Thesis Report - Rhyl

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THESIS DESIGN REPORT

Rhyl

The Eco-Industrial Adventure Park

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Loren Durkin Zara Moon David Parry

M Arch Tutor: Jack Dunne

contents

3 Zara Moon Introduction 5 • Project Chronology

7 • crit pin-ups

8 David Parry Chapter 1: study of place • Rhyl: background

• Rhyl: attributes

9 10 24

David Parry Chapter 2: community involvement • Interview: Vale of Clwyd MP

• Social Survey

• Community Profiles

28 29 32 35

Zara Moon Chapter 3: Concept 37 • The Problem

38 • Our Response

40 • Eco-Industrial Tourism for Rhyl

44 • Project Brief

46 Loren Durkin Chapter 4: Research: Industries • Halophytes

• Oysters

• Manufacturing & Upcycling

• The Three Industrial Processes

48 49 51 53 55

Loren Durkin Chapter 5: Research: Economics • Food

• Biofuel

• Manufacturing

65 66 68 69

Loren Durkin Chapter 6: Research: Case Studies • Vivergo Fuels

• Rural Studio

• Rackheath Eco-Community

70 71 72 73

Zara Moon Chapter 7: Design: Strategies • Creating a Journey

• The Interactive Machine

• Plugging into the Town

74 75 76 77

David Parry Chapter 8: Design: Masterplan • Phased Development

• Masterplan for Rhyl West

• Industrial Tourism for Rhyl

• The sites

78 79 80 81 82

Loren Durkin Chapter 9: Key Design Areas • Industrial Process

• Inhabitable Pier

• Amphibious Park

86 88 95 98

Zara Moon Chapter 10: The Tourist Experience • The Journey

• Arrival Tower

• Plugin Caravans

• Crushing Mill

All Chapter 11: Conclusion

101 102 106 110 114 117

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Acknowledgements Jack Dunne, School of Architecture, University of Liverpool Peter Farrall, School of Architecture, University of Liverpool Mushtaq Saleri, School of Architecture, University of Liverpool Melissa Clinch, Wilkinson Eyre Architects John Thompson, Chris Ruane, Vale of Clwyd MP Raquel Quinta, Bangor University Brain Edmondson, Structural Engineer, University of Liverpool Robert Humphreys, Denbighshire County Council Antoni Vitti, Rhyl Tourist Information Centre Vivergo Fuels, Bio-refinery

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introduction

T

he aim of this thesis is

The Welsh Assembly had highlighted

to develop a proposal to

five towns in North Wales in need of

regenerate coastal towns

regeneration; Colwyn Bay, Pensarn,

that have suffered a severe

Towyn, Rhyl and Prestatyn. We

decline in their once prosperous tourist

selected Rhyl as our study of place,

industry.

a once popular seaside town that has dramatically declined and recently been

Our original agenda when deciding

declared the most deprived town in

a thesis topic was to establish a real,

Wales.

current, socially orientated subject

Our proposal proposes Rhyl as a

matter, located in the UK. Firstly we

prototype which could be applied to over

selected a geographical area that was

fifty other seaside towns which suffer

targeted for regeneration and that had

similar problems. The scheme involves

high deprivation levels and unusually

re-branding of the seaside town with

high statistics for issues such as

eco-industrial tourism thereby creating

unemployment, benefits, poor health and

new British sustainable green industries.

education.

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The ultimate objective is to provide employment, redefine what constitutes the ‘British’ seaside holiday, and generate innovative tourist attractions to bring back the holiday maker.

More specifically, the proposal achieves this by: 1. Creating an industrial adventure park incorporating three new industries; food production, bio-fuel production and prefab manufacturing.

2. Making Rhyl a centre of excellence for sustainability and sustainable living.

3. Providing employment to the local area and the rest of North Wales.

4. Raising awareness of up-cycling, bio-fuel production, oyster farming and halophyte growing and personal carbon allowances.

5. Providing on-site research pods for each of the new industrial technologies, connecting with educational establishments in the region.

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Project Chronology 01/02/2013 04/02/3013 06/02/2013 22/02/2013 22/02/2013 27/02/2013 23/03/2013 17/04/2013 02/05/2013 02/05/2013 04/05/2013 15/05/2013 05/06/2013

Sending of questionnaires to Rhyl residents Site visit 1 Crit 1 - Context & Brief Site visit 2 Meeting with Chris Ruane - Clwyd MP Crit 2 - Concept Site visit 3 Crit 3 - Planning Structural Tutorial - Brian Edmondson Environmental Tutorial - Steve Sharples Site visit 4 Crit 4 - Final Design Final thesis pin-up

Email Conversations: Name: Antoni Vitti Position: Tourist Information Date: 31 January 2013 Subject: Tourism Data Name: Chris Ruane Position: Vale of Clwyd MP Date: 12 February 2013 Subject: Interview Name: Robert Humphreys Position: Council Engineer Date: 13th February 2013 Subject: Marine/Harbour structure Name: Nova Mieszkowska Position: MBA Research Fellow Marine Biodiversity & Climate Change Date: 20th February 2013 Subject: Halophytes Name: Martin Skov Position: Lecturer, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University Date: 21st February 2013 Subject: Halophytes Name: Raquel Quinta Position: PHD Student Date: 04th March 2013 Subject: Halophytes

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Crit Pin-ups crit 1: Context & Brief

crit 2: Concept

crit 3: Planning

crit 4: Final Design

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CHAPTER 1: STUDY OF PLACE

RHYL

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Background Location

R

hyl is a Victorian seaside town located in the North Wales county of Denbighshire. It can be accessed by the A55 dual carriageway from Chester to Holyhead, the railway and the Sustrans route 5 cycle path. The A55, railway and cycle route all run parallel to

the coast and connect the North Wales towns together from Chester to Holyhead.

Rhyl has been highlighted by the Welsh Assembly as one of 5 towns to be included in the North Wales Coast Regeneration scheme. Other towns include Colwyn Bay, Pensarn, Towyn and Prestatyn, all within an 11 mile coastal stretch.

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Demographics

R

hyl’s population is approximately 25,000. The area of focus is Rhyl West, which has a population of

4500, with 2060 households. This area is the most deprived area of Rhyl with highest unemployment figures, high levels of houses of multiple occupancy and benefit claimants.

Rhyl West is the combination of two of the nine wards; Foryd and Bodfor. The 2008 and 2011 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation names Rhyl West as the most deprived area in Wales which was also echoed by the Daily Post’s report in 2011, highlighting that an extreme 68% of people in the area are unemployed compared with the national average of 7.7%. With 61% of Rhyl West’s residents being of working age, this means that over 1800 people are without work and almost 2000 people (72%) are claiming some form of benefit.

Rhyl West has very poor school attainment levels with 45% of working age residents possessing no academic qualifications compared to the Welsh average of 33%.

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Rhyl History

R

railway

hyl in the early nineteenth century was a

From the 1840’s Britains railway system was

small village with a population of about

built to transport industrial raw materials and

300. By the end of the mid 1830’s it had become

goods.

a fashionable watering place and many titled

The Chester and Holyhead Railway was

people took rooms for months at a time. Rhyl

opened in 1848 and was built to improve

may boast modern facilities and attractions but

communications between London and Dublin.

at heart it is a very traditional seaside resort and

Improving the development of North Wales’

has been welcoming visitors for over 150 years.

coastal resorts, through this Rhyl became a

As you walk along the promenade, it’s easy to

popular holiday destination.

imagine Victorian tourists in their top hats or crinoline enjoying the same air. These simple pleasures are what many families are now rediscovering.

