Trio of Tranquil Yards Shape Contemporary Aussie House

Creating a constant and seamless connection between its contemporary interior and a series of yards outside, the Courtyard House in Templestowe manages to act as a serene escape amidst a suburban jungle. Designed by FIGR Architecture & Design, three different yards – a front yard, courtyard and rear yard define the contours of this modern home along with the placement of the rooms. It is a fascinating and ingenious blend of classic Italian Palazzo architectural principles with the traditional Aussie courtyard home design that the architects wished to fashion, without going overboard.

Street-facade-of-the-Courtyard-House — Street facade of the Courtyard House

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Apart from the privacy that each of the yard offers, the outdoor spaces also add to the charm and aura of the more minimal interior. A timber batten ceiling stands out visually in a home with neutral color palette that relies heavily on black and white. Wooden kitchen shelves, countertops and a dining table set in matching wood present a picture of refinement and homogeneity. Sections of the house also feature concrete flooring and exposed brick walls, giving the modern residence a classic twist.

The street façade of the house is also draped in elongated brown bricks, allowing it to become a part of the neighborhood even as skylights and glass walls fill it with ample natural light. [Photography: Tom Blachford]

Three-different-yards-shape-the-elegant-Aussie-home — Three different yards shape the elegant Aussie home

Series-of-courtyards-create-a-lovely-indoor-outdoor-interplay — Series of courtyards create a lovely indoor-outdoor interplay

Courtyard-becomes-the-focal-point-of-the-Aussie-home-around-which-other-rooms-are-placed — Courtyard becomes the focal point of the Aussie home around which other rooms are placed

Dark-wall-in-the-backdrop-adds-to-the-sophisticated-appeal-of-the-interior — Dark wall in the backdrop adds to the sophisticated appeal of the interior

Dining-room-and-kitchen-in-white-with-wooden-ceiling — Dining room and kitchen in white with wooden ceiling

Refined-modern-interior-with-wooden-ceiling-and-a-neutral-color-scheme — Refined modern interior with wooden ceiling and a neutral color scheme

A utilitarian material which sits comfortably within its context is also a reminder of this once working class suburb. The brick is also used inside, creating a series of colonnades which are broken by windows, allowing the light of the courtyard to spill into the corridor.