Constructed in the late 13th century under the reign of King Edward I, Caernarfon Castle in North Wales is a key component of the ‘Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd,’ a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1986. Alongside Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech castles, as well as the fortified towns at Conwy and Caernarfon, these structures collectively represent the pinnacle of late 13th-century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe. United by a cohesive stylistic identity, these castles were predominantly the masterpieces of the era’s preeminent military engineer, James of St George.
Presently, many of these structures serve as prominent tourist destinations. However, numerous constraints, such as narrow access corridors, winding spiral staircases, and worn treads, often render them inaccessible to many visitors. There is a pressing need to conserve and amplify their historical significance, ensuring adaptation to the requirements of today’s visitors. This conservation effort aims to facilitate exploration, enjoyment, and understanding of pivotal historical elements by the broadest spectrum of people.
Design Approach
At the core of the improvement initiative is a fresh artistic interpretation centered on the theme: ‘the hands that built the castle.’ The contemporary approach to interpretation strives to narrate the castle’s story from an alternative perspective, prompting visitors to reconsider their understanding of the site’s history. It involved expanding access to a significant portion of the upper battlements, enhancing the site’s interpretation, and establishing novel visitor amenities. This encompassed the creation of new facilities, including a café and lookout, providing visitors with unparalleled views across North Wales.
The buttresses approach acknowledges the incompleteness of the King’s Gate, recognizing it as an integral aspect of the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage site. In this light, their designs refrain from seeking to finish the construction but instead, aim to contribute another layer to its historical narrative. All new interventions are carefully designed to maintain visual and physical separation from the castle walls, delicately connecting to the structure only at access points.
This philosophy extends to the introduction of furniture into the spaces. The majority of furniture is prefabricated off-site, later brought in, and seamlessly integrated into place. Other pieces are meticulously handcrafted, and tailored to fit around walls or other existing areas of the structure. In the process of remodeling, Buttress ensured minimal intervention, emphasizing a creative utilization of the existing mass. Likewise, they minimized the use of mechanical fixings through the fabric to reduce scarring and facilitate the creative reuse of the existing mass.
Steel structure Ingenuity
The recent additions seamlessly blend with the original structure, maintaining a modern aesthetic that complements the limestone and granite blocks. A thoughtfully selected palette of materials ensures harmony, with sustainably sourced timber intended to evolve naturally in patina and color over time. Expansive frameless glass panels enhance views and vistas, eliminating visual obstructions typically associated with posts and framing members. All glazing incorporates low reflectivity to minimize the visual impact on the monument and reduce distortion common with standard glass. A distinctive feature is the incorporation of two large glazed floor panels on the viewing platform, introducing increased daylight into the chapel space below. These glass panels are adorned with a bespoke etched pattern, providing both privacy and a slip-resistant surface.
The team at Buttress repurposed former ledges and joist pockets to anchor structural elements and bear vertical loads. New steel ring beams were crafted to conform to the skewed octagonal plan of Towers 1 and 2, strategically resting on existing stone ledges. Tower 3’s steel structure demanded meticulous attention, featuring a concealed interwoven web of steelwork integrated into the undulating existing wall head. Preservation efforts were evident in Tower 3, where the remains of a stone spiral staircase were rejuvenated. A new, highly customized timber spiral staircase, an extension to the original, was introduced atop the authentic stone newel post. Constructed from a durable, sustainably sourced, high-performance modified wood, the staircase combines longevity with environmental consciousness.
To reduce the use of framing materials and preserve architectural features, sizable custom-made structural glass panels have been incorporated internally within the existing window openings. The glass aligns with the contours of the windows, positioned slightly inward from the perimeter to promote cross-ventilation throughout the interior. A unique steel fixing stake was custom-developed after extensive prototyping, sampling, and load testing. This stake not only offers robust support but also allows for on-site adjustments to the positions of glazed panels, incorporating a degree of flexibility. In total, around 400 brackets have been strategically installed across the entirety of the King’s Gate.
Heritage – conscious
Due to the castle’s recognition as a World Heritage site and Scheduled Monument, constraints on introducing intrusive elements within accessible areas were stringent. Moreover, archaeological limitations on the site restricted the feasibility of underground solutions. Nevertheless, after thoughtful deliberation with Cadw, air source heat pumps have been effectively installed. Additionally, a layer of insulation now covers each of the new tower roof decks, complemented by the installation of LEDs linked to practical PIRs. Local sourcing was prioritized for materials and products, including stone from nearby quarries whenever possible.
Preserving the allure and historical importance of the castle was paramount, necessitating the creation of functional spaces and the integration of interventions that are both reversible and non-intrusive. In the restoration project, a sustainable approach guided every decision, emphasizing a minimal intervention strategy that respected the historical integrity of the site. The use of old and existing materials played a central role in maintaining authenticity and preserving the castle’s character. New elements were carefully curated to be sympathetic to the original fabric, seamlessly blending modern functionality with the timeless charm of the historical structure. This harmonious integration not only ensures the longevity of the site but also contributes to a balanced coexistence of past and present.
References:
Cadw), (Image: and Crump), (Image: Eryl (2019) First phase of £3.3m masterplan to improve Caernarfon Castle moves closer, North Wales Live. Available at: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/first-phase-33m-masterplan-improve-16714906 (Accessed: 17 December 2023).
Creating a new chapter for World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle (no date) Creating a new chapter for World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle – Designing Buildings. Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Creating_a_new_chapter_for_World_Heritage_Site,_Caernarfon_Castle (Accessed: 17 December 2023).
King’s Gate unveiled: A spectacular revelation of Caernarfon Castle (no date) Anabata. Available at: https://anabata.com/architecture=kings-gate-unveiled-a-spectacular-revelation-of-caernarfon-castle (Accessed: 17 December 2023).
King’s Gate, caernarfon castle (no date) Grosvenor Construction Ltd. Available at: https://www.grosvenorconstruction.co.uk/kings-gate-caernarfon-castle/ (Accessed: 17 December 2023).
Caernarfon – Castle (no date) Ancient and medieval architecture. Available at: https://medievalheritage.eu/en/main-page/heritage/wales/caernarfon-castle/ (Accessed: 21 December 2023).
