RIBA Regional Awards 2014: Wales
Copper Kingdom, Angelsey
Donald Insall Associates for Menter Mon
Contract £650,000. GIA 400m2
The Copper Kingdom explains Anglesey mining history. Copper ore was delivered by tram to copper bins and then loaded onto clippers. This scheme is based in the shell of an existing bin which has been extended with simple lime mortared stonework, a slate roof, a face of mixed of copper cladding and industrial scale doors of unfinished copper. The raw rock face inside the building creates a real connection to the material the industry was based on, a focus for the visitor experience and a hint of life underground. The centre is planned around timber versions of the copper bins which contain all vertical circulation and mechanical services.