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Welsh Assembly

A view of the Welsh Assembly building at night Enlarge Cowl at the Welsh Assembly buidling used for ventilation Enlarge

“It's almost impossible to find anyone with a bad word to say about the Senedd, almost everyone I've spoken to is gushing with praise reported the BBC when the new building opened for business in 2006.

The National Assembly for Wales is a unique and special building, officially opened by the HM Queen, on time and within budget.  The Assembly is a new landmark in Cardiff’s regeneration unique architecture – a great example of inspired and intelligent design, providing maximum durability and flexibility, for its minimum 100 year life use of indigenous materials.

The exemplary integrated and sustainable design, driven by low energy systems, will reduce running costs by up to 50% application of renewable energy sources maximising economy and buildability a showcase for exposed in situ concrete and steel construction.

"The Assembly are delighted with the completed project which has already attracted much critical praise. In addition, as Head of the Project Team, I have been extremely pleased with the way in which Taylor Woodrow has delivered such an innovative and iconic building." - Head of the Assembly Building project team & Director of Estates

Key Facts

  • 27 boreholes 100m deep help to cool and heat the building through earth heat exchangers
  • The “floating” steel roof incorporate 421 tonnes of steel with 21,900 bolts
  • The 6m tall wind cowl is the largest of its type in Europe and is used to ventilate the debating chamber
  • There are 89 reflective tubes on the inside of the funnel to provide daylight

Serpentine Pavilion

Bringing a new landmark to London

Gehry's Serpentine Vision