High flier

A courtyard with all day sunshine and great views needs one further drawcard to make it really attractive shelter from the wind.

When Bryan Stone bought this site, he could see its potential views across the lake and towards the hills, plus a sunny hilltop position. To make the most of these features, the house was built on the front of the site, with the living areas located across one side of the house and opening out into a garden.

To create an intimate courtyard that could be used for most of the year, the outdoor space is enclosed on two sides with freestanding plastered block walls. The house provides the third wall.

"The house protects the courtyard from the wind, and the orientation of the property means it doesn't block the sun. Freestanding panels rather than a solid wall frame the courtyard, allowing more light in and creating a softer and less imposing effect."

"We now have a sheltered and private courtyard that flows out seamlessly from the open plan living area," says Stone.

A stream of water flows along the base of the wall and under a bridge supporting the outdoor fireplace, adding another dimension to the courtyard. The low maintenance garden is planted with native hebes, lancewoods and alpine grasses.

To define the seating area, a block of square paving stones in inset into the aggregate concrete. To emphasise the connection between the spaces, the same tiles are used for the floor of the living area. And with bifold doors tucking back against the side walls, the indoor and outdoor areas feel like a single large space.

"Both spaces are designed to make it easy to entertain family and friends," says Stone.

The kitchen is positioned on one side of the open-plan space, separated from the dining table by an island, which can be used as a servery. Another set of French doors opens directly from the kitchen to the courtyard.

To take maximum advantage of the views, one wall of the double-height living area is almost entirely glazed, while clerestory windows give a peep of the view from the rear of the house.

The home also includes a smaller, separate living area on the upper level, and these high windows ensure the views can be enjoyed from this area, too.

Story by: Trendsideas