Lau Sun House
Scott Kyson - United Kingdom
Scott Kyson Biography
Scott Kyson established his London practice Kyson in 2004.
Before moving to London, he began his career working and studying for an apprenticeship in architecture - learning the traditional art of drawing and the skill of detailing. During this period a foundation of rigour, proportion and rationale would be laid that would eventually underpin his passion for design.
Having spent extensive periods in the far-East, Scott has developed an affection for the deep-rooted relationships between traditional, vernacular architecture and culture; in particular the connections between people, rituals and nature that are played out on ethereal backdrops of light, shadow and materials.
This cultural experience combined with his passion for contextual design and schooling in proportion formed the idiom for his practice. Even today, the themes continue to resonate through his projects; with his architecture providing dramatic stages for everyday life in varying backdrops from gritty urban residential to bespoke and restrained, high-end opulence.
His passion for architecture, alongside an understanding of market conditions has also ensured that his role runs far beyond the traditional sense; from pre-conception consultancy to an active role in the development and progression of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.
Scott's works have received critical acclaim and have been extensively published in leading architectural publications.
Lau Sun House
The site is situated between a 1980’s council estate and a Victorian conservation area in Hackney, East London. It originally formed part of the rear garden of a Victorian terrace which had been earmarked for a double garage utilising access from the council’s private estate road. The site was overgrown and overlooked on all four sides including, on one side, a run down playground that encouraged vagrancy. At merely 75m.sq; size and privacy formed the main design challenges.
The massing, form and articulation of the building have been informed by the immediate context and proximity of the neighbours. On two sides, the walls of the house have been pulled away from the boundaries to form external courtyards sheltered by a robust wall of slate brick which have been reclaimed from the wastage of a roof tile factory. Adjacent to the playground a two storey oak louvred screen wraps the courtyard and house, discreetly providing both security and privacy - whilst allowing sunlight to penetrate and give a wonderful quality of shadow play. The rear boundary of the site is formed from a 7m high white wall that stretches the width of the plot, shielding the interior and courtyards from road noise. Within this wall various storage spaces and a sculpted aperture for bamboo are contained.
Within the envelope of the external boundary, the internal arrangement has been organised around a double height slot which cuts through the mass and houses a monolithic stone staircase, this sets the tone for elemental grandeur unexpected in a house so small.
Inspired by Japanese Ryokan, the courtyards at Lau Sun House are peaceful retreats designed for relaxation and contemplation. Minimal planting creates a serene atmosphere that is conveyed to the interior spaces through full-height glazed sliding doors. By containing the views within the site’s architecture, the treetops and the sky; a sense of calm and escapism from the gritty urban context is achieved.
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