This light-filled home designed with modernist values is on a tight lot in an established neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This young family was looking for a modern house on a budget with a private backyard area for their raised gardens and chicken coop. Mathison I Mathison Architects designed the single main living level around an outdoor courtyard while maintaining clear separation between public and private living spaces. The floor plan is compact and efficient, with close attention paid to natural light and views, making the home feel larger than its 2,120 SF of living area. Clean detailing, simple material palettes and elegant use of natural light give the main living area the feeling of being in an outdoor pavilion.