fallen into ruin, extensive and meticulous research was required: for example the stone cantilever staircase and roof lanterns are typically Soane and the various surviving remnants provided the catalyst for a scholarly revival of this majestic country house. The adjoining stable block, cottage, barn and walled gardens are also all in need of restoration.
Davies Sutton have negotiated a sympathetic scheme for the restoration and conversion of the whole estate, Planning and Listed Building Consent for the restoration of the house having been granted. The first phase or emergency repairs were completed in early 2009.
This grade 1 listed wall, designed by the celebrated architect William Burgess, stands alongside Cardiff Castle and forms the main front to Bute Park. The wall is striking for its 15 sculpted animals that appear to be climbing over the wall - a great sight for passer-by. Originally constructed in the 1890's and containing nine animals the wall was move and extended in 1922, when a further six were added.
Repairs to the wall were undertaken as part of a £5.6m Bute Park restoration project, which is supported by the HLF and Cadw. Much of the dressed stonework was suffering from contour scaling and had to either be dressed back, or in some cases features were completely replaced. A new nose was sculpted for the anteater and a snout for the wolf, and glass eyes were reinstated to several animals. An enormous amount of graffiti was removed from the north side of the wall and all stonework was repointed.
This 19th Century folly stands on a hill top overlooking Pontypool Park. A circular stone modest rusticated exterior provides no clue to the fantastic interior. Plaster vaulted ceilings are encrusted with exotic shells and minerals, stalactites, mosses, elm bosses, writhing ivy stems, and a star fish. With the floor made up of geometric patterns from the bones of horses and deer, this is truly a unique building in Wales.
The building was in an extremely dilapidated condition: the roof was on the point of collapse, 20% of the decorated interior was missing, and the walls had severe structural problems. Much of the timberwork was affected by rot. To make the building secure, new windows and timber security shutters were also disguised and incorporated with the restoration.
Commissioned by Torfaen County Borough Council, the project was the winner of an RICS Conservation Award.
A Grade II listed building, Singleton abbey is the oldest building on the Campus, and sits within a Grade I listed garden. Significant repairs, improvements and alterations were commissioned by the University of Wales to this C18th building, including the partial demolition and replacement of the Footmans Quarters with a 4 storey new main Reception Wing. The restorations of the external formal gardens are also proposed. The first phase has been completed and provides up-to-date modern administrative facilities within the historic environment. New openings were also formed within existing building to link the main student mall through the campus with the Inner Courtyard framed by the existing buildings.
This project won two awards in the Lord Mayor of Swansea Design awards, including overall winner in the over half a million category.
Apsley House was originally designed and built by Robert Adam between 1771 and 1778 for Baron Apsley from whom it takes its name. It passed to the Wellesley family in 1807, being first owned by Richard and then his younger brother Arthur Wellesley the first Duke of Wellington. The current appearance of Apsley House is the result of alterations made by the Wellesley family, who twice extended the brick Adam house and encased it in stone. The Corinthian portico and two bays of the west wing were added in 1828.
Through their term consultancy with English Heritage, Davies Sutton have been appointed to investigate and repair problems evident within the fabric of the principal collonaded south elevation,together with advising on measures thought appropriate to improve the setting of this grade 1 listed building generally.
As part of the grade 1 listed St Illtuds Church located in the Vale of Glamorgan, the Gallilee Chapel is one of the most significant sites in Celtic Christianity and is of exceptional national interest.
Davies Sutton Architects have developed a collaborative and community led project to house and give access to a remarkable collection of Early Christian stones. The scheme also provides disabled access and additional, more flexible space inside the Church for educational purposes within the locality as a whole.
The massing of the restored building will be of a similar size and form to the original Gallilee Chapel, with innovative materials and detailing ensuring it is clearly distinguishable from the original Church. This approach will provide a C21st phase of construction to compliment and enhance the previous historical phases.
One of many medieval churches in the Vale of Glamorgan with Norman origins, this Grade I listed church has now been completely restored following the hard work of the Parochial Church Council and with the assistance of grant aid from the HLF, CADW and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust.
The Victorian slates were replaced with new stone tiles and the entire building has been rendered with a historic lime plaster. The building has been extended to provide a new vestry/meeting room with a small kitchen and toilet. Internally the modern floors were relaid with polished limestone flags and underfloor heating. New lighting and decoration complete the scheme. The building now looks more like it did during the medieval period and represents a fine example of an ancient Vale Church.
Also known as Newport Cathedral, St Woolos is a grade 1 listed building. It contains exceptional details from the Norman period such as a magnificent decorated archway into the Nave, two rows of rounded arches with large drum columns, and a 13th century font. Many other periods of rebuilding are also represented. A quinquennial inspection report in 2005 identified a number of problems throughout the church, and plans were set in place for a major restoration of the cathedral.
Work has started on the first phase restoration of the Nave and Aisle roofs. thought to be from the first half of the 15th century many of the oak trussed rafters are rotting and in urgent need of repair. The clay tile roof coverings are also being replaced along with the lead valley gutters.
Please visit the link below for more information about the campaign to restore the Cathedral.
