[ad_1]
Courtyard House/Tom Robertson Architects
Text description provided by the architect. Courtside House is a home that is focused on fun and hospitality in every aspect. It was designed as a coastal holiday home for a family of three who could escape the city, relax and entertain friends by the waters of Mount Martha. This is a place to entertain friends, gather around the fire, soak up the sunshine and, as the name suggests, enjoy a game of tennis. The aim was to maximize urban views, connect the house to the existing tennis court and provide multiple outdoor areas to capture or escape the sun. Strategic planning will allow parents, children and guests to stay apart while also allowing everyone to come together to watch tennis matches.
The house has a modest and secluded appearance from the street. Once inside, a natural and alluring grandeur unfolds. The solidity of the exterior is equally contrasted by the exquisite detailing and richness of textures within, from the warm wooden floors and ceilings to the dappled light that filters through the pocket gardens. A timber spine/axis extends from the entrance to the living room’s feature window, which offers heroic views across the bay. The pocket garden clearly expresses the quality of the ground and provides filtered light throughout the garden.
The design blends with the broad slope of the terrain and takes advantage of views of the bay and city beyond. The north-facing orientation maximizes light, and the refined composition is based on brick and features black timber cladding and slats. Inside, a bold black timber kitchen features granite benchtops, black porcelain and mosaic features on the splashback. The island bench in medium gray granite is topped with white 2pac joinery and is designed to double as an informal dining area. Spacious walk-in pantry provides ample storage space.
The living area is situated beneath a grand wooden ceiling, surrounding a freestanding fireplace. The protagonist of the space is the generous window, which connects the living space with incredible views of the bay and CBD. The dining area off the kitchen has a lower ceiling, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The large glass curtain wall is operable and allows easy flow to the upper terrace.
These spaces correspond with quiet areas where parents can find peace, such as the spacious master bedroom with oversized windows opening to the lush courtyard garden and the ensuite bathed in the light of a generous skylight. The star of the house, however, is the vast window-framed view of Port Phillip Bay, made all the more prominent by the building’s embrace of the sloping site. Courtside House is both fun and serious. Filled with unexpected moments, it combines foundational quality, refined details, natural light and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to relax by the bay.
[ad_2]
Source link