Former Pump House at Dunlop Semtex Factory

Cadw's description

Location

Prominently located on the W side of road leading from Brynmawr to Winchestown. Building is situated on fringe of large pond, SW of factory complex.

History

Built 1946-8 as the pump house for the contemporary Brynmawr Rubber Factory. The complex was designed by the Architects’ Co-operative, in conjunction with the structural engineers Ove Arup and Partners. The factory was initiated by Lord Forrester, Director of Brimsdown Rubber Company, who aimed to provide large-scale employment in the economically depressed valleys. The structural ingenuity of the factory was renowned, particularly the use of thin-shell concrete vaults and domes, covering a vast open production area. The factory converted raw rubber into a variety of manufactured goods, including floor tiles, shoe soles, and industrial products. The building cost £800,000, the contractors being Holland, Hannen and Cubitt of London. Taken over by Dunlop Semtex in 1956, who made synthetic flooring for hospitals and public buildings. Cheaper manufactured goods and improvements in industrial floor coverings led to closure in 1982. Local tradition states that the circular stone-faced pump-house was inspired by the nearby roundhouses, built c. 1822 by Joseph Bailey to protect himself and his family against rebellion at the Nantyglo Ironworks.

Exterior

Tall circular building, of concrete construction, faced with Pennant stone. Continuous low clerestory of two-light windows below concrete saucer domed roof, which has bitumen covering. Doorway facing road with cambered stone voussoired head. Continuous pre-cast concrete walkway around base of building with metal rail.

Interior

Saucer dome has radiating ribs and central oculus.

Reason for designation

Listed as part of a renowned and constructionally pioneering industrial complex, the first work to be designed by the prolific Architects’ Co-operative Partnership in conjunction with one of Britain’s leading structural engineers, Sir Ove Arup. Group value with the main factory complex.