The Welsh sailing community will be reinvigorated this autumn with the opening of a striking new National Sailing Academy and Events Centre. Situated on the Pwllheli coast amongst breathtaking scenery, the centre is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council. This state-of-the-art facility designed by EllisWilliams Architects exhibits beautifully constructed Kebony decked balconies, seating areas and cladded curved walls. The use of Kebony’s wood has fashioned a beautifully crafted space, which perfectly compliment the natural beauty of the Welsh coastline, whilst maintaining an environmentally friendly approach to the build.
Kebony has developed a patented technology to transform sustainably sourced softwood species so that they exhibit the properties and durability of tropical hardwood. Exposure to sun, wind and rain, which the Sailing Academy will be subjected to in quantity, leave the wood with a natural silver-grey patina – enhancing the beauty whilst maintaining the performance and strength of the wood. Thus, using Kebony clear grade wood for the Academy’s cladding and decking had helped create a building perfectly suited to withstand the typical seafront conditions, whilst ensuring a superb sense of style is kept throughout.
The stunning new facility will become a focal point for sailing in Wales, housing an events hall, restaurant/café and education training rooms, allowing the building to be transformed from a sailing academy into an event venue of any kind with ease. As part of the area’s regeneration strategy, the Sailing Academy promises to attract thousands of extra visitors to the area every year whilst also being a key venue for community events and activities. The academy will cater for national and international sailing events, aiming to develop the area to become a destination for world-class sailors. As proof of its destined success, the academy has already hosted the 2015 Zhik 29er World Championship regatta in which over 40 countries took part.
The decking boards are laid at varying degrees in the terrace areas to create eye-catching patterns that complement the straight vertical beams of the curved walls. Complete with stunning banked seating platforms, grand viewing decks and cladded balconies and ceilings, Kebony has helped create an incredible exterior that will endure the elements and remain just as breathtaking in years to come.
Speaking of the completed project, Kebony’s International Sales Director Adrian Pye said: “We were thrilled to be involved in such a great build and believe that the finished design will be a complimentary addition both to Welsh Sailing and to the local community”.
Kebony has a superb reputation that is built on quality, high performance and durability of their unique and environmentally friendly product which is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. This has led to them working on outstanding projects on an international scale. Kebony’s projects are always of an excellent standard and the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre is just another example of their distinctive take on style and application of quality.
