Oriel Plas Glyn Y Weddw Picks Up a Civic Trust Award for 2024

The Café Extension on the Welsh Coast Grabs a Civic Trust Award.

The oldest art gallery in Wales, Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, has a spectacular new addition in the form of a remarkable new structural glass pavilion created by Mark Wray Architects.

Because the building is close to the coastline, marine grade Invisio structural glazing was chosen because the huge glass elevations would need to endure strong winds. A permeable layer that filters natural light is created by the 89,000 individual stainless steel barnacles that are among the handcrafted metal components of the sculptured architectural envelope. Through the circular apertures of the Invisio structural glazing, which mimic the shape of a shell inspired by the sea, slim-framed sliding glass doors offer a seamless entrance with the most light and views possible.

The recent Civic Trust Awards led Plas Glyn to gaining an award for “demonstrating excellence in architecture, whilst being sustainable, accessible and providing a positive civic contribution”.

A huge well done to the IQ team involved as well as Mark Wray Architects for designing the amazing building!