THE PENCLAWDD PROJECT

3rd Jan 2011

Penclawdd is a village situated on the north of the Gower Peninsula in Swansea, Wales.

The initial purpose of this project was to incorporate a downstairs bathroom and to redesign the garden making the maximum use of sunlight.

To make the best use of the existing windows the extension will be redesign and extended the bathroom will be included and the kitchen redone, a skylight and a solar tube will also contribute to bring more light. The roof of the extension will become a decked patio allowing a connection with the first floor; it’s the first of 3 distinct outside areas.

The back garden is composed by different levels with stairs alongside the different terraces. The first small terrace is plant bed, making a visual separation between the flat roof and the second outside area. The second and main outside area is characterized by being the most private one, two L shape volumes (a raised plant bed and pergola/shed) enclose a sitting area with a fire pit in its center, creating an intimate living space. At the end of the garden is the third outside area, a decked platform at the higher point of the garden with open views over the Gower and the estuary.

WOOD 2010

20th Jun 2010

WOOD 2010, Architecture of necessity, organised by the Virserums Art Museum has sellected 40 projects from all over the world to represent the latest developments that make full use of wood as a sustainable material.

VIRSERUMS ART MUSEUM Appeal for an Architecture of Necessity

Architecture responds to the most basic needs of human beings. It provides both protection from the elements of nature as well as spaces for passion and play. Architecture marks the threshold between nature and culture - it is humankind’s foothold in the world. Architecture is the story of human lives and the development of society, of economic, social and cultural relationships.

In the media-controlled globalised society, architecture is increasingly becoming an implement for competition and the desirability of locations. Architecture becomes icons whose aim is to cause sensation. Poor city planning and property speculation result in social divisions, long journeys and waste of resources. Human construction and habitation are key causes of environmental decay and climate change. The problems are global, as is the financial crisis that has plunged the world into recession.

THE SELF-SUSTAINABLE HUT PROJECT

1st Jun 2010

The concept is to create a home that works in symbiosis with its inhabitants, sustaining each other whilst producing the minimum possible impact on its environment.

The design is based on simple principles. To fully utilise the energy provided by the sun all rooms face south, producing a long and narrow shaped building with a glazed south facade. An overhang protects the windows from the summer sun, but allows it to penetrate during the winter, minimising the necessity for heating. A row of smaller windows on the opposite facade provides cross ventilation, keeping the building fresh during the hot summer days.

A green roof keeps the inside of the building at a constant temperature and provides integration with the landscape.

The final shape of the building resembles a wave, pulling all the previous notions together.

OUR IDEOLOGY

19th Mar 2010

Sena Architects uses an architectural contemporary and innovative image in its projects, while we keep on searching for solutions and answers.

We look for a timeless and simple architecture, which embraces silence, buildings and landscapes that bring serenity to its users, but that, at the same time, adds something missing to their lives. Architecture is seen as the balance between the everyday and the exceptional, the conceptual and the pragmatic.

We also believe that the past, the tradition and its memories, should not be forgotten: it should live alongside with the present and future. Sometimes this means that we will respect existing constructions, other times Nature itself. Architecture has to respect the site and the climate of its location: the unique character of a site and a program are the starting point for a first sketch.

Our clients are the focus of our practice; they are the designers of their life and must be heard. We work side by side, providing guidance and technical support in order to turn your visions true. One of our goals is to assure that our clients are the center of their projects - for that to happen we start by getting to their needs, wishes and way of life, so we can better adapt our designs.

BIOGRAPHY

19th Mar 2010

Tatiana Sena Bento was born in Faro, south Portugal, in 1983 and decided to move to Lisbon in 2001 to study architecture. The engineering school she attended was the first in Portugal to offer a mixed-degree between architecture and engineering. The main focus was not only a strong connection with engineering - that would allow architects to better understand all parts of the building, from structure too water or ventilations systems - but also to embrace the growing need of sustainability.

Throughout four years, several subjects were approached, the main ones being: structural engineering, materials, all the networks needed for a buildings functioning, history, traditional construction systems, new technologies and urbanism. In the fifth and final year, students had a chance to choose their subject. The chosen one was ‘rehabilitations and sustainability’.

After graduation in 2006, one year’s training/experience was necessary to be accepted into the Portuguese Order of Architects. A month after, a job opportunity appeared, given by a former university professor that took an interest in the work developed during Tatiana’s degree. The collaboration with Suakay Architects started.

During that year various courses came along that widened her knowledge on other subjects such as 3D modeling and Photography.