The case of the dissolving courtyard

Designed by McMahon and Nerlich

From the architects:

The core concept of this cottage renovation was placing a raking Barestone-clad box sloping down north-to-south onto the tiny south-facing, mews-like site – hugging a new internal courtyard with cathedral-ceiling kitchen on the south boundary, that somehow, against the odds, floods the home with natural north daylight. 

The ‘dissolving’ courtyard doors are innovatively detailed, creating one large and enhanced living space.

A 'less-is-more' philosophy

Principles were based on a reduced material palette, retaining as much of the original heritage cottage brickwork as possible and a commitment to sustainable yet beautiful material choices with a 'less-is-more' philosophy. 

Our solution to celebrate the exposed timber structure not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also introduces a parallax effect – adding depth and dynamism to the interior spaces. 

This structural choice ties seamlessly with the central courtyard doors, where timber materiality is integrated to visually connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Courtyard as focal point

The courtyard, strategically positioned to unlock natural light in a south-facing orientation, becomes a focal point. 

Literally the essence of indoor-outdoor, a series of sliding and stacking doors that define the courtyard are detailed to move completely out of the way, creating one generous space.

The owner wanted to keep it simple, had a very restricted budget, and loved our ideas about timber but needed high reflectively in the walls for her eyesight, which the parallax effect of exposed ceiling structure, combined with the other timber elements, provided.

Complex constraints – clever solutions

The design resolves complex constraints with innovative solutions: maximising sunlight with the ‘dissolving courtyard’; integrating sustainable practices like high insulation and solar power; and ensuring accessibility and comfort through universal design principles.

Innovative sustainability is merged with practical design

Sunlight is optimised through the courtyard, highlight windows and skylights, a transformational effect for this formerly south-facing dwelling. 

Materials were specified as low-carbon or FSC-certified.

High thermal efficiency, optimised cross-ventilation, and effective zoning were critical. 

Sustainable technologies, like in-slab heating, smart blinds and night-cooling, enhance comfort while minimising energy use and operational costs.

Maximising sunlight and views

The upper level features a streamlined form that maximises natural light and views. 

Its composition includes a roof garden and subtle architectural elements – creating a visually appealing yet functional space that integrates seamlessly with the building’s overall design.

Finally, the ‘timber’ interior design transcends its components, offering a cohesive and innovative solution that embodies a holistic timber experience, and addressing practical and aesthetic challenges. (Together with demonstrating extraordinary technical skill above and beyond the builders' normal trades.)

Limitations into opportunities

This project reflects how meticulous design can transform limitations into opportunities.

The project successfully fell within the limitations of budget, and the compact single-bedroom cottage site; demonstrating what is possible when you take the elements you can afford – timber structure, joinery, natural light, and dissolving courtyard doors – and weave them together, working to create magic in the resolution.

Contributing to the local context

The ‘raking box/dissolving courtyard’ is an overwhelmingly successful and positive contribution to the local context, engaging with the heritage mews-like street contexts and roofscapes, and acknowledged by the planners as an exemplar project

Story by: Trendsideas