Attaching a modern extension to the rear of a weatherboard worker’s cottage, Eliza Blair Architecture’s Clifton Hill Courtyard House responds to its site and street frontage, while possessing the flexibility required for an evolving family.
The practice was tasked with renewing the existing home and transforming it into a master suite, plus 2 further kids bedrooms, a central bathroom and laundry. In place of a poorly executed 1980s addition to the dwelling, the clients desired an open plan living extension and garden studio.
With natural light a major cornerstone of the design brief, the home’s site did Eliza Blair no favours. Long and narrow and facing to the south, the site came with its challenges. A central courtyard was implemented, which sacrificed backyard space but increased light and created relief at the end of a hallway.
The garden studio was suggested by the practice to bring flexibility to the dwelling, while increasing privacy. Comprising an ensuite and mezzanine, the studio can be utilised in a number of ways, including as a storage space, a gym, home office, teenage retreat and bike store. A multi-purpose space located opposite the courtyard strengthens connection to nature and flexibility.
Double glazed windows and super insulated walls ensure optimal thermal performance, with passive solar design techniques and solar panels on the roof powering much of the home. A textured, lightly coloured palette extends from outside to in, with timber flooring and cladding, stone and brickwork featuring amongst the interior.
