THE STORY OF DANIEL & KELLY | NARRATIVE ARCHITECTURE

Burnley & Divorce: A Regional Crisis Daniel & Kelly’s Reconciliation Story

Burnley has the second highest divorce rate in the entirety of Lancashire at 10.33%, higher than the national average of 3%. For every 100 residents in Burnley, 10 are divorced.

Divorce And The Cost Of Living Crisis

Daniel and Kelly Live in Burnley, UK, where divorce rates are 10.3%, higher than the national average of 9.3% in 2021. This means for every 100 residents in Burnley, 10 are divorced.

Daniel and Kelly are divorced. Kelly resides in Stoneyholme with her two children Jack and Amelia, whilst Daniel lives alone in Burnham Gate.

The Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre allows Daniel to spend time with his children, Jack and Amelia. It serves as a safe haven for visitation and repairing his relationship with Kelly.

Daniel and Kelly initially hesitate to talk to each other, but as their children laugh and play, the tension eases, and they start interacting with each other through their children, facilitated by the buildings activity walls.

Least Deprived

More Deprived

Relative Level of Deprivation 2021

In a report conducted by the Lancashire city council in 2021 using the English indices of deprivation, Burnley is classified as the most deprived town in Lancashire. This existing deprivation, alongside the present cost of living crisis puts further strain onto families, leading to higher levels of divorce and family separation.

As Jack and Amelia join the other children in the building to play, Daniel and Kelly decide to go upstairs to the reflection garden. This peaceful space allows them to have a private conversation about their relationship.

Daniel and Kelly openly express their regret over the way their marriage ended. They both acknowledge the importance of raising their children in a nuclear family and are willing to take gradual steps towards reconciliation.

As the day winds down, Daniel lovingly embraces his children and bids them farewell. Just as he is about to leave, Kelly expresses her enjoyment of the day and suggests the possibility of arranging similar gettogethers on a weekly basis. She appreciates seeing Daniel actively engaged in playing with the children once again.

After several visits, Daniel and Kelly rekindle their relationship, breathing new life into it. Kelly agrees to let Daniel move back home and help raise their children, allowing them to live together as a nuclear family once more.

Transition Through Materiality

The interplay of materiality in the delicate transition between the outer and inner spaces embodies the transformative journey of family reconciliation. It captures the profound transition from the shadowy depths of solitude and isolation to the sacred embrace of sanctuary. The sombre facade tantalises, stirring an irresistible longing for the luminous interior, where tranquillity reigns in the absence of turmoil.

BY DAY, BY NIGHT

Through artful juxtapositions of natural and artificial light, along with generous open spaces, a profound symbiosis between humanity and nature emerges, beckoning individuals to delve into deep contemplation. Within these serene havens, couples find solace and a momentary respite to introspect, reflect, and engage in earnest dialogue to mend and enhance their relationships. The very architecture of these spaces serves as a catalyst, evoking a powerful emotional connection, and nurturing an atmosphere ripe for reconciliation.

A Carbon Negative Material Palette

Adopting a circular economies perspective, a simplified and minimal palette of materials offers several benefits. This approach reduces the distance required to transport materials, which in turn leads to a decrease in embodied carbon. Furthermore, the use of mass timber construction promotes carbon negative design through carbon sequestration. By adopting this approach, the design aims to enhance the ecological state of the site and aligns with the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide. Overall, this approach supports a regenerative and locally-centric approach to construction that prioritises environmental sustainability.

Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre

Timber Cladding

Locally Sourced Sitka Spruce

Windows

Ecosense Glass Triple Glazed

Window Frame

Recyled Aluminium Frame

Black Falun Pigment

Applied Over Timber Cladding

Alternative to Charring

Sheathing

18mm OSB Panel

Ashcrete

Activity Walls

Sustainable Concrete Alternative

Primary Structure

Cross Laminated Timber Internal Wall Finish

Locally Sourced Prefabricated Panels

Knotted Cedar Locally Sourced Planter Boxes

Floor Finish

White Stained Cork

Insulation

Wood FIbre Based Insulation

Locally Sourced

CONSTRUCTION & BUILDUP

A crafted sectional perspective that showcases the architectural intricacies and technical details, while a physical model of the climbing wall brings the design to life. This captivating synthesis embodies the fusion of creativity and precision, demonstrating the seamless integration of form and function in the buildings structure.

1. EPDM Roof Membrane

2. 200mm Wood Fibre Insulation

3. Timber Roof Joists

4. Insulation

Between Joists

5. 200mm CLT Structure

6. Suspended Ceiling Roof Joists

7. 25mm Stained Cork Ceiling

8. Aluminium Roof Flashing

9. Sitka Spruce Cladding

10. Horizontal

Battens

11. Vertical Counter

Battens

12. Breather Membrane

13.18mm OSB Sheathing

14. 200m Wood Fibre Insulation

15. Vapour Control

16. 200m Structural

Climbing Wall Section

1:5 Physical Tactile Model

17. 12mm Stained Cork Floor

18. 200mm Wood Fibre Insulation

19. Suspended Timber Floor

23. 25mm Stained

1:5 Physical Tactile Model

Environmental Strategies

The environmental strategy is rooted in the principles espoused by the RIBA sustainable outcomes, deftly amalgamating methodologies to not only minimise embodied and operational carbon but also achieve carbon negativity and passivhaus design methodologies, thereby establishing itself as an exemplar of environmental stewardship. In addition to its commendable environmental performance, the edifice places a paramount emphasis on advancing health and well-being, fashioning a reconciliation hub that resonates at the very core of Burnley, prioritising the needs and aspirations of the community above all else.

MVHR system provides sustainable ventilation

Solar shades reduce overheating and provide user comfort

Utilising local materials to reduce carbon miles

Designing for the deconstruction of building elements

Burnley Family Reconciliation Centre

Designing for universal inclusivity and accessibility

Design spaces with good indoor daylighting

Create Places for social interaction

Create Secure places with overlooking views

Use of Solar energy to avoid fossil fuel usage

Use of energy efficient appliances to lower energy usage

Net Zero Operational Carbon

Using mass timber construction to create carbon negative structures

Net Zero Embodied Carbon

Prioritising post life reuse of building materials

Provide Indoor and outdoor planted spaces

Good Health & Well-being

Design spaces with good indoor air quality

Create Secure spaces for privacy

Sustainable Communities & Social Value

Provide high quality links to social amenities