King's Gate Caernarfon Castle

Gwynedd, Wales

Civic Trust Awards Citation

The enhancement works of Caernarfon Castle, a Grade I listed, Scheduled Monument, and World Heritage Site, were undertaken by architects in collaboration with Cadw and stakeholders, who sought to make the Kings Gate areas more accessible and create a welcoming space for visitors while respecting the historical significance of the castle.

The King’s Gate marks the formal entrance to Caernarfon Castle, an imposing triple-towered stone structure that dominates the town’s high street. The 2m thick tower walls are largely original 13c and each contain a central void with rambling offshoots carved into the walls leading to discrete alcoves and defensive viewing platforms. The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability using locally sourced materials, such as stone and slate from nearby quarries, and the incorporation of timber from sustainable sources. 

The architects ‘light touch’ conservation approach has ensured that the sensitive interventions could be entirely reversible without detrimentally impacting the castle’s archaeology. The structure has been open to the elements for centuries and previously, visitor access had been restricted to only fully ambulant visitors via the original stone spiral stairs and a small viewing platform at the battlements. The project has enabled the entire upper battlement level to now be accessible to all, providing a vantage point offering incredible views into the Castle courtyard and beyond to the Menai Straits. A glass and steel lift has been installed that allows access for all to the upper levels. The glazed lift brings visitors up through the building skimming past the medieval tower structure and out onto the top deck. The design approach seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the castle’s historical context. Lightweight, contextual forms have been added as bespoke pieces, akin to ‘furniture,’ fitting within the towers of the gatehouse. Accessible WCs and a Changing Places Facility have been provided, accessed from the main courtyard via a ramp. For the first time in its history, the Kings Gate is now accessible to all visitors, allowing exploration and understanding of the castle’s history. 

The architects engaged in extensive stakeholder consultations, utilising virtual reality technology and QR codes to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the proposed design. The result is a transformative project that respects the heritage while introducing modern elements. Through the interpretation of a series of sculptures and artworks that tell the story of The Hands That Built the Castle - celebrating the people that built the castle, they invite visitors to form their own perceptions of the site’s history. The impact on the local community and economy has been profound, enhancing the castle’s role as a place for everyone. By reinstating floors within the towers, visitor facilities and commercial opportunities have been added, providing retail spaces and a café operated by a local business. Redeveloped educational spaces for group learning and community use has seen an increase in school trips with students learning about Welsh history in a hands-on way. 

The Caernarfon Castle project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture and design can breathe new life into historical sites, making them more accessible, engaging, and economically valuable to both visitors and local communities.

Judges’ Comments: “The success of this endeavour lies not only in the enhancement of the castle but also in the positive impact it has had on the surrounding area and its residents.”