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lodging houses

the pier

By 1852 Rhyl had over 200 lodging houses and

Opened on 19th August 1867, the 2355 foot

many delighted visitors.

long Rhyl pier cost ÂŁ23,000 Admissions were

“This is a healthy [and] is justly ranked as the best

3d (1 1/4p)

bathing place in the principality. It has grown in

Entertainments included the Bijou Theatre,

the last few years from a small village to a large

bands,

and respectable town. The salubrity of the air,

machines, diving competitions and steamer

the beauty of the scenery, the contiguity of the

rides. The pier had numerous accidents in 1883

town to the sea, and the extent and firmness

the Schooner Lady Stuart rammed it.

of the sands, render it a place of considerable

In 1909 storms caused part of the pier to

attraction, and it is accordingly patronised by

collapse and in 1913 the Bojou Theatre was

visitors from all parts of the kingdom.�

destroyed by fire and following damage in the

dance

and

pierrot

troupes,

world war I it remained closed until 1930.

slot

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Rhyl History submarine

The Beach

Resurgam is the world oldest surviving powered

Rhyl has had many cinemas. the first regular

submarine. Invented by Reverend George W.

cinema called “Cheetham’s Silvograph” opened

Garrett in 1879.

in 1906. In 1911 Kirk’s “Picturedrome” opened

In 1880, whilst sailing from Birkenhead to

in May 1920 the cinema Royal opened.

Portsmouth for trials it sank about 5 miles from

In the early twentieth century, the beach had a

Rhyl and remained undiscovered until 1995.

range of other attractions including a bike track,

hovercraft In July 1962 the worlds first hovercraft “flight” was made between Rhyl and Wallasey, carrying passengers and mail for the Post Office.

Running of this service ceased in September 1962 due to “technical difficulties” and stormy weather.

rollar skating rink and a mechanical elephant which took children for rides from the clock tower to the Gaiety Theatre for 6d (2 1/2p).

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swimming

fairground

Rhyl’s original Pavilion Theatre, located on the

During the first season there were 223,000

west promenade, opened in 1908. In the 1970’s

visitors and special evening rail trips ran from

the theatre fell into disrepair and was declared

Chester.

unsafe. It was soon demolished. In 1991 a new

Ocean Beach amusement park began operation

theatre, of the same name, was built on the

in 1954. Since the 1960’s the fair ground

east promenade attached to the Sun Centre, a

declined in popularity with little investment into

family swimming centre.

new rides or attractions. It closed in 2007 with

An open air swimming pool was opened on 5

proposals for a retail and leisure complex on

June 1930. Holding 775,000 gallons of water

the site collapsing.

and accommodating seating for around 2,500 spectators.

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Existing Tourism

R

hyl’s key tourist attractions have traditionally been situated along the promenade and coast road. Even

today, with the few that survive , this still remains the case. The Sun Centre is currently Rhyl’s most popular indoor fun attraction, featuring a number of ‘wave-propelled’ swimming pools and adventure slides. Alongside the Sun Centre is a bowling green, a Sea Life Centre and the Children’s Village, which is a raised amusement park for children. The Children’s Village is a controversial attraction amongst the local residents due to the development cost, obstructing a direct link to the beach, and because it is greatly under utilised.

Other

smaller

attractions

are

common

features that survive within most declining seaside towns, such as bingo halls and amusement arcades. These attractions are largely seasonal, helping to attract around three million visitors to the Denbighshire resort each Summer. It is evident that Rhyl has no clear niche attractions that will help it to draw the tourists numbers it once enjoyed in it’s heyday.

Rhyl’s current tourism relies on the still popular caravan parks. There are five major sites situated in the area. These parks are typically ‘introverted’, with all major facilities and amenities located on site.

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Zones & Land Use

C

urrently, Rhyl is zoned by seaside attractions along the Coast road; hotels at the West end of the coast, local businesses along Wellington road, with commercial retail between the coast road and the railway station.

The area North of the railway line is the old Victorian part of Rhyl, which is now predominantly high density houses of multiple occupancies (HMO’s). The area South of the railway is largely suburban residential housing. There is one remaining street dedicated to tourism named River Street.

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BUSINESS & MIXED USE

RETAIL Last remaining Tourist street

eDUCATION

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Urban Grain

T

he

existing

urban

grain

follows the key spines with a number of intermediate

routes. A secondary grain following a diagonal route links the Coast road to Wellington road ending at the Children’s village node. The harbour wall follows a similar diagonal which we aim to develop the two urban grains into a grid pattern.

Key Routes There are four spinal routes within Rhyl. Three run parallel to the Coast: Coast Road, Wellington Road and the railway line. The fourth is perpendicular to the coastline, linking to the A55. The A55 provides a high speed link to all the North Wales coastal towns.

The existing key nodes are the bus and railway station intersection, the point of intersection between the High street and the Coast Road, the location of the existing Children’s Village, the recycling centre and the site of the previous amusement park.

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Current Problems

R

hyl was once a thriving seaside holiday destination known for its sea-salt bathing and extensive beach. In March 2013, The

Marine Conservation Society downgraded Rhyl’s beach, saying it failed to meet ‘mandatory bathing water standards’, with only four other beaches in Wales failing to do so. We propose to re-connect the town to the waterfront and promote the beach as the recreational asset it once was.

The Foryd harbour is a greatly under utilised asset of the town, with only a small amount of fishing trips to sustain the industry. In its prime, Rhyl was the epicentre for trawlers and larger fishing vessels. We propose to expand on the existing fishing industry and develop a more substantial marine harbour.

Rhyl has seen its promenade go through decades of over-development, which has resulted in many vacant spaces, such as the events arena. A series of overpriced and under used projects also litter the promenade, disconnecting the town from the beach, most notably the Sun Centre and the Children’s Village, which have short terms plans to be demolished.

Due to the declining tourist industry, retail companies and businesses are choosing to move away from the area, such as Marks and Spencer’s, who have been present on Rhyl high street for over 100 years. This also means more and more buildings and sites are becoming derelict and dormant, such as the site of the previous Ocean Beach amusement park, where plans for redevelopment have stalled since 2007, leaving an abandoned construction site.

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Attributes Geography

R

hyl is a classic‘180–degree’ town.

Bounded by the sea, the River Clwyd, neighbouring towns of Prestatyn and

Kinmel Bay, and the wetland located South of the railway. Therefore there is little scope for expansion.

Rhyl was once known for its seaside town characteristics of clean beaches, saltwater bathing, sea breezes and it’s marine harbour. The attributes Rhyl still has to offer are the saltwater from the sea, the estuary of the River Clwyd, mudflats, sites of special scientific interest, a large tidal range, the inland marine lake, brickfield pond, nature reserve, the harbour training wall which divides the beach from the harbour and the marine harbour.

Rhyl has the largest build-up of driftwood in Wales, which gathers at the estuary of the River Clwyd. At present it is collected and burnt by the local council.

By analysing the nautical chart, the difference between low and high tide is 8m, creating a large beach area at low tide. There are three key vertical reference points visible from the Irish Sea: the Sky Tower, the Town Hall and St Thomas’ Church spire.

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Local Points of Interest

T

here are two off-shore wind

farms located in the Irish Sea, North from the Rhyl coast. The

Rhyl Flats is located three miles from Rhyl, the North Hoyle Wind Farm is located 4.5miles away and the Douglas Complex oil rig is located 15 miles away.

Rhuddlan Castle is located a short walk down the River Clwyd in the neighbouring village of Rhuddlan. Rhyl College is located close to Brickfield Pond and is a relatively new development to encourage students to stay in Rhyl to further their education.

Rhyl still has five caravan parks in and around the town which are still very successful, however their tourism is ‘introverted’, with little or no interaction with the town.

Press Coverage

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R

hyl,

in

recent

years,

has been at the centre of

negative

press,

in

particular relation to unemployment and deprivation levels.

In particular relation to our research area, a lot of press was focussed around the need to clear up the ‘eye-sore’ created by the former amusement park site, located next to the harbour, after redevelopment plans had stalled in 2007.