SWCRA website
Perched on an east-west ridge to the northeast of Newport, Kemeys Folly was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1712 by local landowner George Kemeys. It was struck by lightning in the late 1890s and partially rebuilt as a house in the early 1900s, whilst several poor quality, extensions were subsequently added in C20th.
These modern extensions were removed to re-establish the prominence of the original tower which was traditionally and caringly restored externally and internally. A new extension was added to take full advantage of the panoramic views from the site: contemporary in style, though sympathetic in its use of materials. The extension provides a contrasting solution that elevates the original tower, adding a further phase to the continuing history of this fine building.
" ...the resulting building is a fascinating hybrid, sensitively designed by a first-class practice"
Kevin McCloud Grand Designs
Expressions of interest were sought via an RIBA Open Competition for a sustainable, low carbon housing development in Lawrenny Village, Pembrokeshire. From over 90 entries across Europe, four practices including Davies Sutton Architects were selected to produce a scheme.
As part of an holistic approach to the future of rural villages, Davies Suttons scheme extended the brief to provide 30 live: work units that can be readily adapted to address future needs. Constructed on a brownfield site the units will achieve level 6 for the Code for Sustainable Homes and are powered and heated by a district biomass system. The homes are highly insulated and orientated to maximise the advantages of potential solar gains.
The proposed construction method incorporates an innovative timber structural system. This allows for an ease of construction on site and provides opportunities for local employment.
Situated on the coast in barren isolation, this Grade I listed building is one of the last great country houses in Wales to be rescued from ruin. Compulsory purchased by the Local Authority, the building was immediately sold to the Buildings at Risk Trust, who commenced its repair. First owned by the monks of Neath Abbey it was later remodelled into the Tudor house we see today.
Although partially collapsed, it still contained in its first floor Great Hall a beautifully decorated plaster frieze, which has now been restored in its entirety. With substantial grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and CADW, the house is now fully restored and occupied.
Davies Sutton has received an RIBA award for this project, which rewards the imaginative and dedicated approach over the past 15 years.
Located within the heart of the conservation area of this medieval market town, this project required the sensitive conversion, alteration and extension of an early Victorian School, together with the repair and restoration of the historic fabric.
The school was subdivided to form 19 spacious apartments, and a new extension enabling the 2 main historic and decorative stairs to be retained and reused. The majority of the internal historic elements were also retained as features within the apartments, specifically the decorative timber cornicing, stone door cases and fireplaces.
The quality of the conversion of the existing building and the demolition of modern unsympathetic extensions enabled 7 new dwellings to be provided. Located at various points around this historic complex, all were designed in a modern contemporary style that reflects their respective locations whilst providing a lucid contrast with the existing listed building.
Starting life as a Norman Hall House, Cefn Mably was extensively added to in 1713 and grew into one of the finest country houses in Glamorganshire. A devastating fire in 1994 virtually turned the house into a derelict ruin over night.
Developers Meadgate Homes purchased the remains of the House and converted it into 13 luxury apartments. The house was virtually rebuilt using old photographs and site evidence to piece together the details of the building. Panelled paintings, that were rescued from the house, were reinstated into newly panelled rooms, and a medieval oak screen that survived the fire was restored and used as a dividing screen at the end of the Dancing Gallery, which is now part of a beautiful and unique apartment. The entrance porch had not survived the fire and, using photographs from the Country Life archive, the original designs for the Georgian porch were accurately recreated.
This magnificent Georgian mansion has been restored and converted into eleven luxury apartments. The private developer was looking for a way to create a conversion that would not only maximise his investment, but also create a very special development.
The conversion involved carefully dividing the house without cramming them in, and addressing numerous building regulations issues relating to the conversion, whilst not compromising the historic integrity of the building. The original coach houses were also converted into 4 mews style houses, and a swimming pool added to the 19th century conservatory.
By unravelling the various historic elements of the building we were able to justify significant sympathetic alterations to the building, as well as specifying the repair of elements such as a section of cast iron roof from the original building, the same as that found on the Houses of Parliament.
Commissioned by Newport City Council the new pavilion is located within a scheduled ancient monument on the edge of the town, adjacent to one of Britains best preserved Roman Amphitheatres.
Based upon the appearance of traditional sports pavilions, the design is a blend of modern architecture and natural materials. Although clearly a building of its time, considered use of these materials and their detailing, such as the stone boundary wall and horizontal timber boarding, enables the building to sit comfortably within its sensitive and rural setting.
In addition to the changing rooms and public toilets, the new building also provides for community use via the crèche, meeting and educational resource rooms also incorporated.
The building aims to be the hub of educational activities within the grade I listed Bute park and will provide a resource for schools, families, special interest groups as well as Cardiff Council's horticultural apprentices. The facility will also boast excellent learning assets including a classroom and archive room, which will house a variety of resources on park heritage, natural history and environmental themes.
The concept of the centre plays on the idea of a secret garden and will be accessed through a huge oak door. The panels of the door are being designed by local wood carvers as part of the ''Peoples Door'' competition and will help tell the parks' history through their imagery. Inspired by the Black Friars that once lived in the park, Michael Davies has designed and sculpted one panel, a monk in prayer.
