鈥婤lackburn Meadows Biomass
by BDP
Client E.ON Energy
Award 澳门王中王 Yorkshire Award 2017 and 澳门王中王 National Award 2017
The site of the Blackburn Meadows Biomass was sure to be a challenge for any project in response to the iconic, 250ft high Tinsley Towers standing just yards from the southbound carriageway of the motorway as it crosses the double-decker Tinsley Viaduct near Sheffield. The towers, which stood from 1921-2008, had become a memory and a visual symbol of the past industrial heritage.
Following the announcement of the new power plant and the demolition of the Tinsley towers, stirring up many emotions for and against, the new E.ON Biomass power plant was approved and laid the pathway for this to become the new symbol of sustainability, reflecting the modern industrial revolution.
The project was described by the design team as:
鈥溾�rovide a striking new landmark in the place of the recently demolished Tinsley Cooling Towers, entering the public consciousness as a marker for the city and a beacon of sustainable energy production鈥︹��
鈥淔orm follows Function鈥� is a phrase commonly used to define the zeitgeist of modernism and is perhaps most relevant in the 鈥榳rapping鈥� of this large mysterious object, where the architectural expression is purely driven by the process of the functioning machine. The striking black and amber volumes draw their inspiration from the processes of the past: the black is a reference to the site鈥檚 industrial heritage or even the smut and smoke of the coal fired power stations, while the amber is a symbol of fire, surrounding the burners glowing at dusk like a rising phoenix of the old Tinsley Towers.
The project provides additional educational benefits to the local community, as well as a benefits fund worth up to 拢25,000 a year, initiated to support local projects throughout the lifetime of the plant. Landscaping to the south of the site enhances biodiversity, and 拢500,000 of funding will contribute towards a permanent piece of public art for the area.
This is a truly sustainable project, celebrating the past and present and providing a new 21st century icon for Sheffield.
Additional Architect Race Cottam
Contractor E.ON Energy
Lighting Design BDP
Landscape Architects BDP
Project Management E.ON
Planning Consultant Nexus