Other news highlights Britain’s dying seaside resorts, and the effect that depriving sea levels can have on a town.

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CHAPTER 2: STUDY OF PLACE Community Involvement

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Interview: MP Chris Ruane

W

e contacted the Vale of Clywd MP, Chris Ruane, to gain a firsthand insight to the problems Rhyl

faces and how he envisaged potential future developments for Rhyl. The interview took place in Rhyl on 22nd February 2013 at his Labour office, and lasted over an hour. These are summary points from our discussion:

Rhyl’s Problems:

Rhyl’s Attributes:

‘Rhyl West once had over 900 guest houses

‘Some of Rhyl and Denbighshire’s proudest

and hotels run by families. Now there are only

features include the Irish sea, water, beaches,

about 50 left, as the others have been bought at

harbour, cathedrals, two castles, the River

auction by landlords with no connection to the

Clwyd, the mudflats which is an SSSI (Site

area and turned into HMO’s. The landlords have

of Special Science Interest), areas of natural

then allowed people claiming housing benefit to

outstanding beauty, The Brickfield pond and a

move in, which has had a huge knock on effect

nature reserve in the sand dunes. Rhyl, and in

to the social value of the area, and explains the

particular The River Clwyd, has one of the largest

high figures of unemployment.

collections of driftwood, which is collected and

I believe that the density of the area is too high,

burnt by the council.

so the number of HMO’s need to be dramatically

Rhyl has a brand new road cycling circuit along

decreased in order to bring balance and stability

with an Olympic sized BMX track, which is

to West Rhyl.’

currently under used and mostly unknown. The road cycling network is also growing.’

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Rhyl’s Future: ‘There is a need for a stable community, particularly in the west end area. Therefore I would suggest there needs to be a decrease in the density and for the streets to be zoned based on their strengths. There also needs to be a fine balance of housing tenures, e.g. Rental, council, private etc. This would bring in the right balance of people.

Rhyl needs to redefine the tourist industry, but also add and build upon other industries, not just one. At the moment tourism is limited to day-trippers whose spend is limited. We need to make them stay overnight.

With a Bangor University satellite already located on the St Asaph business park, there is scope for a similar scheme located within Rhyl West. Perhaps with the harbour, teaching youngsters fishing or boat building skills. Fish could be localised to the town, as most of the fish is currently sold outside of Rhyl. There needs to be greater celebration of the selling of fish within Rhyl.

All of the raw materials, such as the driftwood, could be used to create artistic community projects for both children and adults, bringing a sense of pride back to the community. Rhyl already has a specialist recycling centre, so something could be done to connect with it.

If there were more incentives and better thought out plans, then the cycling track will be in higher demand and could be used for international events, with Rhyl itself becoming a more cycling friendly place.’

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Community Social Survey is rhyl in decline?

A

s our original agenda was to

address

current

social

based issues, we contacted

members of the local community, in particular, people local to the Rhyl West area.

Part of our strategy was to obtain primary

job opportunities

data to understand local opinions about what was needed to regenerate Rhyl.

We conducted an online questionnaire that we distributed to local residents and businesses . The majority of participants were contacted through social networking websites, in particular a group called “We Love Old Rhyl� on Facebook.

In total we had 64 responses to our

residential status

online questionnaire which included both multiple choice and comment questions, the following is a summary of the answers given on the multiple choice questions.

This data can be used to highlight the positives of the past, future potential developments and to ensure the past problems associated with the recent

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education opportunities

most popular years

existing industries

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Community Character Profiles

T

he following are responses from members of the community on the social network site ‘We Love Old Rhyl’ on Facebook.

vicky

roberts, 24

Nicola Johnson, 42

Benjamin Mitchell, 19

36

helen nelson, 56

Jessica Campbell, 38

derek king, 46

david blakely, 50

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CHAPTER 3:

Concept

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The problem The Future without Change

R

hyl was once a vibrant seaside

more people to live in the town that do not

holiday

and

want to find work and detracting investors.

prospered during the 1950’s

With the declining working population of

-60s’. However, tourism declined due to

Rhyl, we predict that shops and buildings

the rise of inexpensive air travel to more

will become dormant, people dependent

exotic locations.

on benefits will turn to crime and eventually

This resulted in many of the hotels and

rebel against the system that no longer

lodging houses changing into HMO’s

supports them.

destination

(houses of multiple occupancy) for people who are unemployed and dependant on

With the collapse of the micro-economy,

benefits. This significantly reduced the

and with no anchor attractions, there will

desirability of living or visiting Rhyl and

be no reason for tourists to visit, and the

decreased the value of property, attracting

town will fall further into disrepair.

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The Issues

•

There are 52 principal seaside towns suffering from similar problems.

•

Above national average unemployment figures.

•

Most deprived town in Wales.

•

Future increase in flights abroad will bring back the ‘stay-cation’. Vacations in the UK.

•

No anchor attractions.

•

Saltwater failed to meet clean water standards.

•

Under exploited fishing industry.

•

The building density is too high encouraging single person dwellings.

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Our Response: An Eco-industrial Future

Our aims from the key issues are:

1. Create Industries to provide employment 2. Re-define the British Seaside 3. Generate tourist attractions

1.

CREATE INDUSTRIES TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT

We propose that to revive Rhyl, multiple developments need to occur. The catalyst development will be a new green industry, localised to Rhyl which could change people’s mind sets and inspire them to take pride in their town and provide substantial employment.

We propose to re-brand the Seaside with food growth and industry. We propose three types of industry for Rhyl: Food Production, Biofuel Production and manufacturing.

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Grow City: In response to the town’s natural resources of saltwater, mudflats and the estuary, we propose to produce salt crops and oysters.

Power City: Relating to the existing power generation of wind farms, tidal power and oil extraction close to Rhyl, we propose the salt crop be processed to create biofuel.

Prefab City: Reflecting the still popular caravan holiday parks in the surrounding area, and responding to the future housing demand, and return of tourism to the town, Rhyl will be a manufacturing hub for producing eco-prefab living and holiday homes – creating a new take on the caravan.

Upcycle City: Building on the existing ethos of upcycling stated by the local MP and the current recycling centre, we propose that upcycling will be a key feature within Rhyl and the local manufacturing industry. The driftwood collected along the estuary will be utilised in the building of the amphibious parks and oyster nurseries.

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2. RE-DEFINE THE BRITISH SEASIDE The five neighbouring towns are part of a larger government regeneration strategy. We propose that our scheme is a prototype for further struggling seaside towns and by re-branding with food growth and manufacturing; the future expansion could extend to include more seaside towns and neighbouring estuaries, with Rhyl at the epicentre.

We propose to create an eco-industrial adventure park by relating to Rhyl’s past heritage as a kitsch seaside town and amusement park past by integrating playful and interactive elements into the tourist experience. These interactions will require zero power, and are self-generating by gravity and movement from the operator linking with Rhyl’s new image as a centre for sustainable excellence.

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Green Credits As Rhyl develops into the sustainable centre of the UK, we envisage peoples’ personal carbon allowance being the dominant form of currency within the town. We predict that as individuals’ carbon allowances become a monitored everyday asset, Rhyl can be a showcase for how to live sustainably, as well as improving Rhyl’s mirco-economy.

Green credits can be earned by sustainable living, walking, cycling, recycling waste, restoring old products by upcycling, hiring bikes, using sustainable transport, leaving cars on the outskirts of the town, or producing power sustainably.

Credits can be traded by purchasing goods within Rhyl, buying biofuel, or traded to people who need a larger personal carbon allowance.

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Eco-industrial tourism for rhyl

3. GENERATE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS People go on holiday for the following reasons: to relax, spend time with their family, spend time outdoors, cultural exploration or nostalgia. We propose to re-introduce these aspects by exploiting Rhyl’s existing attributes of the beech, saltwater, areas of natural outstanding beauty, sites of special scientific interest, the inland marine lake, nature reserves, the harbour wall and the marine harbour.

