CASE STUDY:

Y Storfa

Since 2024, we have been working in collaboration with Kier and Swansea Council to bring the vision for Y Storfa to life. Operating in BIM Level 2, we seamlessly coordinated interior layouts with the architect and project team, from space planning and clash detection to detailed mood boards and 3D visualisations, ensuring a coherent and efficient design process.

Y Storfa has been designed as a vibrant, multi-purpose community facility, offering a central library, a bespoke children’s library, lifelong learning centre, flexible workspaces, Citizens Advice, Careers Wales, police services and other essential public services.
The project has created new jobs to boost the local economy and provided an inclusive space that supports education, wellbeing, digital inclusion and community engagement.

Our approach centered on creating a flexible and welcoming space that caters to a wide range of users. Carefully considered zoning allows for quiet study, collaborative working and informal social interaction, while maintaining a cohesive layout throughout.

A standout area is the bespoke children’s library. Designed to spark imagination, the library incorporates fun elements, sensory design, integrated seating and vibrant finishes, creating an engaging and immersive environment that encourages reading and discovery for children of all ages and abilities.

Morleys of Wales delivered a full-service FF&E solution, from interior design and furniture specification to project management and installation.

From bespoke fitted units and reception counters to loose furniture, every product was carefully selected for durability, ergonomics and visual synergy with the overall design. The result is a space that is both welcoming and inclusive for a diverse range of users.

The Swansea Hub features a thoughtfully developed colour palette designed to enhance user experience, support wellbeing and clearly define different zones within the space.

A neutral base of soft whites, light timbers and muted tones creates a calm and contemporary backdrop throughout the main library areas. This allows the space to feel open, bright and accessible, while ensuring longevity and adaptability over time.

In contrast, bold accent colours have been introduced to bring energy and identity to key areas. Rich purples and warm tones in seating and breakout spaces help to create inviting social zones, encouraging collaboration and informal interaction.

The children’s library showcases a more playful and vibrant palette, incorporating fresh greens, blues and pops of colour inspired by nature. These tones, combined with organic shapes and forms, help to create an engaging and imaginative environment that appeals to children while remaining visually cohesive with the wider hub.

Soft furnishings further enhance the palette through a mix of complementary hues, adding depth and texture without overwhelming the space. This layered approach ensures the
environment remains stimulating yet balanced.

Overall, the colour scheme plays a key role in wayfinding, atmosphere and inclusivity – supporting the Hub’s vision as a welcoming, multi-functional community space for all.

Organisation and planning during the project management phases was essential to overcome the challenging installation due to onsite restrictions with access and offloading due to the city centre location.

Y Storfa is a prime example of how thoughtful design and high-quality furniture can revitalise existing buildings into modern civic assets. This landmark project provides Swansea with a future-ready community space that will serve generations to come.

SOCIAL VALUE

Delivering social value through education projects is a key priority, creating meaningful opportunities to support and strengthen the local community.

As part of the Y Storfa project, Sian Langton, Sales Manager at Morleys of Wales, and Amanda Swoboda, Social Value Manager at Kier Construction, volunteered their time to support a food bank collection at Asda Gorseinon in aid of the Trussell Trust.

Their day involved handing out flyers to shoppers, helping to pack bags, sorting and packing donated food, and transporting supplies to the local community centre for distribution through St Catherine’s Church.

The response from the public was truly inspiring. Despite the ongoing pressures of the rising cost of living, the generosity shown by shoppers was overwhelming, with donations and support exceeding expectations. This initiative demonstrated the positive impact that collaborative community engagement can have, while reinforcing the project’s commitment to delivering lasting social value beyond the construction phase.