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Swansea

New Build, Sited in AONB
Roderick James Architects LLP , Discovery House , Steamer Quay Road , TOTNES , Devon , TQ9 5AL , United Kingdom
This contemporary low-lying replacement house is a masterclass in subtle integration with the protected landscape. Much of its mass is concealed below ground, allowing the structure to nestle discreetly into the rolling terrain of the Gower Peninsula. From the approach, the building appears modest and grounded, its green roof and earth-toned materials blending seamlessly with the surrounding heath and coastal flora. Yet upstairs, the living spaces open dramatically to the horizon. Expansive glazing frames panoramic views of the Gower coastline, flooding the interiors with natural light and forging a strong connection between inside and out. The upper level is designed for openness and flow, with minimal partitions and a restrained palette that echoes the tones of sand, sea, and sky. A series of dry-stone walls running across the site create a clarity and order to the steep topography, whilst these hard stone walls are then softened by a planting scheme that will mature over time, ultimately concealing and disguising these surfaces. The Cabin is an nZEB (net zero energy building), which means it produces the same amount of energy annually as it uses.