Swansey, Wales, United Kingdom
“The building is a sensitive albeit pure architectural form, barely visible between the hedgerows that line the entrance track and entice you toward the building,” said architect Chris Loyn.
“[It] is a home designed to enrich the lives of its users, to settle and mature within its surrounding landscape.”
Using the surrounding nature as a starting point,Cardiff-based Loyn + Co Architects, have designed a sustainable residence within an existing pine tree grove wrapped in wood, fully integrated into the local environment.
Greenery is accessible everywhere in this Welsh home – either in the form of planting, both inside and out, or the long natural views the home offers through its extensive, glazed openings.
Its floorplan arrangement allows for the creation of various courtyards and opening, which the clients, who are keen gardeners, appreciated.
Apart from the outdoor planting, there is also an enclosed winter garden, ensuring they can continue with their passion year-round, whatever the weather.
The façade cladding is made of Kebony wood, a Norwegian product created through the treatment of softwood using environmentally friendly, patented processes that allow it to be used in a similar way to hardwood – making it perfect for outdoor use.
The architects are passionate about sustainable architecture, in particular following the recent COP26 climate summit, so are committed to using products that can improve a building’s eco-credentials.
“The new home has been thoughtfully knitted into this complex site to work with the varying levels and existing beautiful trees,’ says Loyn + Co’s director James Stroud.
‘The design truly brings the outside in, not only through “inside-outside spaces” and visual links through the house to the sea beyond but through the indoor garden within the central atrium where nature is the focus. Simple measures such as bringing the Kebony cladding in and through the atrium reinforces this concept.’ Stroud continues.
Project: Private house in Swansey
Architects: Loyn + Co Architects
Client: Private
Photographers: Charles Hosea
