Refurbishment

Our proposed project for Resolven is centered around preserving, strengthening, and growing the community spirit that has developed throughout the village's history of hardship. Our team has conducted extensive research into the area, focusing on the community's needs and interests.

We discovered that cycling is a popular activity in the Afan Valley, including Resolven. As such, our main program is to connect Resolven to neighboring towns through a proposed cycling track. Resolven would act as the intersection, allowing cyclists to explore the valley further while promoting the village as a cycling destination.

To further connect with a wider audience, we proposed the establishment of a podcast station as a marketing strategy. The podcast station can help to generate interest in Resolven and its attractions, particularly among former mining communities and beyond. We recognized that the older generation is a common user group for the community facilities. However, due to COVID-19, a barrier has formed between the facility and its users. We aim to attract the younger generation to ensure the preservation of Resolven's history, heritage, and community spirit.

Our team also recognized the need to improve the building's energy efficiency, so we integrated sustainable materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and Welsh slate into the design. We proposed promoting passive ventilation, secondary glazing, increased insulation, and natural lighting to enhance the building's energy

In terms of the building's design, we aimed to celebrate Resolven's heritage while embracing modern construction techniques. Our key design driver is to connect the old to the new by framing the existing structure while integrating modern construction methods to symbolize the present.

To honor the existing structure, we extracted elements from the current buildings, such as the lamp in the theater and the mesh in the projector room, to create new features like screens and doors that match the former elements. We aimed to create a cohesive design that celebrates the building's history and reinforces Resolven's identity.

Our team also planned programs for the building that would allow for activities to take place throughout the day, ensuring its sustainability. The priority of cost goes to the superstructure cost (CLT), finishes, and furnishings, which connect the old to the new in terms of materiality. While horizontal extensions for community centers typically cost around £2,756/m2, ranging from £1,955/m2 to £3,175/m2, fitting out an existing building is much less expensive, with an average cost of £1,668/m2. The cost of a new build with timber frames averages £2,900/m2, ranging from £2,587 to £3,288.

The Drift restaurant and other businesses that may operate within the building and use the facilities can also bring in some income for maintenance and running costs through the build and as long as the building is being used.

In summary, our proposed project for Resolven aims to celebrate the village's heritage, promote sustainability, connect the community, and generate economic viability. By connecting Resolven to the wider area through cycling and a podcast station, we aim to generate interest in the village and attract a wider audience. By integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient design, we aim to reduce the building's carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship. By planning programs for the building that allow for activities to take place throughout the day, we aim to ensure its sustainability.