Buckhaven Remains, Material Circularity + Reuse
This project focuses on the regeneration of the deprived mining community of Buckhaven, Fife, in Scotland. The community suffered economic decline following the closure of the Wellesley coal mine, which had once been a significant source of wealth. The proposed intervention seeks to address the afterlife of the abandoned mine site and reconnect the community with the waterfront. The core objective is to establish a deep relationship with the ground and reinstate the lost connection between the local community and the water's edge. The architectural response includes the construction of a public building that provides safe, warm, and multifunctional spaces for the community to retreat. In line with sustainable principles and the circular economy, the project emphasizes the reuse of second-hand materials to minimize the carbon footprint and avoid steel altogether. By integrating these materials, the architectural language harmonizes with the site's ground, creating an extension of the landscape. The project's broader vision encompasses social regeneration, aiming to bridge the gap between the community's past and present. Through a comprehensive program, the community center incorporates educational facilities, safe outdoor spaces, community gardens, a café, and multifunctional spaces. This program fosters inclusivity and engages multiple generations, blurring the lines of disconnect and revitalizing the community's spirit. By reclaiming and repurposing the site's history, such as incorporating concrete vaults made from reclaimed materials, the project acknowledges the community's mining heritage. This approach integrates the past into the present and contributes to a sense of place and identity.