Arno Decorte – WSA On Display 2020

The Welsh Respite Centre for Young Carers

Caregivers are individuals who must bear a heavy burden. This project aims to acknowledge this responsibility in a unique way. This respite centre aims to be more than just a ‘resting place’ by creating opportunities for users to develop and challenge themselves. Through this approach, the respite centre aims to create an environment where users leave rested and more equipped to deal with their responsibilities than they were before they came in. It aims to come alive through the assumption of an almost parental role, both nurturing the user while at the same time pushing them to extend their boundaries.

An image with a series of models across the top and a large site model at the bottom. An annotation on the right says: '7 meter height difference'

An analysis of the abandoned Oakhust Mansion paired with a model exploring the topography of the site

The project is located in Penarth, a coastal town not far from Cardiff. The project aims to respond to the context by unifying the two juxtaposing green spaces as well as working with the sloping topography. The concept revolves around the relationship between private, semi-public and public. It explores the various activities that occur within these spaces, how they can be connected to one another and how they serve the development of the user as well as the public.

A diagram showing a series of 3 dimensional spaces. Contains various annotations:

1. Summer Solstice
2. Western Sunrise
3. Sensory Fragment
4. Oakhurst Mansion Remnant
5. Greyponics System
6. Morning - Talk, Afternoon - Arts & Crafts
7. Curtain wall stimulates public inclusivity
8. Double space
9. View to Horizon

Concept diagram exploring the flow of private to public, greyponic systems and the usage of ‘sensory fragments’.

This image shows the building and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Aerial view of the building, showing the two green spaces it sits between as well as the surrounding urban fabric.

The building uses a humble palette of materials such as Douglas Fir walls, polished cement flooring and folding steel roofing to create a homely atmosphere supported by an entirely timber frame structure. The homely atmosphere is a key focus as it encourages young carers to treat each other like family, making them feel a lot more supported.

An image of a person looking in to the horizon from the balcony in front of the accomodation

Hope: The horizon becomes a symbol of Hope. It reminds of the ability to think past our current issues and envisage a better future.

An image showing activity in the central courtyard

The Circle of Life: At the core of it all, an urban farm courtyard brings all of the spaces together. The functional aspect of an urban farm encourages co-operation while providing a system for life.

During times of struggle, it is a reasonable response for us to regress in to isolation, to be alone. The Welsh Respite Centre understands this need, but through the act of engaging the public, young carers are reminded of the support they have around them, from the local community to fellow young carers.