Orford Ness: the Black Beacon and associated power house

Constructed in 1928 as part of the Bombing Experimental Establishment, refurbished by the AWRE during the 1950s and converted into an exhibition space in 1995.

MATERIALS A wooden superstructure on a concrete plinth, re-clad in weatherboarding.

PLAN The Black Beacon has an octagonal plan.

EXTERIOR The concrete base extends to 2.9m in height and has buttresses to each corner. The upper storeys of the tower are timber framed and covered by tarred weather boards. The building has a felt roof and is protected by a lightning conductor attached to the east side. In the north and south elevation of the Black Beacon is a 4-light wooden casement window with a tile sill protected by an iron grille. To the west is an abutting brick entry porch. To the north a set of double wooden outward opening doors give access to the west side of the octagonal base. Entry to the beacon is at first floor level by a modern flight of wooden and steel stairs. Its first floor is lit by wooden, 4-light windows. On the second storey are hinged observation ports on all sides.

INTERIOR Within the porch are remains of electrical switch gear. The interior of the Black Beacon and generator building house an exhibition, but no longer contain equipment relating to their previous functions.The timber central drive shaft is original to the beacon use, however.

SUBSIDIARY BUIILDING Adjacent to the Black Beacon is the rectangular power house, subsequently used as a workshop. The generator building is brick built and measures c.8m x 6m with gable ends lit by wooden ocular windows, and to the north probably retains its original wooden windows. Later modifications include the addition of a porch, and an outshot to the east that has subsequently been removed.