PLAS HELI ACHIEVES CREATIVE & SUSTAINABLE EXCELLENCE

The Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre is a venue that has been designed with the local community in mind. Not only is this a hub for performance sailing, but it is also a flexible events space, education facility, and cafe bar for inclusive participation.

BRIEF

Artist Jessica Lloyd-Jones was commissioned for the Plas Heli Art Project. Her concept was to illuminate this all-new building housing the National Sailing Academy of Wales according to the wind strength and direction. Such a dynamic and real-time reactive system would create a unique experience as well as illustrating the link between the buildings’ purpose and the elements.

SOLUTION

amBX SmartCore has been used to create sophisticated lighting effects and provide commercial lighting control systems. The system works in real-time and automates the delivery of the colour effects without complex programming. Live wind data is measured on the roof and analysed by amBX SmartCore which adjusts the colour and density location of the lighting, all in real-time. The system also controls the white interior lighting. It provides the Plas Heli team with a powerful yet simple to use lighting system for the range of events held in the venue, as well as being a unique feature of the centre.

RESULT

As a result, a striking multi-functional building has been completed, bringing a new innovative and creative approach to Pwllheli, Wales. The academy has been awarded a BREEAM Excellent accreditation for its approach to green and sustainable technologies. The project also won the RSAW Welsh Architecture Award 2016!

Artist Jessica Lloyd-Jones said: “It’s great to see people’s reaction to the lighting changing colour; especially children as it really captures their imagination. People are calling this the largest anemometer in the world! We hadn’t thought of it like that until it was pointed out.”