Miners' welfare building

The current Resolven miners' welfare building, although underused, holds significant historical and community value. Instead of completely altering the building, the scheme focuses on rejuvenating and enhancing its existing features. To encourage community engagement and socializing, accessibility becomes a crucial aspect. The proposal aims to address accessibility concerns by connecting different areas of the town, promoting inclusivity, and bringing the community together.

Building upon earlier themes of Educate, Exchange, and Experience, the proposal adds social and environmental value through sustainable education. Creating interactive and informal educational spaces within a community setting is essential. The proposal supports a multi-functional space that builds upon the existing programming of the building. It introduces small sustainable changes that help families during times of financial strain, teaching practical skills to reduce food costs and support self-sufficiency.

Rather than demolishing and reconstructing, the proposal respects the building's history and takes a retrofit with an extension approach. Improvements are made to the lighting, ventilation, and heating systems, enhancing the existing envelope and extension. The goal is to create a welcoming and friendly space that encourages social interactions and supports various activities based on the community's needs.

The proposal maintains "The Drift" restaurant, refurbishing it and connecting it to the rest of the ground floor. The layout is adjusted to improve visibility into the kitchen, allowing for cooking classes. A larger multi-functional space is introduced on the ground floor, connecting different areas and providing flexibility throughout the year. This space can accommodate events like bingo nights or serve as overflow for theaters during colder months, while opening up for local produce markets in spring and summer. The proposal also rejuvenates the original entrance and introduces a primary entrance into the main open space, creating a sense of arrival and uniting the building for community usage. Allotment and growing spaces are incorporated to promote sustainability and engage the community with nature. The greenhouse becomes a focal point, offering a bright and inviting space where the community can grow their own produce and learn about seasonal growing