Open Rhythm – Clifton Hill Courtyard House by Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio mkn

Conserving the home’s legacy whilst instilling a connection to place, Clifton Hill Courtyard House is an expansion of the original heritage form that stretches deeper into the site. Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio mkn combine to create a light and airy addition to the cottage-fronted home.

Situated among a collective of similar cottages and Victorian-era homes, Clifton Hill Courtyard House draws the kitchen and living areas out toward the rear landscape. Forming new connections internally and between inside and out, the rear façade is flanked with a wall of steel and glass. The creation of a refined transition between open and closed spaces sees the newly formed courtyard space add a link to the natural surroundings. Directing views outwards and drawing light into the newly expanded living areas, Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio mkn create a home anchored to its layered context.

Directing views outwards and drawing light into the newly expanded living areas, Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio mkn create a home anchored to its layered context.

A carried generosity between old and new is emphasised by the continuation of the original form and its extrusion outward. Whilst the silhouette of the front portion of the home sits gabled and more traditional in stature, the addition reflects a modern residence with a flattened form, contained within a refined and crisp structure. By maintaining the lofted spaces of the original, a double-heighted perception is created and is emphasised by a full-height glazed façade. Reinforcing the preservation attempt, an existing and established bottlebrush tree located within the rear garden still stands. The additions and new landscaping worked around this beloved treasure to ensure its presence is retained.

Despite the challenges of the long and linear site, light plays an integral role throughout the home, encouraging natural connections and softening some interior spaces with diffused illumination. Where privacy is a priority, light is brought from above, whilst the shared living, kitchen and dining space is surrounded by windows. A lightness is applied internally to create an enhanced perception of space and instil a sense of calm retreat. The use of brick and steel on the exterior elements then connects to the crafted nature of the original.

Despite the challenges of the long and linear site, light plays an integral role throughout the home, encouraging natural connections and softening some interior spaces with diffused illumination.

Clifton Hill Courtyard House emerges as a versatile arrangement of spaces. Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio mkn allow for anticipated change over the years to come whilst incorporating a nod to the origins of the home and its generous form.