A Colliery's Transition to a Green Energy Landmark

Cefn Coed Colliery was first established in 1930 and the mine continued to operate until 1986, when it was closed due to declining coal prices and the high cost of modernization. Today, the site exhibits five Grade II* listed structures, which are two headframes, a chimney, a boilerhouse and a windinghouse. There is also a Grade II listed pumphouse. The site is host to the Cefn Coed Colliery Museum, which inhabits the boilerhouse and windinghouse and also consists of two newer unlisted buildings.

Having learned of the local response to EDF Renewables submitting a planning application for a new solar and wind farm on Hirfynydd mountain, this scheme is designed to reduce the size of the Hirfynydd site, so that it is accepted for planning and can be constructed. By producing 15MW of green energy on the site of Cefn Coed Colliery, the Hiryfnydd Renewable Energy Park can be reduced in installed capacity. Installing a chain of green energy production at Cefn Coed Colliery provides an opportunity to demonstrate renewable technologies to the public, which will raise awareness of the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources, inspire innovation and encourage investment in clean energy research, and build trust and support for green energy projects such as

This educational aim is projected onto the visual and technical design of the proposal. Structure and services are left visible, façade construction is legible and contrastingly designed, and distinct colour-coding is present throughout the complex. This communicates clearly the purpose of each building and the role of every process in the holistic energy production chain. The chain itself displays a number of green energy production technologies, including bioenergy and hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage and mine water heat recovery. Alongside this loop, Cefn Coed Colliery Museum is expanded to include a museum about modern renewable energy technologies, and a research laboratory that looks into developing onsite techniques. To firmly root the complex in its site, screens are constructed around the headframes, establishing them as a hierarchical priority. The frames are visually striking, and exhibit a form recognisable in its association with mining.

The thesis proposal details a scheme that works to protect and revitalise these historical buildings by introducing a modern and somewhat contrasting programme. The new scheme beams with potential and brings new life to its context, learning all the while from the precious relics of an industrial past.