'a rigorous uk architecture practice'

Hyde + Hyde Architects have been involved with a contemporary refurbishment in Langland Bay located on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales. The following post tracks the construction progress on an exposed site by the ocean, from early winter 2009 to spring 2010.

Photography by Hyde + Hyde.

view south from external balcony

Unrelenting wind and winter ocean swell has created a rugged landscape that is defined by castles, medieval churches, iron age fortifications and sandy beaches.

existing winter view prior to demolition

Winter shot looking from the rear balcony towards a stormy sea prior to the demolition and refurbishment.

existing view prior to refurbishment

View looking up towards the existing house prior to partial demolition and refurbishment. The existing building presents itself as a singular object. Our ambition was to create an external envelope that created moments of shelter, protection and seclusion for our clients.

existing

View of the existing abandoned interior prior to demolition.

exposed first floor plinth

As soon as the walls and roof were demolished the first floor fulfilled its ambition and transformed into a simple plinth. The next construction stage involved preparing this new plateau to accommodate a significant horizontal cantilever, giving a directional orientation to the ocean and distant horizon.

scaffolding concealing the scope of refurbishment

corner steel connection detail

steel frame assembled

The main cantilever roof of the first floor terminates after a series of spatial transitions from enclosed living space on the far right of the image, to a semi open rain canopy.

The sky frame occupies the dual role of elongating the front elevation, creating a heightened sense of drama and directional orientation, while symbolising the poetic connection between building and sky.

flat roof metal profile detail

We believe the overall success of the buildings atmosphere is achieved through the careful interplay of detail components, presented here as an honest expression in steel.  Working in close collaboration with the local roof installer to achieve the desired aesthetic solution.

roof - stud framing

standing seam installation

cantilever - sky frame

A transitional space that creates shelter terminating in a sky frame – a space to relax, open to the elements yet clearly defined within the envelope of the building.

idle rocks

The exposed steel frame is celebrated simultaneously as an efficient structural solution that also plays a fundamental role in expressing the poetic idea of connecting building to place.

In May 2010 the project was short-listed for the Royal Institute of British Architects Design Awards. If you would like to find out more information

please visit the project page.