Established in 1780, Ebbw Vale steelworks became the largest steel mill in Europe by the 1930s, when steel became a commodity during World War II. Upon the mill’s closure, due to a merger, in 2002, the building was set for demolition, but instead became part of a £350 million regeneration project that allowed the site to keep almost all of its buildings.

While the majority of the buildings were restored to preserve the site’s rich history using interior materials such as hot rolled steel, warm amber colors and oak, extensive research was required for those portions of the buildings, like the exterior doors that were in disrepair, but no photographs were taken at the time to be referenced in their reconstruction. The designers at Stride Treglown were to create innovative solutions while taking cues from the past.

The only new construction was the Gwent Records Office and Genealogy Research and Learning Center, which is an extension of the original structure. Using multi-media technology the visitors’ center teaches people the extensive history of the steel industry. Since Ebbw Vale was a European institution, the history lesson allows visitors to search their genealogy and discover their connections to the area at the Records Office.

The juxtaposition between the classic architecture and the modern extension was created using Alucobond Spectra Grey, Indiana Copper and Corten Steel.

information courtesy of Stride Treglown

Photography by © Booth Muirie / Photosignals @ smugmug.com

DISCLAIMER: The following listed samples are not necessarily what was used in the project above. Instead, we have suggested several similar looking finishes below.