Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 129
in warm oak helps tie the surrounding original walls back
together under a new insulated warm roof. These new
elements, including a discreet lift that provides step-free
access, bring visitors to the uppermost levels of the castle,
allowing new interpretations of the medieval tower keep,
and lead out to a new viewing platform and eagle’s lookout, commanding the strategic views over the surrounding Wye River valley the castle was first built to provide.
Other areas of the Jacobean house were restored and
converted for adaptable use for events and restaurant,
shop, Clore Education suite, and a loans gallery and reading room under a restored original oak structure roof
structure.
A large portion of the nearly £7.5m total project value
(including VAT) was funded through a successful
National Lottery Heritage Fund application and the
remaining match funding was raised through grants,
Welsh Government contributions, and donations by
various trusts, charities and donations.
Drawing upon archaeological consultants and historic
building experts, heritage skills advisors and deathwatch
beetle and timber diagnosticians, our team and client listened carefully to unpack the full history of the site following a detailed survey of the existing conditions, and
devised an informed design proposal for the site and assemblage of buildings, alongside collaborative discussions
and input from statutory planning and listed building
officers and inspector of ancient monuments.
The existing and historic nature of the site and its
statutory protections meant industry-leading sustainable
initiatives were not necessarily appropriate targets. We
however sought to employ a heritage-led best practice
approach to conservation, renovation and upgrades to
improve the building and site’s long term thermal
performance, energy demand, future flexibility and
maintenance.
As the site suffered two significant fires in the 20C, where
internal historic elements and furnishings were sadly lost,
we approached the roofless portion of the Jacobean house
especially as an opportunity for judicious contemporary
insertions for gathering and linking disparate floor levels;
a generous, top-lit, and breathtaking heart for the castle.
Deep balconied floor plates that retain openness and honour the characterful historic stone and timber remaining
fabric provide new flexible spaces for entry, wayfinding,
meeting and celebrating, and a new cascading stair lined
The renovation of Hay Castle has revitalised the town of
Hay-on-Wye by creating a dynamic cultural and educational centre that not only preserves the town’s rich heritage but also strengthens its reputation as an
Below, Hay Castle-MICA Architects, gallery (c)Andy Stagg
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
127
