Uncovering personal identities in Weston-Super-Mare

The retrofit is of Western Iron Foundry which operated between 1840 and 1960. Integrating the existing building layout and structure utilises an open plan warehouse space alongside existing office spaces, with structural concrete columns visible throughout the building. The strategy is to remove the internal walls apart from the protected staircase, whilst keeping the concrete frame for structural support, with all windows reaching up to the concrete beam lintel. The exterior of the building would be insulated to avoid thermal bridging and the building re-clad in a low tech, lightweight tectonic structure.

The project is divided into two individually operating functions: an art gallery and a homeless shelter. The homeless shelter entrance is through derelict flats - a discreet entrance that looks residential to maintain privacy. The art gallery entrance is on the West side of the building, visitors are greeted at reception and then enter a double height, open plan art gallery with a curtain wall aspect letting in ample light and shadows into the space.

Additionally with access to the sculptural garden that runs from the back to the front of the building. On the first floor there is a public café and seating area with a balcony overlooking the garden. There is access to the interaction room which has a natural light and shadow feature to create a peaceful space in which to dwell. A single strip of light was chosen to create a dark space that conceals identity yet directs everyone’s attention to the same place to create a sense of unity. Counselling offices occupy the other half of the floor, closed off from the public areas with only a few windows connecting the two together. This is to ensure client confidentiality and safety. These offices have circular waiting rooms that branch into the offices to act as holding spaces before entering counselling. Additionally the counselling pods have timber framed walls with a hempcrete fill due to hempcrete being a sound insulator it creates a highly private space for the clients. The lower ceiling height creates a smaller space in which to feel secure, and ‘held’.

The second floor exists independently of the art gallery, creating a private home for the residents and includes a communal roof garden as well as a communal living space with separate rooms branching off such as a snug and library. Individual accommodation units are paired and run along the south façade of the building. To maximise social interactions and encourage neighbourly relationships units are in pairs with shared entrance porches and joining gardens. Peter Barber states that “street-based housing” will help combat loneliness and isolation.