What is Eco-Industrial Tourism?

Eco-industrial Tourism

involves

on-

Industrial tourism can give an area a

site, operational industries relating to

distinct identity based on its existing

sustainability, which allow visitors to

assets and infrastructure, with potential

view, interact and gain an understanding

to strengthen the area’s economic

of the products and processes involved

structure and enhancing employment

giving an area an industrial foundation to

opportunities for both the industries and

build upon.

the other surrounding businesses.

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Attractions for tourists visiting Rhyl will include: • Industrial journeys through the food, biofuel and manufacturing processes.

• Amphibious parks.

• Wind Farm sightseeing.

• Re-commissioning the future de-commissioned oil rig as a tourist destination.

• Staying the night in an eco-prefab caravan on the inhabitable modern pier.

• Underwater exploration.

• Visiting historic marine wreckages.

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Project Brief Project Statement

T

he project is to be designed as a flagship scheme to re-define the British seaside town as an eco-industrial tourist destination.

The scheme includes introducing three green industries to the coastal town of Rhyl along with a sustainable masterplan strategy to create a unique tourist experience. Features from the scheme can be expanded along the coastline to regenerate other seaside towns within a larger masterplan strategy with Rhyl as the industrial centre.

Project Aims

• The Regeneration of Rhyl through architecture creating an eco-industrial adventure park by creating a tourist experience, re-connecting to the water and processing on-site industries • For Rhyl to become the centre of excellence for sustainability and a beacon for sustainable living.

• Creating new British industries.

• To provide substantial employment to the local area and the rest of Wales.

• To raise awareness of sustainable living, personal carbon allowances, upcycling, biofuel production, oyster farming and halophyte growing.

• On-site research units for each new industrial technology in connection with Bangor University.

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•

Architecture

To create an interactive journey

experience through a series of routes, vistas and building engagements.

•

Playful and interactive elements

will be integrated into the visitor journey.

They will be part of the building design and relate to each industrial process. These interactions will require zero power, and are self-generating by gravity and movement from the operator.

•

To process food production, biofuel

production

and

manufacturing

using

reclaimed materials.

•

To provide holiday accommodation

in the form of modern eco-prefab caravans for tourists.

•

To build upon the existing harbour

wall by creating a modern inhabitable pier which the density can be increased or decreased based on demand.

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CHAPTER 4: Research

Industries

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Halophytes What is a Halophyte?

A

halophyte is a plant that grows in areas of high salinity, particularly within estuaries, sand or dampened soil areas. These types of plants have an extremely high survival rate, being able to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as frost or desert like

temperatures. There are around 16 different types of halophytes, with 11 out of the 13 minerals needed for their growth present in seawater. These plants provide coastal protection and provide the delivery of nutrients to coastal waters, they can be eaten and the oil from their seeds can be used for cooking oil or used to create biofuel. Halophytes are currently sold as food in stores such as Tesco and Waitrose and are currently imported from Israel.

Halophytes Grown in the UK

Ten miles from Rhyl is the river Dee estuary, where there are 5 different types of halophytes currently growing, these are known as salt marsh, sea purslane, red fescue, festuca rubra and sea couch. These plants play a crucial role in the aquatic food web and provide the delivery of nutrients to coastal waters.

These particular salt marshes are important for the life cycle of fish such as, sea bass, Atlantic herring, European plaice and Dover sole.

Why have we chosen to develop this industry?

There is an opportunity to expand on salt-tolerant crop growth due to 20% of the worlds irrigated lands being affected by salinity and halophytes represent only 2% of the plant species. They could create an industry producing locally sourced food and biofuel. Providing a healthier way of living and a greener environment.

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What is Salicornia?

Salicornia is a particular type of halophyte that we propose to grow within Rhyl, also known as glasswort, pickleweed or marsh samphire.

Salicornia grows approximately 100 plants per m2, 1000 seeds per m2 and is harvested every 3 weeks. Salicornia is cropped from around 7cm above soil level, when the plants have grown to approximately 15cm in total length.

What is Salicornia used for?

These plants can be eaten raw or cooked, they are cooked by being boiled for 30-90 seconds and then left to cool in cold water. They taste like seaweed with a salty taste and look familiar to asparagus but are much smaller in size.

People often eat salicornia with stir-fry dishes and to accompany fish. Salicornia plants contain 33% oil and 79% linoliec acid and the seed contains 30% oil and 35% protein.

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Oysters An Introduction

O

ysters are usually found in large numbers living within estuaries, shallow water, fine muddy sand, and along the sea bed, growing from each other’s shells or attached to plant roots. Nearly 250 different animals and plants have been found living within

oyster beds, such as crabs, worms, sea snails, sponges, sea urchins and seaweed.

Oysters are extremely economically viable costing around £2.50 on average, large oysters are worth around £3.50 with smaller ones costing £1.25. Oysters are currently in decline due to over fishing. We propose a system which starts the growth of these shellfish in nurseries known as a “flupsy” keeping the oysters contained, and protecting them from the danger of other sea creatures and fishermen until they are ready for trade.

Oyster Life Cycle?

The growth starts from larvae which then grows into an egg, from the egg this then develops into a baby oyster. From the start of the production it takes approximately 1 year before the oysters can be harvested and 2-3years for the oyster to fully grow. A female oyster produces 100million eggs per year which can be harvested during the season, from September to April.

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Why have we chosen to develop an industry for oysters?

Rhyl was once known for its sea salt bathing and clean waters, however the water quality standards in Rhyl have dropped in recent years. Therefore, oysters will be introduced to aid water cleansing and acting act as a filtration system.

The discarded oyster shells will be recollected after consumption from businesses trading within Rhyl. They will be used to help restore future oyster beds and encourage further oyster growth.

As a future scenario oysters will be moved from the nurseries and spread across the estuary and sea bed, this will happen when they have reached 6mm in length in order for them to survive and grow unaided.

53

manufacturing & Upcycling An Introduction

P

refabrication has been around for hundreds of years, concrete and steel are the most commonly used forms of prefabrication. In the UK, this method was widely used post World War II, with the construction of prefabricated houses replacing those destroyed

during bombing.

•

Reduction in scaffolding and formwork

•

Reduction in construction time

•

Minimises on-site congestion

•

Easier for Quality Control within the factory

•

Minimises time spent in bad weather

•

Less waste

•

Buildings can be dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere

•

Modular homes can be built 60% faster and more eco friendly than traditional methods

Why have we chosen to construct prefab homes as an additional industry?

Due to the increase in demand on the future housing stock, the Welsh assembly have predicted that 14,000 houses per year will be needed in Wales, based on this 100 houses per year will be needed in Rhyl. We propose to expand on the still successful caravan parks by incorporating a modern eco-friendly take on a caravan park by constructing passive homes and holiday homes that will be designed with efficient and compact spaces to live and work within. These houses will be built from reclaimed and recycled materials. Materials and products can be upcycled on site and sold within Rhyl’s market. In response to the housing demand in Wales,.We propose to provide new housing to meet the annual demand for Rhyl, and future expansion will begin to meet the demand for Wales. Holiday homes will be flexible and mobile to respond to seasonal demand. They will be transported via the railway and an internal tram system within Rhyl.

54

55

the 3 industrial processes

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

the 3 industrial processes 1. Food Production

F

ood growth starts within the River

Clwyd estuary and later expands onto

the coast, as a future scenario the industry will expand along its four neighbouring coastal towns, Colwyn bay, Pensarn, Towyn and Prestatyn.

Oysters and Halophytes are collected from two growing areas; the estuary and coast.

The food is then transported to the dropoff area, which is located between the two growing areas and is the main arrival point for the three industrial processes. The food is then stored before the sorting process.

