Melburnian architecture firm Edwards Moore’s insertion of two internal courtyard gardens into the existing fabric of a small and narrow urban house might at first seem counter intuitive. With limited already, does it make sense to carve more out?
Designed to distribute daylight and ventilation evenly through the difficult-to-reach areas of a long and narrow site (13 by 75 feet) of a former worker’s cottage in Fitzroy, Melbourne, the two garden courtyards pull off a difficult feat. The large glass doors create an additional circulation zone throughout the courtyards while allowing continuous through views as well, making the seemingly connected spaces seem bigger than they actually are. Clever and ingenious? We think so.
Photography by Fraser Marsden via The Frame.
Above: Light is drawn into the living room through a window to the first courtyard. The open bookcases are reminiscent of wood framing.
Above: The fireplace mantel is a reminder of the cottage's past.
Above: Large full height glass doors open out into the first courtyard.
Above: Access to the bedroom beyond is either through the naturally lit hall or the courtyard.
Above: A raw, unfinished aesthetic runs throughout the house, underlining the continuity of the spaces.
Above: A brass backsplash behind the sink brings unexpected glamor to the kitchen.
Above: A through view from the back of the house to the front is open, airy, and light-filled.
Above: With borrowed light and space from the garden courtyard, the bedroom and hall feel bigger.
Above: Concrete floors complete the raw and unfinished aesthetic.
Above: The bedroom doors open straight onto the courtyard garden.
Above: A three-dimensional model illustrates the series of the spaces and the interrelationship between the interior and exterior spaces.
Did you notice the brass backsplash Edwards Moore used in the kitchen? See 91 more examples of how brass is used in interiors in our Gallery of rooms and spaces or 5 Favorites: Brass Faucets for the Kitchen.