Experiential

'The project focuses on the redevelopment of the Resolven Miners Welfare main entrance which has left much of the building derelict due to ongoing health and safety issues that deemed the entrance to be unsafe.

The scheme has placed emphasis on the retention of the historic character of the main entrance, an element that has undergone many iterations over its lifetime due to short-funded maintenance and repair works. The scheme seeks to expose the existing brickwork, alleviating it from the deteriorating render, whilst redefining the building’s art deco past-time through meticulous detailing and fenestration works entering a new phase for the external

The internal fabric has been completely overhauled; the provision of a new sustainable, structurally independent component forms a unique relationship with the retained exposed brickwork shell. There is a clear distinction between the new and the old, the self-supported structure remains separated from the old masonry walls, whilst a contrast of materiality further develops the narrative.
It explored the scope for the transformation of the derelict entrance into a new experiential journey, developing an inclusive user hub to bring the community together once again. The space will become the heart of the building for circulation, both horizontal and vertical, a place for reflection, integration, and collaboration at key

The main entrance foyer has been designed to convey a sense of reflection on the miner's past. The user is able to learn about the building and the wider communities past, whilst standing within an architecturally crafted space that has manipulated lighting and materiality to provoke thought and insinuate the communities past-time coal mining industry.

The cantilevered staircase floats seamlessly away from the existing masonry wall, this provides a clear distinction between the new and old, allowing light to penetrate down the masonry wall through the floorplate. The atmosphere reflects the present day, with a lighter spacious tone through the change in materiality and lighting. The voids present an opportunity to express the past time below and the future above.

The second floor seeks to explore a brighter sustainable future for Resolven’s community industry, one that will stand in place of the coal mining past, and present economic opportunities to make the dormant settlement thrive once again. The timber structure is designed to draw the user towards the sky, whilst allowing natural lighting to flood across the floorplate below.

The scheme’s success has relied upon the integration and experimentation of key materiality changes throughout the scheme whilst also manipulating both natural and artificial lighting across the floorplates to evoke the desired effect and transition of space.