The halophytes are transported from storage to the sorting area where they are cleaned, the seeds removed from the plants and the plants then packaged and distributed. The seeds are then moved to a separate area for the biofuel production to commence.

Oysters are also be collected from storage and transported to the sorting area, where they are cleaned, packaged and then distributed to local restaurants, fish markets and businesses.

63

the 3 industrial 2. Biofuel Production processes

B

iofuel is produced using oil that is extracted from the salicornia seeds, firstly the seeds are removed from the plant.

The seeds are then crushed which extracts the vegetable oil from the seeds, which is then put through a series of oil driers and centrifuges where dirt and water is removed from the oil.

The oil is then preheated, before it reaches its first chemical process, during which Methanol and sulphuric acid are added to the liquid. This starts the esterification process.

The mixture of oil and biodiesel is then dried and naturalised before the mixture reaches its second chemical process stage where Methanol and sodium hydroxide are dissolved in the alcohol and added to the oil. The temperature is raised to 65 degrees through a 3-bar pressure process to stop any loss of methanol, this is known as the transerification process.

After the correct temperature has been reached, the processor automatically maintains this temperature during the chemical reaction.

The mixture of biodiesel and glycerol is then purged from the processor, the separation of glycerol and diesel then takes place using setting tanks and centrifuges and glycerine is removed from the diesel and transferred to a washing station. Biodiesel is then passed through a centrifuge to remove all contaminants. The methanol recovery unit completes the extraction of the methanol and glycerine from the biodiesel, Glycerol must then be neutralized and can then be sold separately as a feedstock. The biodiesel is then filtered and polished producing a 100% biodiesel product known as EN14214.

64

the 3 industrial 3. Manufacturing & processes Upcycling

T

he manufacturing process begins at the drop-off area where the collection of

raw, recycled or reclaimed materials will be unloaded and stored., The materials then move to the sorting area where the materials are treated and prepared. Design studios followed

by CNC workshops allow the materials to be upcycled, or manufactured into various building components.

The first set of workshops will manufacture the framework, panels and cladding, the second workshops manufacture the windows and doors and the final workshops will manufacture interior fittings.

The process is then taken to the final stages where these elements will be assembled ready for dispatch by rail or vehicle.

65

CHAPTER 5: research

economics

66

Food Production 1. Halophytes 100 Salicornia plants can be grown per m2 Within Rhyl and the 5 neighbouring coastal towns, this amounts to 600,000m2 area allowing for 60million plants to be grown. Salicornia plants are harvested 15 times per year which amounts to 900million plants to be harvest in total.

This produces 500 jobs collecting 60 million plants every 3 weeks.

67

2. Oysters Approximately 300 oysters are grown per m2, within the

developed

45,000,000

industry

oysters

are

grown per 150,000m2 area.

This growing industry is situated on the amphibouis park, estaury and along the cut.This produces 200 jobs per season.

68

Biofuel Production Halophytes

S

alicornia plants will be grown within 60,000m2

area, this will produce 15,000 gal of biofuel, including the 15 harvets this will amount to 225,000 gal of biofuel produced per year.

69

manufacturing Permanent & Holiday Homes

I

n order for Rhyl to survive the housing crisis 100 new

homes will be needed in Rhyl per year, this is based on the figures released by the welsh assembly whom have predicted

14,000

houses

will be needed in Wales per year. Based on this demand around 50 skilled employees will be needed along with 20 apprentices.

70

CHAPTER 6: research

Case Studies

71

Vivergo Fuels Bioethanol Plant Case Study 1: Company: Vivergo Fuels Location: Saltend, Hull

Location The location is within the heart of the UK’s wheat growing belt, which is one of the highest yielding in the world. The wheat will be sourced from local farmers in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area.

Production The plant uses 1.1 million tonnes of feed wheat on an annual basis, which produces 420 million litres of bioethanol. The bioethanol plant produces Green House Gas (GHG) savings in excess of 50% over standard petrol, the equivalent of removing over 180,000 cars from the road.

The process at the plant converts 1.1 million tonnes of feed wheat into bioethanol and 500,000 tonnes of protein rich animal feed, in essence giving half the volume back to UK farmers in a more efficient and useable form.

The animal feed will provide the protein requirement for 340,000 dairy cows each day, representing almost 20% of the UK dairy herd.

Process

The ÂŁ350m plant converts the feed wheat with no waste into bioethanol and animal feed. The starch in the feed wheat is used to produce 420 million litres of bioethanol each year. This is blended with conventional petrol to make a greener, more sustainable transport fuel. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted when the biofuel is burnt in a vehicle and is offset by the CO2 absorbed during the growing of the wheat crop.

72

Rural Studio Architecture by Upcycling Case Study 2

Company: Auburn University, Architecture Studio Location: Newbern, Hale County, America

What is Rural Studio?

Rural Studio is a design-build architecture studio,

which is run by Auburn University, The school aims to teach students about the social responsibilities of the profession of architecture whilst also providing safe, well constructed and inspirational homes and buildings for poor communities in rural west Alabama.

Projects

Each year the program builds around five projects, a house by second year students, three thesis projects by groups in fifth year and one or more outreach studio projects. Rural studio has built more than 80 houses and civic projects in total.

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Rackheath Eco Community Case Study 3: Location: Norwich, Norfolk

The Site

Rackheath is less than five miles from Norwich city centre and has a range of attributes which combine to make it an ideal location for the Eco-Community.

Rackheath is perfectly located and falls within local authority plans for the future growth of the Norwich area and is easily linked to the city and thereon to the rest of the country.

Community Structure

To help Rackheath function as a sustainable community, residents will be expected to actively embrace the principles of a low carbon lifestyle and be aware of their personal carbon footprint.

Eco-friendly living will be achieved by offering easily accessible, user-friendly alternatives to traditional non-sustaining means of key elements, such as energy, travel and food.

A vision for the future • Every resident will be within 300 metres of a bus stop i.e. walking distance • Cycle ways and footways, segregated from traffic, running directly to employment and shopping areas • A hub built close to the rail station, providing a convenient interchange between rail, bus, cycle ways and footways • Competitive pricing, ensuring public transport is an attractive alternative to private car use • Car club membership for all Rackheath residents, including existing homes, encouraging efficient car share schemes.

74

CHAPTER 7: design

strategies

75

W

Creating a Journey e envisage the tourist experience

to

be

a

journey which follows a

specific route of designed educational interventions and experiences that relate to the green industries on-site. The route is an eco-architectural version of a tourist adventure park.

The route follows a grid which has been derived from the existing urban grain.

The grid relates to Rhyl’s three spinal routes, parallel to the Coast road axis and perpendicular to the High Street axis.

The diagonal 45 degree grid line relates to the existing historical diagonal route which links the Coast road to Wellington road and the existing line of the harbour wall which flows at a diagonal to the Coast Road.

The 45 degree angle also relates to Rhyl’s art deco heritage from an era when Rhyl as most prosperous as a kitsch seaside town, of which some of the art deco buildings are still evident in the town centre.

76

W

The interactive machine e aim to re-define the ‘factoryimage’ into an educational, interactive

series

of

processes. The architecture will have an industrial, high-tech aesthetic to expose the mechanics and workings of each process creating a theatrical performance of moving elements therefore producing factory-machine-type architecture.

77

W

plugging in to the town e envisage that all of our areas of focus are not stand-alone schemes, but all relate to

each other following the same architectural language and overall masterplan strategy.

We plan to relate Rhyl’s existing attributes, urban grain and architectural heritage by plugging elements back into the town.

Potentially by applying a similar approach to vacant or sites in need of redevelopment.

