swansea heads house

Under Construction

2021 - 2024

The design was informed by the clients’ desire for an open, welcoming,  simplistic form that takes advantage of views over the rugged coastline across Swansea Heads and provides a flexible refuge from the harsh coastal conditions. The diagram of the design shows two formalised pavilions, joined in unison by an operable awning/screen that covers the hallway and opens out towards a spacious, levelled courtyard. The form of either pavilion mimics the direction of the headland breezes, allowing for wind to pass over the roof and provide comfort within the courtyard. 

The palette of colours followed a sentiment-led approach, where each colour closely mirrored the immediate coastal surrounds. The red brick imitates the earth upon the headland as the dark block-work references the coal that is scattered throughout the open cliff faces. 

Notably, an operable awning ensures a covered seating area the encourages solar heat gain during the winter months, and for courtyard breezes to enter either pavilion during the summer months. At the Swansea Heads House, these fundamental design processes allow for architecture to be skilfully embedded within its oceanside site.