Courtyard House

The residence seeks to emulate the former earthquake damaged villa that once graced the site. The small single level scale of the proposed dwelling is deliberately unannounced from the street, yet masks a substantial 370 square metre family home. The traditional villa is unwrapped and reorganised around a central backyard that becomes the new focus of contemporary dwelling. The house forms protection from the easterly and southerly winds whilst the pitched roof screens out views from adjacent apartment blocks. This creates a private and sheltered courtyard that is the focus of family life. Contemporary detailing, coupled with use of operable screens that provide protection from the sun and privacy, reflect the repetition of line that is a defining character of historic villas that are now lost.