site by improving the visitor offer , especially for those with limited ability to access certain areas .
This has involved the introduction of a new layer of architecture to the medieval building in the form of bespoke pieces of ‘ furniture ’ that sit on top of and within the tripletowered gatehouse . Designed to form the negative of the building the structure and architectural features have been created to be physically separate from the castle walls , only touching the building lightly at access points to minimize the impact on the significant historic site .
Internally , three new floors of accommodation have been created , housing accessible toilets with changing places , a café , a gift shop , a reception area , staff facilities , storage , and new and immersive interpretation areas that tell the story of the people who built the castle .
On the upper level , the architectural forms emerge from the towers below to create a viewing deck with seating areas , allowing visitors to take in views across the castle complex and beyond . Access to the deck is provided via a glazed lift , which enables visitors of all abilities to access this part of the castle for the first time in its history . It is also believed the first-time that level of access has been provided in any similar UK World Heritage Site .
All new interventions consist of prefabricated units and handcrafted , bespoke carpentry that can be inserted into and
www . refurbandrestore . co . uk - 35