Retrofit towards a future of propelling change

Based on the repeatedly altered, historically rich yet socio-economically deprived context of Neath, this design project questions whether a famous Abbey Site could cater a future excavation towards propelling change. The project considers Neath as a lost valley town, and the scheme considers how quality social homes could restore Neath’s desperately lacking pride in belonging. To uplift a borough experiencing some of the poorest social mobility in Wales, Neath’s Monastic Condo has equipped a multifaceted approach to sustainability aimed at rekindling resilience within its landscape and hosted community.

The mixed-use development involves building amongst ruins, to revive the site's spiritual and domestic past. To create inclusive, accommodating homes to meet the needs of Neath’s most physically and mentally vulnerable community members, the development involves extra care living and multigenerational dwellings. Schemes for off-grid living are adopted to combat the rise of global fuel poverty, while accelerating action towards COP26 agreements. A community-build construction strategy will make this possible while tightening civic bonds, improving Valley Town resilience, and teaching valuable employment skills.

Technical and design decisions synonymously address: the climate crisis; an isolated and vulnerable community; and challenging site conditions. The wider site strategy involves live-work units, allotments, a paddleboard house, a café, teaching kitchen, birdwatching shelters, and a nature reserve to encourage and improve the experience of visiting heritage tourists, while preventing the Abbey from becoming a closed gate settlement.

Design Tutors: Ross Hartland + Dan Talkes