Run to the Hills
Run to the Hills is a micro-hydro power research facility in North Wales. Utilising the natural flow of water from the Mawddach Estuary, the centre offers new opportunities to explore hydro power methods and enable Welsh rural communities to live in an alternative and sustainable manner.
Micro-hydro Power
The mountainous surroundings and natural slope on the site, gives opportunity to power the facility. The mill leat carries water to the reservoir where the rate of water onto the site can be controlled and regulated throughout the year.
Relocation of Fairbourne
Reindustrialistation of the Site
The site is physically shaped and subdivided by a series of dry stone walls and a linear track. The slate track: previously used to transport slate from a quarry to the coastal train line. The hydro pipe follows this linear path to symbolise the re-industrialisation of the site.
Historic Consideration
As the research facility has a temporary function, it felt appropriate to design the complex to be partially dismantled, giving useful parts for housing developments, with the community of Fairbourne in mind. The extended track and slate plinth are designed with permanence. Thus leaving slate remains to add to the growing historic value of the site.
Hydro Function of Space
The architectural form follows the function of each space, which is derived from the hydro pipe. The pipe becomes the spine of the laboratory, the main focus of manual testing. Its visibility accentuated by the positioning of sky light. Whereas the hydro pipe is externally less visible in the library. An internal atmosphere created by the height of the structure filter natural light and trickling water which transcend.
