Courtyard House is a 10,000 square foot contemporary residence organized around a central open-air courtyard that functions as the heart of the home. Conceived as a house for gathering and entertaining, the courtyard operates as an outdoor living room—an extension of the interior spaces that blurs the boundary between inside and outside. Framed by full-height glazing on all sides, the courtyard introduces daylight deep into the plan while creating a protected and intimate landscape at the center of the house.

The design embraces a philosophy of slow discovery, where the architecture gradually reveals itself through a sequence of layered spaces and shifting perspectives. Upon arrival, visitors enter through an intricately carved artisan doorway into an expansive, double-height foyer flooded with natural light. A dramatic angled feature wall anchors the space, terminating in a quiet water element that introduces movement and reflection at the base of the entry.

The house is organized around two primary wings—public and private—separated by the foyer. The public wing is designed for entertaining and social gatherings. A two-storey office connects to a series of formal spaces including a sunken living room and dining area that engage directly with the outdoor courtyard landscape

At the heart of the home, the family living area overlooks a dramatic triple-height space where a continuous curtain wall brings daylight deep into the basement level. This vertical openness reinforces the sense of connection across floors and allows views between the main living areas, upper levels, and the courtyard garden. Large sliding glass walls dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing gatherings to extend seamlessly outdoors.

The kitchen is conceived as both a social and functional hub. A clean, sculptural primary kitchen faces the courtyard, while a concealed butler’s kitchen provides additional preparation space and direct access to the oversized garage, allowing large gatherings to be accommodated without disrupting the primary living spaces.

The second floor is designed as a series of interconnected. Strategic cutouts and overlooks create visual connections between levels, allowing light and activity to filter through the house. The upper level is divided into two wings linked by a bridge, connecting the primary suite to the secondary bedrooms organized around a shared lounge.

Materiality throughout the house balances warmth with restraint. Moments of crafted detail—including carved architectural elements, living green walls, and custom millwork—add depth and character to the spaces.

A secluded powder room introduces an element of mystery with a hidden toilet overlooking a private enclosed garden. An indoor pool pavilion opens to expansive views of the surrounding landscape, while large terraces and outdoor seating areas extend the home’s entertainment spaces into the site.

Throughout the design, light, landscape, and spatial layering work together to create a house that feels both expansive and intimate. Courtyard House demonstrates how careful spatial choreography can transform a large residence into a sequence of human-scaled experiences, where every movement through the home reveals a new perspective on architecture, nature, and light.

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Photographer
‍Scott Norsworthy