Conviviality

'Reintroducing the Miners Welfare to the community of Resolven allows for a connection of past, current and future generations. The proposal intends to create a space that allows community engagement to flourish and respects the significance of the Resolven Miners Welfare for the residents.

Three main phrases were drivers for the design - layered translucency, conviviality and connection to nature. Layered translucency refers to a method of creative direct and indirect engagement and becoming a visual magnet for local residents to visit the RMW. This allows for the movement within the building to be noticeable outdoors without betraying the privacy of the users within. The intention is to allow for view points from all angles on the road that act as a magnet for more visitors into the lively conditions of the building.

Translucency also refers to the level of light entering the building and allowing the activities to rely on minimal artificial light during the day and making the spaces feel more open. The proposal aims to create a lively environment within the RMW that welcomes varied activities, discussions, clubs, day to day use and acts as a ground for community interaction and togetherness. While creating a connection to nature creates direct link between the local landscape and old mining grounds, serving as a historical connection for the past generations of Resolven to the current and future ones. The intention is to create an encouragement to spend time outdoors, when weather allows. The proposed extension considers elements of sustainability, community and long term use.

Massing for this phase adds another small scale volume perpendicular to the volume proposed in the phase 2. The volume added remains small in order to avoid providing too much flexible space that will go unused. Instead the new extension adds an intimate rentable area that can be used for small scale gatherings, classes, and activities with a direct link to the outdoors in warmer months. Openings will be carefully curated to maintain privacy but still allow for visitors to catch glimpse into the activity within the building behind the fins creating indirect engagement. A community garden is proposed and introduces a new user group to the existing list.

Structurally, CLT and Glulam are used as a sustainable method of construction. The angled roof allows for facilitated rainwater movement, light entering the space as well as a means of introducing natural ventilation when necessary.

The overarching ideas integrated with consideration for long term sustainability are reducing solar gain through glazing techniques, usage of rainwater harvesting, improved interior conditions experientially and thermally and more frequent use of the community garden which can find the harvested rainwater as a source.

Experientially, the proposal is intended to become a welcoming environment that attracts communal gathering and lively interactions at all times of the day for the local community.