78

CHAPTER 8: design

masterplan

79

phased development 2013 to 2050

T •

he initial strategy for Rhyl takes in a phased development from 2013-2050. During the course of the 37 year development, 7 key stages will be achieved, they are:

Stage 1 - 2013 - Develop the Strategy

This includes the masterplan linking in key routes and establishing which buildings to keep, demolish or expand upon. Also creating a green corridor by reducing the density in specific areas.

•

Stage 2 - 2018 - Commence Food Growth

This is the start of the halophytes and oyster farming process, but also includes the collection of materials, such as driftwood and recycled materials.

•

Stage 3 - 2023 - Commence industries

Halophytes and oysters can be harvested after one year, therefore our proposed food market can commence. The collection of the seeds from the halophytes will allow the biofuel production to start on site.

•

Stage 4 - 2028 - Provide New Housing

We will retrofit the key street with our new prefabricated housing. Providing permanent homes and temporary holiday accommodation.

•

Stage 5 - 2035 - Commence Eco-Tourism

Tourists will be able to take a journey through the proposed three processes and the amphibious parks, including underwater explorations.

•

Stage 6 - 2040 - Expansion onto the Sea

A modern pie will be built upon the existing harbour wall, allowing the prefab housing to extent out to the sea. The Douglas Complex oil rig will be decommissioned and turned into a tourist attraction.

•

Stage 7 - 2050 - Green City Status

By 2050 we envisage Rhyl gaining the prestigious city status, being a sustainable and cycle friendly city with a niche of research and biofuel production.

80

Nodes

W

Masterplan for rhyl west

e have highlighted four key nodes in Rhyl West.

The transport hub, the

termination point of the High Street, the Harbour and the Recycling Centre. We feel these points are highly important yet under used areas of Rhyl West that we will connect through strategic masterplanning, and will become integral parts of the overall scheme.

Food Growth The initial areas for food growth will be the River Clwyd Estuary and the Marine lake, before expansion onto the amphibious parks on the sea front.

Pocket Park / Green Strategy Two collection areas will take place on the amphibious park and the estuary and then transported to a chosen site. The industrial process will need to terminate in close proximity to the railway, which is also the dispatch point for the products created.

81

Industrial Tourism in Rhyl Heritage

R

hyl is a town that has prospered from seaside tourism and has subsequently declined.

Rhyl can be redefined by introducing green industries and showcasing the processes to involve and educate the public. This would result in the eco-industrial adventure

park becoming a benchmark for similar projects at other destinations across the UK.

Eco-Tourism Journey

Collection to Dispatch

Tourists will arrive to the transport

Two collection areas will take place on

hub, either by train, or by car, leaving

the amphibious park and the estuary and

their vehicles within the hub. They will

then transported to a chosen site. The

then be free to walk or cycle around

industrial process will need to terminate

the rest of Rhyl, or use our proposed

in close proximity to the railway, which is

sustainable

also the dispatch point for the products

transport

system. The

sustainable transport system will run from the transport hub, to the top of the high street (food market), then onto the chosen site and collect people from the end point to return them to the start.

created.

82

Site options

F

rom our social research, three key areas/sites were highlighted within Rhyl West that need redevelopment. They were:

•

The Children’s Village

•

Old amusement park site

•

Bus depot and old supermarket

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site requirements

I

n order to locate a suitable site to accommodate the three processes, it was necessary to establish the key factors required for such a site:

1. Proximity to growing areas

The drop-off point requires a location to be in close proximity and have an efficient transport link to all the growing areas; the estuary, the marine lake, and the coast.

2. Proximity to recycling centre

A close connection to the recycling centre will ease the collection process of reclaimed materials.

3. Proximity to railway

The biofuel and eco-prefab units will require rail and vehicle dispatch after production, therefore integration with the railway line will be required.

4. Other transport networks

Good road connections are needed for maintenance, the delivery of chemicals, externally manufactured components, employees and tourists. Cycle routes to and through the site are also a necessity for the tourists to experience the site.

5. Existing industrial infrastructure

Industrial sites are usually positioned to minimise disruption to residential areas whilst maintaining access for goods and workers, however we envisage the development will be an integral part of everyday life within Rhyl without having a large disconnection with the residential areas.

6. Potential for future expansion

Our aim is to expand food growth and biofuel production from Rhyl to the rest of North Wales.

Therefore a site with the room and infrastructure to expand is a necessity.

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Chosen Site

B

ased on the site requirements it was possible to identify the most suitable site for the three processes is the old amusement park site.

1. Proximity to growing areas

This site sits in the heart of the two main growing areas. With transport and access possible via land rail and boat.

2. Proximity to recycling centre

If our site is to expand across the Marine Lake, a connection can be made with the recycling centre, which is situated on the south of the railway.

3. Proximity to railway

The railway borders the south end of the Marine Lake, therefore the location can accommodate a termination point at the railway line to allow a dispatch area.

4. Other transport networks

Wellington Road and the Coast Road border the old amusement park site and connect with other major roads that link with other towns and the rest of North Wales. Therefore it is suitable for car and delivery access without disrupting the rest of the town.

5. Existing industrial infrastructure

The site previously contained the amusement park and the adjacent site housed an oil works factory. Therefore the site has previous industrial and amusement park heritage which will relate to the proposed architectural language of the industrial processes. Both of these were located in this area to prevent any disruptions to the rest of the town.

6. Potential for future expansion

This site is large enough to accommodate future expansion to manage the food and biofuel processes once the scheme has been expanded onto the rest of North Wales.

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86

CHAPTER 9: design

key design areas

87

inhabitable pier

amphibious park

Industrial process amphibious park

amphibious park

88

The industrial Process

Strategy

T

he largest part of the scheme is the area for the industrial processes. The aims for this area are:

• To provide the required accommodation to process food, produce biofuel and manufacture both permanent and holiday homes.

• To create an exciting, inspirational, educational and interactive journey, which travels through each industrial process.

• To create a unique tourist experience for visitors to Rhyl.

• To allow visitors to interact with areas of the process. These interactions will require zero power, and are self-generating by gravity and movement from the operator linking with Rhyl’s new image as a centre for sustainable excellence.

Industrial process

89

growing arrival & drop off

st a co

ad o r

harbour

growing area marine lake

ay lw i ra assembly & dispatch

estuary

Location

Each journey is a linear process; therefore initially we identified the location for the start end of all processes. The start is simultaneously the arrival point for tourists and the drop-off for raw materials. This is located at the key node of the Foryd Harbour, which has vista along the Coast Road. This location is at the junction between the inhabitable pier, the estuary, the harbour and the coast road. This is to allow efficient deliveries of the halophytes, oysters and recycled materials, and tourist arrival by train.

Water is added during both chemical and neutralisation stages, as a result the biofuel process needs to be located within close proximity of water. In this location, the industrial process has access to the marine lake, harbour, inhabitable pier, coast road and railway. The marine lake provides water at all times to the industry, the harbour provides the delivery of the food by boat, the coast road provides collection of the food by vehicle and the railway provides a dispatch area for the biofuel and homes.

90

Design Concept

The industrial process is a series of buildings connected by the visitor walkways. There are four main buildings along the industrial process: •

The arrival tower

•

The sorting mill

•

The crushing mill

•

The assembly and dispatch

91

arrival tower

sorting mill

Crushing mill

dispatch

92

The main visitor approach to the arrival point is along the Coast Road via train system, therefore the arrival point requires a visual reference point that promotes the eco-industrial amusement park.

From the arrival point the raw materials are stored in and around the tower. The raw materials are then transported to a second building where the halophytes, oysters and raw materials are sorted. Here they are separated into halophytes and oysters for food, halophytes seeds for biofuel, and materials for manufacturing. This is the building where the visitor chooses a route similar to how the materials are separated for each process.

The food is moved to another building where it is cleaned, packaged and dispatched along the railway along the Coast road to the market.

