Hay Castle
Powys, Wales
Civic Trust Awards Citation
Hay Castle, nestled within the serene landscape of Bannau Brycheiniog, was once on the at-risk register, disconnected from the town, boarded up and derelict, having lost its roof and a large part of its internal fittings to two fires.
The medieval castle has undergone a major conservation-led renovation, emerging as a vibrant cultural hub for arts and education. The architects have successfully linked medieval and Jacobean structures with contemporary elements, restoring the old masonry walls and internal timber structures, employing heritage methods and salvaged materials to ensure a sustainable future. The site comprises a medieval castle designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed Jacobean house with other later Victorian outbuildings to the west.
Conservation was of the upmost challenge for the architects, but so too was its accessibility with steep ground up to the town side of the buildings with difficult to navigate steps. Gate House doors have been renovated and opened up establishing connections with the town and sensitive improvements have been made to the listed Town steps and staircases in and around the buildings. The south facing community lawn is now used to its full, benefitting from the cafe and main entrance opening on to it. This space provides for all kind of events and, with deckchairs kindly provided by the Castle, makes a perfect setting for picnicking and resting. Inside the building, step-free access has been significantly improved by the incorporation of a lift, which ties formerly disparate castle houses and medieval tower levels. This, along with attention to restored historic and transition new floor finishes and subtle slopes provides step-free access to over 90% of the building, up from 25% before the works.
The design seamlessly integrates different architectural elements to house a range of functionalities, including a museum standard exhibition gallery, a Clore learning space, a café, shop, and various exhibition and community spaces. The layout and circulation within the building are well-planned, with the Great Hall serving as a central space from which other areas lead off. The surprise elements retained within the building add to the overall visitor experience, providing unexpected spaces and views. The quality of construction and detailing is of a high standard. The restoration of existing building fabric is sensitively executed, and new modern interventions are thoughtfully integrated. Materials such as grey stone brick and black steel plate, along with oak detailing, create a harmonious blend of old and new. The use of brass/copper reveals for doors adds a touch of surprise and elegance.
Sustainability is a key focus, with strategic reuse of existing structural elements and a heritage-led approach to conservation. The passive design approach, including large south-facing windows and solid internal shutters for solar gain control, contributes to the building’s long-term sustainability. The continuous low-level heating strategy ensures a traditional drying process, keeping the building healthy. Hay Castle’s impact extends beyond its architectural significance.
The project has been community-driven, with the Hay Castle Trust playing a pivotal role in its restoration. The involvement of local volunteers, enthusiastic about sharing the castle’s history and stories, adds a personal touch to the visitor experience. The castle has become a cultural and community hub, hosting a diverse range of activities, including exhibitions, events, and literature programs.
Judges’ Comments: “Hay Castle is a beautifully executed conservation-led renovation project which has not only made reconnections with the town but provided a world-class cultural hub for the arts and education.”
Photography Credits & Captions
Context MICA_HayCastle 01_AndyStagg_ south elevation after Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: South Elevation. A welcoming terrace and framing landscaping formalises the renewed castle, improving accessibility to all areas and biodiversity. MICA_HayCastle 02_AndyStagg 050 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Aerial of the transformed castle and gardens: The design rescues and conserves the critically at-risk medieval keep and the Jacobean mansion, a new platform high in the tower offers stunning and historic views out from this ancient monument across the Wye River valley. MICA_HayCastle 03_AndyStagg 001 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Long view of the restored castle, from Clyro across the river Wye MICA_HayCastle 04_BillieCharity .com Credit: Billie Charity Caption: Hay Castle providing a major centre for arts, culture, and education, Hay Pride festival hosted on South Lawn. MICA_HayCastle 05_Stuart Townsend Credit: Stuart Townsend Caption: Steps restored to create new link from town square to Hay Castle gate MICA_HayCastle 06_AndyStagg 020 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: North elevation MICA_HayCastle 07_AndyStagg 053 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: North elevation at dusk MICA_HayCastle 08_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Restored Castle Gateway and steps to renew access and presence in town MICA_HayCastle 09_AndyStagg 055 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: North elevation at dusk Scheme MICA_HayCastle 10_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Reinvigorated eastern mansion house and entrance hall MICA_HayCastle 11_JacobSpence Credit: MICAArchitects Caption: Transformed and reinvigorated Great Hall. A gathering and orienting space with views up, across, and out, with visual connections to principal spaces; the sites history on display. MICA_HayCastle 12_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Elegant clean lines of a new feature stair, animate the re-enclosed East Mansion space beneath, and provide circulation to all levels within the restored castle walls MICA_HayCastle 13_StuartCade Credit: MICAArchitects Caption: New large-scale roof lights are invisible externally, and provide striking top light to the new spaces MICA_HayCastle 14_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Western mansion new contemporary art and exhibition gallery MICA_HayCastle 15_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Flexible event and ancillary spaces to support a major destination and venue. MICA_HayCastle 16_AndyStagg 026 Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Ground floor level cafe operating in main events room MICA_HayCastle 17_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: A breathtaking view over town and the Wye River valley rewards the curious visitor. The viewing platform provides a moment to appreciate this castles historic siting amongst other nearby Roman and medieval remnants, along with an eagles nest 360-degree view higher up a vice. MICA_HayCastle 18_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: A restored gateway. The 12th and 17th century wooden gates that had been closed since 1600, were conserved and, along with a new series of town steps to the market place, now offer a reopened connection between Castle and its town. MICA_HayCastle 19_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: New roof terrace inserted in the tower walls MICA_HayCastle 20_AndyStagg Credit: Andy Stagg Caption: Restored windows, stonework and roof of the south facade
Overall Result
Award
Application Type
CTA
Primary Use Class
F1(c) Museums
Secondary Use Class
F1(a) Provision of education
Credits
Architect
MICA Architects
Architect
MICA Architects
Structural Engineer
engineersHRW
Main Contractor
John Weaver Contractors