ReSolveN' Safe-Haven

This project is a multi-disciplinary approach to creating a vision for Resolven’s historic Miner Welfare building. In order to create a persuasive ‘vision’ our proposal explores solutions and strategic responses to the site and exisiting programme, to increase sustainability and community engagement within the village. The building is a safe haven to be enjoyed by everyone. A key theme within the project is heritage and the local community, therefore our scheme is a holistic approach to the brief honouring the history of the area, whilst looking towards a brighter future for Resolven through community input, opportunities and economic growth.

Our initial strategic response to the site was to utilize the space within the existing hall to house most of our programme. Removing some existing stairs and using the extensión as the main source of circulation improves accessibility and creates more space within the existing building. Acting as an atrium this extension serves as a welcoming social space and predominant circulation route.

We approached the iconic building in a responsive way through implementing a circular economy model. Resolven currently operates as a take, make, waste economy which is unsustainable and wastes resources. We’re proposing a circular model where we re-use and recycle aspects such as food or products. Through utilising existing facilities in the community, we can create a resource model that will reduce waste, be profitable for business and provide a self-sustaining future for Resolven. For example, food can be grown in local mine shafts, distributed at the existing indoor market, consumed within the Drift restaurant and then it can be composted to be used again as fertiliser creating a circular loop. In essence, the welfare acts as a final jigsaw piece to connect the community together.

A key aspect of our proposal is to utilize existing mineshafts in the local área. Professors at the university of Nottingham and experts worldwide are advocating the use of mineshafts as crop farms to meet a growing demand for food. They have been proven to be cost effective, produce high quality and crops and up to 10X the yield.

Resolvens unique location and rich history with coal mining provides us with an opportunity to utilise the surrounding mineshafts and act as a precedent for Wales, the UK and even worldwide. We look to utilise Resolven’s horizontal mineshafts (arids) which are safer to maintain and cheaper to run than their vertical counterparts.

We imagine the restored Welfare will become a beacon within the upper Neath Valley, a symbol of hope and opportunity for the community. Our vision is that the building serves as a catalyst for change within the valley, showcasing its social, economic and cultural significance.