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A medical operation in Holyhead, Anglesey, was converted into affordable houses for local people as part of a restoration of the historical building.
BTP Architects Specialist Conservation Architects, in collaboration with Isle of Anglesy County Council, has successfully completed the restoration of Plas Alltran and has delivered four new affordable apartments for the local population that leave care.
The 1.5 million pound project has changed the previously dilapidated property, which was once listed as one of the 10 most endangered buildings in Wales and England by Victorian Society.
The new houses with a bedroom are designed for single and two-person households and are available for affordable rent. Historical specialists for building preserving specialists Reclesia, M&E specialists Hulley and structural engineers Caulmerte worked with BTP architects to deliver the project over a period of two years.
Andy (KWOK) WAN, director at BTP Architects, said: “Plas Alltran is a fantastic example of how carefully restoration, careful design and a successful partnership can come together to create sustainable, affordable houses.
“This project protects an important part of Holyheads inheritance in creating affordable houses.
“Every element of the design was not only taken into account because of its maintenance value, but also for the way it was able to support well -being, the dignity and future of its residents.”
The sensitive restoration of Plas Alltran has retained a large part of the historical character of the building and at the same time introduced modern energy -efficient measures to meet the needs of the residents.
The project team worked closely with nature conservation officers and the historical environmental service of the Welsh government, CADW, to reconcile restoration methods and materials. If possible, the original outer walls and slate tiles were kept, carefully recorded with lost characteristics such as doors, cornices and stair spindles and replicated with conventional craft methods.
The list of the building listed meant that Windows had to be preserved, so that a standard ventilation system does not work in this case. Instead, the most modern mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) was installed as the most practical energy-efficient ventilation system for energy.
Insolated lime plaster was used internally, which provides the building extraordinary heating and keeps carbon emissions low for the project.
Back from the edge
Jamie Moore, director at Recclesia, said: “To bring plas all from the edge of a complete loss were a real challenge. By working with BTP architects and Anglese Council, we managed to save this wonderful building in a way that at the same time retains its historical integrity as modern habitat.
“The results of the maintenance in this project are exemplary for a coherent team with the right specialist knowledge.”
The restoration not only offers urgently needed apartments in Holyhead, while the project remains low carbon and energy -efficient, but has also removed an important historical building from the risk register, which comprises structurally inappropriate and free historical buildings.
The development reflects the persistent commitment of the Anglese Council to bring the heir back into the use and creation of living space in the community.
City Councilor Robin Wyn Williams, owner of the financial and housing portfolio from Isle of Anglese County Council, said: “This development delivers high-quality, affordable houses in the heart of the community and at the same time brings an estimated local building back into the use. It reflects our broader commitment that it meets a real need that respects the character and manufacturer of our island, The figure and that is watching in our country and that is considered our island and the faith of our island and the manufacturer of characters and the sublime of our island and that is watching on the figure and the sublime from our island and that extends and the manufacturer of our island keeps you. “
Photo credits: BTP architects
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