Restoration

The strategic scheme continues with some of the existing programme, including the community hall and restaurant, which have been re-configured for their purposes and for better natural lighting provisions. The scheme also proposes large areas for both spaces, with separating wall devices that give the user a sense of flexibility and control over the public and private hierarchy. As a key conceptual exploration for the strategic proposal, the use of openings and connection to the external context has a multi-functional purpose.

In order to elevate the existing external space to the south, the project proposes the demolition of the current snooker room, creating an outdoor terrace from the existing concrete slab and foundations that can be accessed directly through the restaurant’s glazed threshold. As part of the community hall, the northern openings protrude out from the external brick wall, not only providing a source of natural light, but also window seating that looks out to the neighbouring street.

As part of the strategic proposal, the existing render has been proposed to be removed, revealing a natural brick facade. This is complemented by the newly implemented warm timber and corten steel members, used to create the outdoor terrace and protruding window frames. Keeping the material palette to a minimum refuses to overwhelm the character of the existing and would work to reduce the overall cost of the building refurbishment.

Equally, it was part of the team ethos to consider the sustainability outcomes of the project’s strategic moves. This involved the use of materials that can be sourced locally, providing better building performance through newly implemented internal insulation, renewable energy devices and rainwater harvesting as a drainage strategy. At the core of the project strategies, the intent has never been to completely change or redesign the nature of Resolven Miners Welfare, but to improve its function and performance, as well as identifying and experimenting with the missed opportunities in bringing in local and wider building attraction.