'Crumlin Craft'
May 2024
Project Brief
In my second year at university, I collaborated with Architecture and ADT students on a live brief for Crumlin Craft, a new microbrewery located just outside Newport. Set within a historic coal house, the project aimed to honour the building’s industrial past while introducing a vibrant new use.
The design included a working brewery, retail shop, and flexible seating areas for food, drink, and events. We focused on creating a space that supported the local community through job creation and tourism, with added income from branded merchandise and online sales.
This project allowed me to explore adaptive reuse, community-focused design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a real-world context.
About The Project
'When passion meets precision'
'At Crumlin Craft Beers, every batch is brewed with care, creativity, and consistency. Our brewing process is a true blend of tradition and innovation, starting with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and guided by a commitment to flavour and balance. From the careful selection of hops and grains to the timed fermentation process, each step is precisely managed to ensure a rich, full-bodied taste. We experiment with small-batch flavours while maintaining a core range that reflects our identity and community roots, making every pint a result of passion refined by practice.'
'Beyond the craft itself, the brewing process is designed to drive local economic growth. By keeping production in-house and sourcing ingredients from regional suppliers, Crumlin Craft Beers supports local jobs and reduces the supply chain's length. Our beers will generate revenue through on-site sales, partnerships with local pubs and restaurants, and limited-edition releases that create seasonal buzz. The brewery also serves as a cultural draw, hosting events, tastings, and workshop, which opens up additional streams of income while building strong connections with the local community.'
The Space
My part of the project focused on designing the breakaway space and the café-pub. As shown on the floor plans, the public enters through a welcoming entrance into a spacious bar area that strikes a balance between industrial character and warmth and comfort. A key feature of the design is the large internal windows that offer clear views through to the brewery itself, creating a visual connection between the brewing process and the drinking experience. This transparency not only adds atmosphere but also invites visitors to engage more deeply with the craft behind each pint, turning the space into more than just a pub, it's an immersive, community-focused experience.
Details
The bar sits at the heart of the café-pub, acting as both a functional centrepiece and a social anchor within the space. Designed to draw people in, it blends robust, industrial materials with carefully considered architectural details that reflect the identity of Crumlin Craft Beers. These images highlight key elements of the bar’s construction, from the layered textures and integrated lighting to the custom shelving and locally sourced finishes. Every detail was chosen to enhance the user experience, creating a space that feels both handcrafted and refined, while remaining practical for high-volume service.
