Private Residence Swansea

by Loyn + Co Architects

Client Private client

Award RSAW Welsh Architecture Award 2022

The judges were bowled over by the spectacular location within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), high up on the coastline offering views to the sea and with a magnificent stand of mature pine trees within the garden. This is a replacement house which is larger and relocated forward in the site to maximise on the sea views. It is a steeply sloping site which is both a challenge in terms of access and buildability and an opportunity for the house to sit back and hug the landscape and embrace the varying levels. Its broken building line, which steps back and then up to the glazed atrium and upper-level main bedroom, along with its largely timber clad Kebony façade, means that from the wider views, the house blends well into the landscape and is concealed further by the pine trees in its foreground.

There is a good sense of arrival with a transition from the recessed stone clad lower entrance hall up to a light washed, double height atrium containing an internal garden planted with small trees and palms. This is the centrepiece of the house and very much meets the client's brief who are keen gardeners. The main kitchen and living space leads off the atrium to extend out to the garden and it is from here that you can really enjoy the south facing sea views.

The internal layout follows a simple, linear plan with rooms feeding off a central corridor. This arrangement is animated by the double height garden and ability to open up rooms to the main circulation space via sliding doors which offers a sense of fluidity and openness and gives flexibility, with the ability to close them off for privacy. The large glazed areas are located around the atrium, to windows facing out to the sea and contribute hugely to creating a light filled house with the landscaped planting enjoyed both inside and out. The owners speak appreciatively of the house and love what the architects have achieved for them.

Contractor company name Bradbar Ltd

Structural Engineers Vale Consultancy

Environmental / M&E Engineers WSP

Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Richard Parfitt Associates