CASE STUDY : STAFF

At Loyn & Co, an important part of the architecture produced is the working relationships and heirarchy in the studio. reflecting the open nature of the studio at Loyn & Co, there is no real staff heirarchy. Architects may have more or less experience than one another but all views and ideas are treated as equally important.

The encouragement to share ideas and colaborate between architects has helped build Loyn & Co's high standard of architecture. Ideas regarding details however big or small can be expressed between the least and the most experienced.

In the time I have spent at Loyn & Co this heirarchy has become very evident to me, as everyone around the office chips in, communicates and shares their ideas and criticisms of projects.

CASE STUDY : STUDIO

Loyn & Co's studio based practice could easily be compared to that of Cardiff university. This also reflects the practices's close relationship with cardiff university. Chris lectures there and they have a well established student work placement scheme.

This creative atmosphere provided by the studio has allowed students such as those in the picture above fit in well at Loyn & Co

The whole studio is packed with files, models and paper. Folders on projects often overlap between two desks and this helps to build the feeling that everyone is working towards a common goal.

CASE STUDY : LOYN & CO STUDIO

An environment in which to create great architecture: comparing the traditional 'office' to a studio based environment.

The layout of the Loyn & Co office is vastly differant to my pre-concived idea of an architects office. When I originally went to interview for a work experience I was unsure whether it was even an architects as it is situated in a residential house. It is this location that reflects the personal and bespoke nature of the architecture that is produced by Loyn & Co. But what are the benefits of this small scale nature versus a large, corporate office block?

This photo is a classic idea of what an architects office looks like. It is quite a contrast with Loyn & Co.



-Intergration of architects in a creative environment

The studio at Loyn & Co is geared entirely towards the process of creating personal and detailed architecture. The busy nature of having all architects based in one room creates a strong collaberative and communicative atmosphere.

-Client specific projects

The very client specific nature of the projects that Loyn & Co work on are influenced heavily by the studio. As most of the Loyn & Co clients will never have worked with an architect before, any concerns they have have to be dealt with. Loyn & Co guide the client through the build process and are able to achieve this as there are always multiple architects available. Any problems can be discussed openly between architects to be resolved swiftly.
-Communication between projects

As in most projects at Loyn & Co there are multiple architects involved, the open studio allows for problems or ideas to be addressed immediatly and worked into a design. Even at the tiniest scale, ideas such as differant light fittings or the materials used for the guttering on a project can be discussed and included in the design process. This helps foster the attention to detail and style that are a key theme in every building produced by Loyn & Co.
-Pleasant and busy atmosphere

As it is a studio and everyone is in the same room, there is a very relaxed atmoshere at Loyn & Co. There are lots of inside jokes and things everyone can immediatly relate too. This allows architects to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas on projects.

-Fosters strong friendships and working relationships

A prime example of the close friendship shared within the Loyn & Co team is the fact that they shared Christmas dinner at Chris's house. This comeradery allows for a focused approach to the architecture developed within the company.
-Keeps a level heirachy which seperate offices could not achieve

An important point to note about Loyn & Co is the lack of a heirachy or 'chain of command' in the office. This is something that Chris Loyn places much on. Even though there are varying levels of experience amoungst the architects, everyone is treated equally. This strongly aides the creative and collaberative process as no-one feels insignificant in the part they play.

CASE STUDY: TY CORNEL

Pre-application and Planning Permission

After a concept has been realised with the client, Loyn & Co will get pre application advice on the design on how they can get planning permission for it. A quantity surveyor or 'QS' is also approached to make a budget estimation on the site and the design. this initial budget will be discussed with the client and a scheme design will be drawn up to take to get planning permission.

In the case of Ty Cornell, planning permission was refused initially. Due to this, a revised scheme had to be drawn up, making the extension smaller than originally proposed.

This revised scheme was granted planning permission, with conditions that material samples of the external finishes and materials being used on the exterior of the building were submitted.

CASE STUDY: TY CORNEL

Architects from Loyn & Co visit sites whenever contractors have questions regarding the building work and to make check-ups on the progress of a project. Having the architect on site allows for any problems that arise with the construction to be swiftly dealt with.

CASE STUDY: TY CORNEL

CASE STUDY : TY CORNEL

Concepts
Quick sketches based on what the client has specified in the brief. Various designs are produced and then based on the strength of the sketches either a number of options or a single strongest design will be shown to the client. From this they will express their feelings on the design and it will be modified accordingly.

A lot of the inspiration for Loyn & Co's design concepts come from the client and what the client aims to get out of the alteration/building/extention. In the case of Ty Cornel the inspiration was the inclusion of Sophie's Mother in the family dwelling, yet have a seperate living area. Loyn & Co spend lots of time getting the basic concept suitable for the clients needs.

The inclusion of the watercolours by Chris in every projects drawings help to convey what the design will look like to the client. Compared to a site plan or a CAD design, the watercolour paintings are easy to interpret for a client with no previous experience with building plans. This is an integral part of the personal, bespoke and individual style of architecture that Loyn & Co produce.

CASE STUDY : TY CORNEL

Topographical Survey (top images)

Before any further steps take place on a project, the elevation and gradients of the site must be taken by a topographical surveyor. Loyn & Co also perform their own survey of the existing building to create a detailed plan of the structure. This will later be turned into a CAD design.

Site Images (bottom images)

During the survey, site images are taken. These are used in conjunction with the survey sketches when building up the CAD plans. They will also be used when building up possible design concepts.

Various angles of the building are photographed to build up a complete picture of the site.

CASE STUDY : TY CORNEL

Brief :

The project comprises of extension and alterations to Ty Cornel, a small stone maisons cottage in Rudry. The brief was to create a one off family home, integrating the existing cottage to become a seperate annexe for Sophie's mother, Mollie.

Mollie's section is to include Entrance Lobby, WC, lounge and kitchen/breakfast room as well as ideally a first floor bedroom and wet room.

The clients specifications include an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, 4 bedrooms and a cosy snug area. The building is to take advantage of natural light and the surrounding beautiful views of the countryside.

CASE STUDY : TY CORNEL

Ty Cornel is an ongoing project at Loyn & Co which is nearing completion. I chose this site to use as a case study as it allows insight into the building process as well as the architectural process.

As it is currently being built, there is also frequent contact between the client and Loyn & Co.

DAY 3 PHOTOGRAPHS LOYN & CO

The images show Chris at the drawing board. the detailed plans he draws are an important part of the development of a project.
The Loyn & Co studio works on multiple projects at once, keeping people busy.
As well as using CAD designs for plans, Loyn & Co prepare detailed pencil sketched plans for clients.

DAY 2 PHOTOGRAPHS LOYN & CO

The images above show different aspects from work at Loyn & Co:

• The practice has an active student work placement scheme with cardiff university, where Chris Loyn also lectures. Students are heavily involved in the design processes of projects whilst in the studio, ranging from preparing CAD designs for contracters to helping survey sites.
• At Loyn & Co the architects often work together on projects or on seperate section of a build.
• Chris prepares individual watercolour studies for every client. This reflects Loyn & Co's personal approach to each individual building project.

DAY 1 PHOTOGRAPHS LOYN & CO