Coed Darcy's Demonstration Village (Credit: Ben Pentreath)

How the site used to look

Credit: Ben Pentreath

A site was selected to build a small number of houses commissioned by BP, to demonstrate the quality that will be sought on the site as a whole. The buildings test a range of building materials, types and sustainable technologies before they are applied on a wider scale. The site was one of the most polluted parts of Llandarcy before being redeveloped, drenched in heavy crude oil. Following the remediation work, the wetlands are restored and wildlife has been reintroduced.

The houses are approached from the south and you first see a stone-built visitor centre that has a red corrugated iron roof. The entire site is built of solid terracotta block walls, a material chosen for its sustainability. The houses are fully-furnished throughout, despite being uninhabited. HRH Prince Charles' visit to the site can be viewed on YouTube.