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Convertible Courtyards House
Convertible Courtyards House
Prahran, Australia
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Other Projects by Christopher Megowan Design
Convertible Courtyards House
Prahran, Australia
This house kinetically adapts to the notoriously variable climate found in Melbourne. A previously overlooked yet charming weatherboard cottage in the inner urban suburbs of Prahran, the project added a kitchen, living area, dining area, bathroom, master bedroom, en suite and two decks. Nestled on an intimate street, the existing house is one of a series of heritage protected cottages.
In response to the north-facing block of land, a central courtyard was created between the weatherboard and modern extension in order to flood the open kitchen, living and dining areas with natural light. A carefully detailed glazed linkway runs along the central courtyard and vertical battens cast a playful cadence of shadows across the floor and walls as one transitions between old and new. A second courtyard is adjacent to the living room on the south side and allows access to the rear garden where the client and his young daughter avidly tend to their herbs and plants.
The conceptual strength of the house is found in the manually operated retractable roof which runs more than 39 feet from north to south and covers both courtyards. A hand winch and a block and tackle allow the slatted timber, steel and polycarbonate roof panel to help regulate sun and rain on the two outdoor spaces, a valuable feature given Melbourne’s famously fickle weather. Two sets of hardwood bifolding doors, one on each side of the living room, help successfully ensure the all-important connection between indoors and out.
In the rear garden, an elevated aqueduct sculpturally cascades rainwater from both the fixed and operable roofs to a slimline water tank that is connected to the sanitary flushing system. Solar panels, gas boosted solar hot water, high levels of insulation, and sustainably harvested/regionally sourced spotted gum timbers round out the project’s green credentials.
In response to the north-facing block of land, a central courtyard was created between the weatherboard and modern extension in order to flood the open kitchen, living and dining areas with natural light. A carefully detailed glazed linkway runs along the central courtyard and vertical battens cast a playful cadence of shadows across the floor and walls as one transitions between old and new. A second courtyard is adjacent to the living room on the south side and allows access to the rear garden where the client and his young daughter avidly tend to their herbs and plants.
The conceptual strength of the house is found in the manually operated retractable roof which runs more than 39 feet from north to south and covers both courtyards. A hand winch and a block and tackle allow the slatted timber, steel and polycarbonate roof panel to help regulate sun and rain on the two outdoor spaces, a valuable feature given Melbourne’s famously fickle weather. Two sets of hardwood bifolding doors, one on each side of the living room, help successfully ensure the all-important connection between indoors and out.
In the rear garden, an elevated aqueduct sculpturally cascades rainwater from both the fixed and operable roofs to a slimline water tank that is connected to the sanitary flushing system. Solar panels, gas boosted solar hot water, high levels of insulation, and sustainably harvested/regionally sourced spotted gum timbers round out the project’s green credentials.
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