Revitalization of Carmarthen landscape

The project revolves around two primary components: a novel landscape strategy and a building condition designed to facilitate a new regenerative permaculture growing system. The landscape strategy aims to utilize the underutilized outskirts of Carmarthen, transforming them into productive areas for cultivating vegetables dedicated to seed saving and extraction. To achieve this, the landscape is divided into five distinct plots, allowing for the introduction of various vegetable families and ensuring high-quality seeds by preventing cross-pollination through the implementation of new green corridors and wilding areas.

The chosen location for the building condition is an existing dairy farm, where the central concept is to repurpose the current farmhouse into a commercial facility that supports the educational aspect of the project. Additionally, a new extension is constructed to accommodate all the necessary extraction processes, such as wet and dry extraction, fermentation, drying, and quality control. The farmhouse, being part of the original farmstead and one of the oldest structures on the site, holds significant historical and cultural value, making it a prominent landmark feature.

The extension incorporates a lightweight cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel system, enabling swift assembly without disrupting the farm's ongoing activities. Situated at an elevated position, the site offers a panoramic view of the landscape strategy, facilitating oversight of the growing operations and creating a cohesive and holistic scheme that connects both elements seamlessly. The driving force behind the project's concept and program is the underutilized landscape, the growing focus on sustainable farming practices, and the challenges faced by dairy farmers due to reduced government subsidies.

This scheme aims to foster a shift in farming principles towards more regenerative systems while enhancing the farm's triple bottom line by establishing an additional revenue source. By capitalizing on the underperforming landscape, promoting sustainable farming practices, and addressing the needs of struggling dairy farmers, this project not only encourages transformative change but also generates economic benefits. Through the integration of the new landscape strategy and repurposed building condition, this initiative presents a holistic approach that harmoniously combines agriculture, education, and economic viability, setting the stage for a more regenerative and prosperous future.