Bluelight
Holyhead Police Station
Holyhead’s rich maritime and industrial history inspired the material palette of this contemporary Police Station.Commissioned by North Wales Police, we were tasked with designing a low carbon contemporary building to meet the specialist requirements of today’s police force. Located on the same secure site in the town centre, the new building will occupy a smaller footprint, creating much-needed parking spaces.
Low Carbon Design
We worked with Crookes Walker Consultants who liaised with multiple stakeholders to draw up a road map for reducing embodied and operational carbon using dynamic IES energy modelling software, and CIBSE TM54 operational energy modelling criteria. Using a fabric-first and passive approach, the building is designed with a high-performance façade, roof, and fenestration which together with air tightness will minimise heating and energy consumption. The selection of recyclable materials will reduce embodied carbon, which will also be offset with renewable energy including a roof mounted PV array, PV shelters in the car park, and air source heat pumps.
Inspired by local character
The scale and proportions of the building and the materials selected have been designed to respond to the town’s history and character. Corten steel-effect cladding, and timber-effect fins, draw influence from the Holyhead Port and surrounding buildings. The cladding creates architectural interest on the contemporary frontage, and the fins are used to break up the elevations, provide solar shading and privacy, and screen the plant equipment installed on the lower-level roof.
Biodiversity and ecology
Wildflower grasses, native planting, hedgerows, and nature boxes will enhance biodiversity and create attractive landscaped areas around the building. Plants and trees have been chosen to thrive in the coastal environment, and three fastigiate Buckthorn Trees will be planted at the front of the building, adding height to the landscape and softening the appearance of the car park. The sustainable urban drainage system (SuDs) will mimic the natural environment, further encouraging a diversity of wildlife.