Connection

Resolven’s export of over 200,000 tons of coal would not have been possible without the Neath canal. The canal was man-made, built in the 1600s and later restored in the 1900s as it fell into disrepair when the railways appeared. The modes of transport that cemented Resolven’s mining history were facilitated through Timber (it was the material used to create of the first windways to connect mines to the canal, Timber locks, and rails for the railway).
Key design aims included:

• Providing an adaptive community space that can be used by all,
• Creating a light and informal space that feels inviting.
• Providing a feasible structural solution,
• Utilising the garden space to its full potential in supporting the kitchen and community

The vision was to provide a community-led space that facilitates connection on all levels whilst being technically competent and socially sustainable.

As a key theme of this proposal is connection the roof connections were further explored by detail modelling and assessed on their ability to add rhythm and atmosphere whilst drawing the user to appreciate timber as material. It was important that the timber connections were clean and primarily traditional where possible.

Further, to provide the opportunity for better connections and all users the kitchen was designed to be fully accessible along with the inclusive toilet provisions. The café space is deliberately on the smaller side with around 25 covers at any one time, this is to provide the domestic type of scale as identified through previous precedent. However, it is worth noting that the garden also provides a space to serve food and the café can also provide a takeaway service for coffee and cake, so to be more financially sustainable.

Another key point of connection in the design is the relationship between the proposed new build and Chwarae space. This is a point of change from the group stages with the removal of the internal glazed wall. By having a door instead, it facilitates material connection between the new and existing space through brick slips whilst providing the correct thermal breakage between the two spaces. The insulated partition wall also provides acoustic separation between new and old, allowing the Chwarae to be lively and loud whilst the café retains its soft and approachable atmosphere. Further I have designed the Chwarae so that it may now be divided into two spaces through a movable partition wall to enable multiple groups to use it at once.

The proposed new build has strong links with the garden, as it has been designed to produce produce for the café that can then be sold or used to teach the community in a class setting. The garden acts as another space for groups and generations to come together and is designed to be adapted in future by its users. It was determined that the café should have strong visual links to the garden with large windows providing natural lighting and further visual connection. The transition from the street to the café kitchen draws the user through the experience of seeing the produce from the ground to the kitchen. It unifies the existing landscape and draws the user to the café space at the rear, connecting passers-by with the community that tends the space.

It is envisaged that the spaces over time will be adapted through the user’s taking ownership over it. The space is open to all to appreciate the human interface of timber and the value of connection within the community.