Courtyard House – Victoria

Located in suburban Victoria, Lower Templestowe, the Courtyard House is a nod to the tradition of the Italian Palazzo and Australian courtyard house, creating a constant connection between outdoor and indoor spaces. The house is divided by three landscaped areas: the front yard, the courtyard and the rear yard. The landscaped courtyard is the heart of the house, masking the neighbouring dwellings while at the same time revealing canopies of the surrounding trees.

This tranquil, calm space designed by FIGR architecture and design has an intimate connection with the interior spaces of the house which reveal themselves from various angles. Utilitarian materials which sit comfortably within its context is also a reminder of this once working class suburb. The brick is also used inside, which are broken by windows, allowing the light of the courtyard to spill into the corridor.