The seeds are then transported to the crushing mill where the oil is extracted from the seeds using a crushing mechanism which visitors can interact with as part of their route through. The mechanism allows interaction using body movement to power the crushers.

93

Throughout the industrial journey there are

The manufacturing route runs parallel to the

places where visitors can observe, interact or

biofuel route to allow both products being

learn. Activities for children are located within

dispatched at the same point along the railway.

these spaces, providing them with water based

The assembly and dispatch building is where

activities which are propelled using their own

the housing components are assembled and

power. This also allows visitors to have regular

the biofuel or homes are distributed by rail or

breaks after viewing each section of the process.

94

Structure and Materiality

The industrial process uses a steel framed structure. Steel is durable and can withstand the heat and temperatures created within each industrial process. We propose to use

steel as our main building material as it lasts for many years and can be recycled and reused in future buildings, therefore it is justified as part of our sustainable approach. Steel can withstand the weight of the liquids stored and used within the biofuel process and will be galvanised in cadmium to protect the material from salt water and future rusting.

95

Inhabitable pier Strategy

The inhabitable pier is modern flexible pier that houses temporary and permanent holiday accommodation. The pier allows units to be added or removed via the tram and crane system based on seasonal demand and it provides a physical and visual connection between the amphibious park and the industrial process.

Chosen Location It is built upon the existing harbour training wall which separates the harbour from the beach and provides a boat navigation channel when the tide is out. The harbour wall provides an existing and unique infrastructure to build upon mimicking the old Rhyl Pier. The modern pier allows visitors to walk out onto the sea and look back at new Rhyl as well as creating unique tourist holiday accommodation.

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Design Concept As a response from the still popular caravan parks in the Rhyl area, we propose a modern take on the caravan park, which will provide a unique experience for holiday-makers.

Existing caravan parks are introverted with all of the visitor facilities being on-site, our proposal of an inhabitable pier would allow inhabitants to be more connected with the town, which in this case is the clean beach and endless coast line.

The form and height replicates the existing buildings on the Coast Road.

We have incorporated repetition into the structural elements of the design. Repetition relates to the groynes across the beach. Groynes are lines of timber posts with planks in between that flow down the beach into the sea. They are a way of defending beaches from eroding sideways and also absorb energy from incoming waves to prevent flooding.

Structure & Materiality The construction will be a steel framed system, connected to box trusses. These trusses prevent the structure from racking, whilst doubling as a crane to manoeuvre the housing into place. The house would arrive via the tram system, then lifted by crane into the desired bay.

Recycled and reclaimed materials will be used to build the houses, adding to our sustainable theme whilst keeping costs down. The pier and the caravan plug-in structure will be made using steel, with reclaimed timber for the walkways.

97 amphibious park & Beach harbour railway plugin caravans

coast road

98

amphibious park Strategy The amphibious park is a series of elevated walkways along the coast which adjust with the tide. The walkways accommodate the oyster nurseries and allow salicornia plants to grow beneath. The perimeter walkways provide space to be utilised as a recreational parkspace as well as for industrial food growth. The walkways are sized adequately to accommodate gathering food during each harvest.

Chosen Location

The oysters and halophytes begin growth along the harbour wall, expanding from the harbour wall onto the sea. The park will also be located within the marine lake, along the estuary and as part of the landscape strategy within the industrial process. As part of the Rhyl masterplan strategy to decrease the density of the area, empty sites will be occupied by the parkscape creating a green-water corridor along the existing water flow of the ‘cut’. The pocket parks will also increase the desirability of living within these areas and increase the property values.

99

amphibious park

amphibious park

amphibious park

100

Design Concept

The design has been derived from the existing urban grain. A grid has been developed in relation to Rhyl’s three spinal routes.

The walkways are parallel to the Coast Road spine and the perpendicular to the High Street spine. The diagonal 45 degree grid line relates to the existing historical diagonal route which links the Coast Road to Wellington Road and the existing line of the harbour wall which flows at a diagonal to the Coast Road.

Structure and Materiality

The walkways are manufactured on-site within the manufacturing part of the industrial process. The decked walkway is produced using reclaimed timber and is supported by steel columns to prevent horizontal movement but allow vertical tidal movement.

The buoyancy is created by using recycled tyres which are filled with the recycled driftwood collected in the estuary. Each growing space will be filled with halophytes or oyster nurseries, the oyster nurseries will need to be contained within plastic containers filled with mesh, these containers will be reclaimed plastic packaging containers.

101

CHAPTER 10: Design

Tourist Experience

102

the journey

T

he tourist journey commences at the transport hub where tourists arrive by car, coach or rail and leave their transport on the outskirts which will earn them green credits. They then travel by Rhyl’s new sustainable transport rail system down the

High street and along the Coast road. Whilst travelling along the Coast road, they will see the amphibious park along the sea, the inhabitable pier along the harbour wall and the vista of the approaching arrival tower. Tourists then travel through the structure of the plugin caravans before arriving at the base of the arrival tower.

Tourists will enter the tower and travel up to the walkway level where the routes commence.

There are three routes: food, biofuel and manufacturing. The routes split at the sorting mill where the tourist will decide which route to take similar to the sorting process of the raw materials.

103

Primary routes Secondary route Return Route Play pavilions

Interactions

The routes consist of primary and secondary walkways. The direct route allows users to follow the process by travelling through the buildings where the processes happen as both an observer or engaging with the process by a number of playful, energetic interactions.

The secondary walkways allow visitors to leave the primary walkway and investigate other areas of the industrial process such as the amphibious parkscape, take shorter routes, or interact and play with the water or slide elements.

The interactions are also educational with a number of spaces dedicated to showing how the process works by replicating the process at a human scale and embedding within the walkways.

104 Play Tower to Inhabitable Pier

Play pavilions

Wellington Road to Crushing mill to Play Tower

Bridge to Tower to play tower

Play Pavilions

105

Vistas

The routes consist of primary and secondary walkways. The direct route allows users to follow the process by travelling through the buildings where the processes happen as both an observer or engaging with the process by a number of playful, energetic interactions.

The secondary walkways allow visitors to leave the primary walkway and investigate other areas of the industrial process such as the amphibious parkscape, take shorter routes, or interact and play with the water or slide elements.

The interactions are also educational with a number of spaces dedicated to showing how the process works by replicating the process at a human scale and embedding within the walkways.

106

The Arrival Tower Strategy The tower has the following aims: • The tower is the point of arrival for tourists and is subsequently the start of the industrial process.

• To act as an awareness beacon to show Rhyl is the centre for sustainable excellence.

• To be a billboard advertisement for the Ecoindustrial Adventure Park.

• To perform a function at the start of the industrial process.

• To replace the vertical reference point of the existing sky tower.

From our community surveys, members of the public feel the sky tower is unsightly however they appreciate how it acts as a vertical reference point when approaching Rhyl.

“The Sky Tower is an unsightly pole on the landscape next to the Children’s Village, apart from acting as a visual reference point so you can locate Rhyl from a distance; it poses no function, and is located at a point which doesn’t relate to anything.”

107

Design Reasoning

The tower aims to create a theatrical performance of moving elements creating factory-machine-type architecture. The tower performs the collection process from the drop-off area by picking up the halophytes from the boats and railway and storing them within cylinders located in the tower.

The design concept has been derived from a number of Rhyl’s past and present features; •

The new cycle bridge has a mechanical draw-

bridge action. The tower mimics this action to allow the start of the walkway to be closed off when out-ofhours.

•

The storage cylinders for the halophytes relate

to the gas cylinders that were previously located on the same site. The cylinders expand and compress similar to the gas cylinders depending on the capacity of halophytes.

•

The picking up collection process has an action

similar to the arcade grabber game which relates to Rhyl’s amusement park heritage in a playful way.

