A Heritage Home for Modern Living: Courtyard House by Atelier M.

Designed by Sydney architect Miriam Green of Atelier M, Courtyard House is a transformation of a heritage-listed Federation Queen Anne-style home. The project brief was clear: enhance the connection between the house and its garden, improve privacy, and sculpt sunlight into the living spaces. The result is a discreet addition for “mad-keen gardeners” that is both functional and respectful of the original architecture.

The new rear addition gathers informal communal spaces under two opposing skillion slate-covered roofs, aligned with the existing roof planes. This thoughtful design ensures that the new work remains hidden from public view, preserving the house’s historical appearance. Inside, the addition contrasts the inward-looking original rooms with new outward-facing spaces defined by face brick parallel walls and perpendicular glazed walls opening to the courtyards and gardens.

These courtyards are integral to the design, creating varied spaces that capture sunlight at different times of the day. The morning courtyard is perfect for a cup of tea, bathed in eastern sunlight, while the larger afternoon courtyard enjoys northern sunlight, ideal for family gatherings. A triangular double-height space over the sunroom, complete with a custom-designed couch, enhances the connection between indoors and outdoors, providing a serene spot to enjoy the garden views.

From Brutalism to Fantasy: Terrace House Mirage by Alcami Architecture.

An utterly unexpected and delightful interpretation of urban living, Terrace House Mirage captures the essence of constrained spaces with a finesse that borders on the miraculous.

Green’s design continually references the original house, with the new concrete floor creating level access and forming a base for matching face brick and rendered walls under a timber-lined slate roof. A new concrete verandah wraps the rear rooms, featuring double steel columns that echo the twin timber bracketed posts of the existing entry verandah. A large steel-framed pivot window at the rear mirrors the circular ‘Rinaultrie’ stained glass window at the front of the house, blending new and old seamlessly.

“Courtyard House is a reflection of our commitment to creating spaces that respect their heritage while offering modern living comforts,” says Green. “The design aims to connect the family with their garden in a meaningful way, creating spaces that are both private and open to nature.”

This project exemplifies how thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship can transform a heritage home, ensuring its relevance for future generations while honouring its past.

A Protective Structure Planted on the Rock: Castlecrag Courtyard by Downie North.

With a panoramic landscape that faces the city, Middle Harbour and the ocean, this home creates a series of experience that unfold to alternative views.

[Images courtesy of Atelier M. Editorial styling by David Harrison. Photography by Pablo Veiga.]