A series of workshops creating a new vernacular within the historic fabric of Neath Abbey

The nature of artefact and urban fabric, Carbon neutrality, community ownership, the value of the land, historical continuity, vernacular South Wales

The nature of the site being constant change which then abruptly stopped only by way of the mid-century conservationist movement, it seems only appropriate that Neath Abbey be given a new purpose instead of simply allowing it to decay and degrade as it currently stands. By designing with a new vernacular for the area based around low whole-life Carbon methods, the workshops can also serve as a template for future construction across South Wales.

Through reading Aldo Rossi's theories on the nature of change and urban morphology, I decided to create a new thermally efficient fabric made of stabilised rammed earth which would erode over time or be maintained by the community and workshops. Sedimentation tests revealed the suitability of the site for rammed earth production also.

This project made me think much more deeply about which parts of the city are open to change and which parts should be preserved for posterity. The nature of the city being constant change makes for a more interesting and humane built environment, without fussy bureaucratic ideas of preservation instead of creating something fit for a modern purpose that can reuse ancient artefact for contemporary use.