THE SUN ROOM
A Mental Health Space in Swindon’s
Historic Engine House
The Engine House: An Industrial Legacy
The Engine House, built in 1844, originally served as the headquarters for the Great Western Railway (GWR) and was a key industrial hub in Swindon, alongside the development of the railway village. Its strategic location made it one of the most significant sites in GWR’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution. The building was expanded into a four-storey structure in 1903 to accommodate drawing offices for the workforce residing in the railway village (Baker, 2020).
However, as GWR’s influence in Swindon declined, the Engine House eventually ceased operations in 1986. In recognition of its architectural and historical importance, the building was designated as Grade II listed in 1895. Today, the building functions as office space for Historic England, serving the adjacent Archive Building.
The Engine House: The Current Use
Currently, The Engine House in Swindon is primarily used by Historic England and English Heritage as office space and archival storage. It houses the Historic England Archive, which includes a public reference library, photographic conservation labs, darkrooms, and workspaces. Its main role is as a heritage research and documentation facility. Despite its impressive size and historical significance, the Engine House is not open to the general public on a regular basis, and most of its facilities are used internally. There is limited visitor engagement or community use. Parts of the building may sit idle or be used solely for storage, which limits public awareness and appreciation of the site.
This building holds the potential to become a dynamic and engaging space at the heart of Swindon, celebrating its architectural and historical importance while revitalising the surrounding area.
Historic Timeline
The central Engine Works Building for the Great Western Railway was completed, housing the Chief Mechanical Engineers Office.
1844
A fourth storey was added to the building to accommodate increased demand for office space to work.
1903
1840
Swindon was recommended to Isambard Kindgom Brunel by Daniel Gooch, a newly appointed 21-yearold Superintendant.
1870
The site was expanded with the construction of a three-storey building, offering general office space and well-lit, spacious drawing offices for the workforce.
1985
On June 10th, the Engine House was officially designated a Grade II listed building, recognising its historical and architectural significance.
With the gradual decline of the GWR’s role in Swindon, the Engine Works officially ceased operations.
The refurbished Engine Works building began serving new purposes, housing facilities such as a library, search rooms, dark rooms, photographic conservation labs and meeting rooms.
The building’s upper floors are currently being used as offices with some derelict spaces that need redevelopment. This project plans to create a new idea for some of these spaces.
1896 1994 Present
1992
English Heritage acquired the Engine Works building, which was extensively restored with bespoke windows fitted to reduce railway noise.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic caused some amenities in the building to be shut down, including the cafe. This caused a need for a new space.
Site Analysis: Wider Swindon
View of building
Site Analysis: Railway Village
User Profiles
USER 1
Age: 18 Gender: Male
Occupation:
Student at New College Swindon
Accommodation:
Theobald St, Swindon
About:
I’m an 18-year-old student at New College, working hard to keep up with my studies while managing the challenges of depression and anxiety. Finding a quiet, focused space to complete my studies is a struggle at home so I’m often looking for a secluded spot where I can concentrate and stay on track. Creating a balanced, supportive study routine is my goal and I hope to find a space that helps me focus and achieve my best.
Age: 35 Gender: Female
USER 2
USER 3
Age: 66 Gender: Male
Occupation: Full-Time work
Accommodation: Cardean House
About:
I’m a 35-year-old working professional living at Cardean House, just across the bridge. After long work days, I sometimes feel the need for connection and a friendly space to unwind. I’m looking for a cosy spot nearby where I can grab a coffee, relax, and have a chat with others from my community. Having a place to decompress and share a conversation at the end of the day would be the perfect way to end my day.
Occupation:
Works at the Heritage England Archive Building
Accommodation:
Richards Close, Royal Wootton Bassett
About:
I’m 66 and work at the Historic England Archive Building, where I spend most days in a quiet office environment. Since the on-site café closed a few years back, I’ve often found myself eating lunch at my desk, but I’d love a place nearby where I can enjoy a meal and chat with others. A space to break away from work, have a proper lunch, and share a conversation would bring a welcome change to my day.
Design Proposal
Site Observations
A site visit revealed that there are facilities that employees require but currently lack:
The café, which was closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, leaving workers without a designated eating area.
The existing mental health space is small and clinical in appearance, and workers have requested significant improvements.
Community Context & Needs
The Engine House is strategically located:
The existing mental health space
• Within the Swindon Railway Village, a historic area undergoing regeneration.
• Adjacent to Cardean House and close to the Chain Testing House, now used as residential flats.
• Within walking distance of Swindon Train Station, making it easily accessible.
Recent research from the Wiltshire Community Foundation reveals:
“13 areas in Wiltshire rank among the most deprived 10% in England for mood and anxiety disorders.” (Wiltshire and Swindon Sport, n/a)
Design Response: The Sun Room - A Well-being Hub for the Community
In response to the clear need for well-being-focused spaces, the Engine House proposal introduces a dedicated well-being hub. This space is designed to foster community connection and support mental health through a restorative environment offering workshops, resources, and opportunities for personal and social enrichment. This proposal aims to:
• Support mental health through inclusive, restorative design.
• Create a flexible space offering workshops, resources, and community-driven events.