•

One viewing platform is at a lower level and

allows views over the nature reserve and the Irish Sea. •

At the highest level, platforms are in every

direction to allow panoramic views of the entire industrial process from growing to dispatch and the rest of Rhyl.

108

new bridge & nature

harbour food dropoff by boat moving grabber

storage cylinders access core

railway route at gf

plugin caravans

Location

walkway level

The existing location was along the Coast Road adjacent to the Children’s Village, however the tower failed to relate to any existing vistas or urban grain.

We propose to locate the tower to the one of the key nodes within Rhyl – the Foryd Harbour, with a key vista along the Coast Road.

This location is at the start of the industrial process and the arrival point for tourists and is subsequently the point at which the food and raw materials are dropped off via rail and boat from the two collection areas.

109

The tower is the headquarters and control point for the industrial processes. It provides storage for the Halophytes, has a number of viewing platforms, an educational research facility, tourist information point, a shop and cafĂŠ.

The structure is steel-framed using reclaimed materials where possible for the platforms, cladded areas and stairs. The tower has a central steel core to provide structural stability which includes the stairs, lift and services. The tower is elevated above the ground to enable the tower can be shut off during out-of-hours, allow the grabber mechanism can move along the primary structure vertically and horizontally, and to allow the rail system can drop-off passengers at the base of the tower. There is a secondary steel structure which houses the storage cylinders and allows the cylinders to expand and contract similar to gas cylinders.

Structure & Materiality

The structure is steel-framed using reclaimed materials where possible for the platforms, cladded areas and stairs. The tower’s main structural element is a steel core that provides stability and includes the stairs, lift and services. The tower is cantilevered off the core and elevated above the ground to enable the tower to be shut off during out-of-hours. The elevated part of the tower allows the grabber mechanism to move along the primary structure vertically and horizontally, and allows the rail system to drop-off passengers at the base of the tower. The secondary steel structure houses the storage cylinders and allows them to expand and contract similar to gas cylinders.

110

The Coastal Road Strategy Caravan Plugin The Caravan Plugin relates to the still popular caravan parks in the area and the manufacturing element to the industrial process. The Caravan Plugin has the following aims: • Provide a modern update on the caravan and compact living by new passive house holiday and permanent homes.

• To extend and maintain the existing Coast Road frontage.

• To improve the efficiency of land-use for a caravan park.

• To have a self-sufficient crane mechanism to hoist each caravan into position.

Location

The Caravan Plugin follows the existing line of the Coastal road frontage and extends to provide a backdrop to the harbour.

Traditionally, the hotels and lodging houses were located along the Coastal frontage to provide views across the Irish Sea, beach and harbour. Therefore the desirability for staying in such locations still remains. By locating in close proximity to the industry, the dwellings which have been manufactured on-site maintain a visual connection creating an awareness of Rhyl’s new industrial image also inspiring visitors to take a tour along the three industrial routes.

111

Design The design concept has developed to incorporate the town’s marine and amusement park heritage. Historically, the railway bridge and harbour integrated a series of cranes and mechanisms during Rhyl’s maritime past. The industrial and structural aesthetic relates to the fun fair rides once historically located on the same site.

We have incorporated repetition into the structural elements of the design. Repetition relates to the groynes across the beach. Groynes are lines of timber posts with planks in between that flow down the beach into the sea. They are a way of defending beaches from eroding sideways and also absorb energy from incoming waves to prevent flooding.

112 Tower

Access

Crane mechanism

The building plan is zoned with the railway passing through and deck access to each caravan on the harbour side, the crane mechanism on the Industry side, with the dwelling in between.

The dwellings are orientated with the living space South facing providing access from the North walkway via the kitchen. Both South and North sides of each unit have an internal buffer zone.

The dwellings can be positioned to have a 5m terrace on either the North or South and units can be closed up when not in use.

The building is designed to contain one dwelling in each 5 x 15metre bay, which are arranged in bays of 10, with access cores at each end. Open bays which are communal terraces align with two key vistas to maintain sight-lines.

The structure is steel-framed using reclaimed materials where

railway

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Structure & Materiality

The construction will be a steel framed system, connected to box trusses. These trusses prevent the structure from racking, whilst doubling as a crane to manoeuvre the housing into place. The house would arrive via the tram system, then lifted by crane into the desired bay.

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The Crushing Mill Strategy The Crushing Mill houses the most important process during the biofuel process. It is the point where the oil is extracted from the halophyte seed by a crushing action. The Crushing Mill has the following aims: • To perform the crushing process and house a series of crushing mechanisms.

• To be the most celebrated event during the tourist journey.

• To contain three visitor routes; an interactive route, an observation route and the route from Wellington road through to the Marine Lake.

• To provide an interactive experience using body movement to power crushers.

Location

The building is located within the Industrial process, along the biofuel route and directly after the sorting mill. It is aligned central to Wellington road to allow a vista and route through the centre of the building through to the Marine Lake.

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Design To celebrate the crushing action and relate to the theme of interactive play, the motion mimics the hammer action on a piano.

We have adapted the action so that when a key point experiences a vertical force such as the weight of a person jumping, it triggers the crusher to move.

The interactive walkway is at a higher level and the observation and Wellington road walkways are at a lower level.

The crushing mechanisms are aligned perpendicular to the two main routes through the building so people can experience the crusher moving over head.

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Structure & Materiality The building is 50m x 70m x 35m high, and is a box-trussed frame structure to prevent the requirement for internal columns. The building is clad mostly is glass to allow visual connections in to see the glimpses of the crushing process, and out to see other playful elements of the site. The crushing hammers are held up by a secondary steel structure.

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CHAPTER 1 1:

Conclusion

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Location

As stated within our introduction, our aim at the beginning of the project was to establish a real current, socially orientated subject matter, located in the UK. This led us on to choose an area that was targeted for regeneration that had high deprivation levels and unusually high statistics for issues such as unemployment, benefits, poor health and education. As a result this led us to choose Rhyl as our study of place.

Problems

Rhyl was once a thriving seaside holiday destination which was once known for its sea salt bathing, a recent report shows that these standards have recently dropped and as a result the ‘mandatory bathing water standards’ have not been passed.

The Foryd harbour is currently underutilised with little fishing trips. In its prime, Rhyl was the epicentre for trawlers and larger fishing vessels. We propose to expand on the existing fishing industry and develop a more substantial marine harbour.

Rhyl has seen its promenade go through decades of overdevelopment, which has resulted in many vacant spaces, such as the events arena. A series of overpriced and underused projects also litter the promenade, disconnecting the town from the beach, most notably the Sun Centre and the Children’s Village, which have short terms plans to be demolished. This also means more and more buildings and sites are becoming derelict and dormant, such as the site of the previous Ocean Beach amusement park, where plans for redevelopment have stalled since 2007, leaving an abandoned construction site.

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Aims

At the beginning of the project a number of key aims were identified, to re-brand the sea-side town, creating a new industry, providing employment, redefining what constitutes the British seaside holiday and generating innovative tourist attractions to bring back the holiday maker.

The Architectural Response

The catalyst developments are new green industries, localised to Rhyl providing substantial employment. Resulting in an eco-

industrial adventure park, focused on three main industries, of food production, biofuel production and manufacturing.

Eventually resulting in developing Rhyl as the centre of excellence for sustainability and sustainable living.

The scheme provides employment, raises awareness of upcycling, bio-fuel production, oyster farming and halophyte growing and personal carbon allowances. And provides onsite research pods for each of the new industrial technologies, connecting with educational establishments in the region.

Future Expansion

Now Rhyl has been developed as the initial prototype and established itself as the Welsh industrial centre for sustainability.

We invisage the industries can expand to follow the coast-line to regenerate seaside towns with similar problems and similar natural attributes. Rhyl can maintain its status as the industrial centre providing the towns involved adopt similar infrastructure for growing and transportation.

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England’

http://www.youtube.com/

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