Lydia Caprani has turned the Energy Centre into a piece of artwork while it is under construction on Trippett Street
Hull Heat Network Energy Centre is under construction on Trippett Street(Image: Hull City Council)
A Hull artist’s creative talents have been tapped into to transform unsightly cladding into a work of art. The design drapes around the Hull Heat Network Energy Centre, currently under construction on Trippett Street.
The decorative cladding has been designed by Hull-based artist Lydia Caprani, following a tender process led by Hull City Council. The artwork has turned the Energy Centre into a distinctive landmark while construction is underway.
Artists were invited to submit proposals in response to a detailed brief, including multiple design concepts, before progressing through an interview process. The tender process was led by Hull City Council.
Lydia’s previous work includes the Bilton Grange mural delivered in partnership with local arts charity Back to Ours, alongside local artists Spray Creative. She drew on inspiration from both the function of the Energy Centre and the city’s history.
To inform her work, Lydia used archives at Hull History Centre, exploring historic maps, and tracing the development of the area surrounding the Energy Centre site. During the project, she researched heat networks and was inspired by local architecture, such as Georgian windows, tiles, and porches.
The final design, described as “ornate complex patterns,” is designed to reflect the energy generated within the building and the heat network being developed across the city centre. Lydia said: “It is surreal as it looks just like the original 3D mock-up.
“It is exciting to have the opportunity to work on a large scale that didn’t require ladders and a paint brush. I have enjoyed working with new materials and I am proud to see this come to life at the Energy Centre.”
The Energy Centre is part of the Hull Heat Network, a project that will provide low-carbon heating and hot water to buildings across Hull city centre. Hull City Council said the network will provide access to a reliable, low-carbon energy solution while supporting the city to meet its decarbonisation targets. As part of the project, the Hull Heat Network, in partnership with Vital Energi, will invest £2 million into the local community, and residents and organisations will have opportunities to play a role in shaping the project’s future.
Find more information about the Hull Heat Network. To find out more about Lydia Caprani and her work, visit her website.
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