• Promote social connection, following the ‘Five Ways to Well-being’ framework (Swindon Gov, n/a):
Connect
Key Features
Contributes to the Railway Village project
Well-being, functionality and sustainability Collaborating with local artists and businesses Preserving historical and architectural heritage
Removal of the carpet revealing a glass and timber floor
Addition of mezzanine to the East/West side
Reinstatement of the original connecting bridge Addition of wayfinding signage to The Sun Romm
Local Linking Charities
CALM is a UK charity focused on suicide prevention and supporting those facing life’s challenges, especially young men. Its mission aligns with The Sun Room, as both aim to reduce isolation, promote well-being, and provide supportive spaces for mental health.
Swindon Mind is a local charity supporting mental health and well-being in the Swindon area through advice, stigma reduction, and resource access. In partnership with The Sun Room, it shares a focus on accessible care, prevention, and empowering individuals to maintain mental wellness.
Lift Psychology Swindon is an NHS service offering accessible, evidence-based mental health support, with a focus on early intervention. Aligned with The Sun Room, both emphasise approachable, preventative care, with The Sun Room drawing inspiration from Lift’s therapeutic methods.
Floor Plans
The Communal Zone
Bespoke Private Pods
The Quiet Zone
The Cafe
Cafe Bar Lift/Stairway
Floor Plans
Focused Seating
Wayfinding Path
Private Pods
Relaxed Seating
Social Seating
Lift
The Communal Zone
As the first space visitors encounter in The Sun Room, the Communal Zone sets the tone for creativity, connection, and well-being. This lively, multifunctional area offers a variety of wellness workshops, activities, and a gallery space where individuals can showcase their personal work.
Designed to be the heart of the environment, the Communal Zone encourages interaction and exploration. A bespoke central element provides flexible seating options that invite people to gather, relax, or engage in activities at their own pace. Whether you’re looking to socialise, take part in a workshop, or simply take a moment to pause, this space offers a place for everyone.
For those who may find the energy of the Communal Zone overwhelming, a lift offers direct access to the quieter mezzanine level above - ensuring accessibility and comfort for all.
Watercolour visual to express the emotional function
The Mezzanine
Overlooking the vibrant Communal Zone, the Mezzanine offers a calm and focused retreat - an ideal contrast to the activity below. Bathed in natural light from the large skylight above, this elevated space promotes a sense of openness and clarity.
Bespoke pods create intimate pockets for quiet work, reflection, or private conversation. Thoughtfully designed panelling provides visual privacy from the floor below, allowing users to feel comfortably tucked away while still connected to the atmosphere of The Sun Room.
The Mezzanine features a variety of seating options to support different needs - whether for focused work, casual socialising, or quiet relaxation. Accessibility is a key part of the design, with lift access from the entrance and quiet zone ensuring the space is welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
This elevated perspective invites users to observe the communal energy without being immersed in it - offering a sense of belonging, even from a distance.
The Quiet Zone
Situated just beyond the Communal Zone, the Quiet Zone offers a gentle shift in atmosphere - a calm, focused environment designed for rest, reflection, and privacy. This space features a series of private pods that can be used for individual work, quiet thought, or personal conversations.
Bespoke wooden panelling creates a subtle sense of enclosure, helping to soften noise and provide visual separation from the livelier areas. Above, a plant-covered roof introduces natural texture and warmth, while also offering privacy from the mezzanine level, reinforcing the zone’s peaceful character.
Balancing openness with retreat, the Quiet Zone encourages users to take a moment for themselves - whether to focus, unwind, or simply breathe. It’s a space that supports personal wellbeing within the larger rhythm of The Sun Room.
Privacy Quiet Sensory
The Cafe
After passing through the Quiet Zone, visitors enter the Café - a warm, welcoming space designed for both connection and relaxation. At its centre, a bespoke bar element offers a variety of food options and has been thoughtfully designed for accessibility, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy the space.
Parametric panelling brings a sense of movement and flow, guiding people intuitively through the café. A mix of seating areas supports different needs - whether you’re looking to socialise, get some work done, relax in a sensory-friendly corner, or enjoy a bit of privacy.
Natural light fills the space, complemented by biophilic design elements that create a calm, grounding atmosphere. Even within the liveliness of the café, the use of bespoke furniture helps carve out quieter, more private zones.
The Café encourages conversation and connection, making it an important part of The Sun Room’s ethos - where community, comfort, and inclusivity come together.
Get in Touch
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millie.wilkins@live.com
Room for more is an interior design practice built on the belief that spaces should evolve with us - thoughtfully, soulfully, and sustainably. Rooted in a people-centred approach, every project begins with deep listening and ends with places that feel welcoming, loved, and full of possibility.
From adaptive reuse to bespoke detailing, Room for More reimagines interiors through a creative lens, often bending the brief to bring out what others might overlook. Projects sit at the intersection of beauty and responsibility - where adaptability meets artistry, and sustainability is embedded, not added on.
This project is no exception. With bold bespoke interventions and a fresh take on convention, it reflects commitment to crafting spaces that are not only functional, but alive with personality.
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There’s always room for more creativity.
The Sun Room, located on the second floor of Swindon’s historic Engine House, is designed as a welcoming environment for connection, calm, and support. It offers a space to take a break, access mental health resources, and engage with a wider community. Developed with links to local charities, The Sun Room provides a range of services to support individual mental health journeys.
Features Include:
• A variety of activities and well-being workshops
• Quiet, private pods for reflection or focused work
• A relaxed area for socialising with food and drinks
• Access to group and one-on-one mental health support
“Honouring the past, shaping the future - rooted in heritage, growing with community.”
Millie Wilkins