Warm and minimal: Riverview Courtyard House – Architecture AU

When architect John Deuchrasss clients Petrea and Alan presented him with a battleaxe-shaped site set three lots back from the street, he welcomed the challenge. It helped that the couple, who have three young boys, were extremely flexible and open-minded toward his suggestions. Johns resulting design resolved the absence of views and lack of privacy by wrapping the new two-storey house around a courtyard. We worked with the concept that no part of the home was unseen, explains the director of JDA Studio Architects. So at ground level, the kitchen, dining and living areas all have direct views through to the courtyard and pool via full-height sliding glass doors.

The kitchen in particular benefits from a strong connection to the outdoors, and the flow between inside and out is seamless. It makes for a bright, breezy and ultimately relaxed setting that doesnt scream out that its a kitchen. Johns admiration for the minimalist work of John Pawson is evident in the pared-back design, which boasts a centrally positioned marble-top island bench and American oak veneer joinery. Polished concrete flooring complements the sparseness and the schemes clean lines really do instil a sense of calm. Theres rationalism at play minus the forced rigidity.

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Large sliding glazed doors create a generous and informal connection between the kitchen and courtyard.

Image: Tom Ferguson

I regarded the interior as a canvas upon which we wanted to express some detailing as well, so the kitchen and ensuite feature linear timber pull handles that have become the visually intriguing parts of the overall design, says John. The homes ground level ensuite is the schemes most innovative expression in the way it connects with the main bedroom. John took inspiration from contemporary hotel design and so, while the adults zone has a high-end aesthetic, its still soft and welcoming.

A custom oak veneer low-height headboard anchors the bed in the middle of the space, while, beyond it, double sliding cavity doors ensure the ensuite opens up to become part of the bedroom. The configuration is practical and accessible as well as being visually pleasing, with a symmetry thats in keeping with the rest of the homes minimalist stylings. Like the kitchen, this zone flows effortlessly into the courtyard, where the lush greenery cleverly adds another layer to the simple material and colour palettes. John has created a genuine retreat for Petrea, Alan and their children through an elegant scheme that looks inward, providing the family with a modern space in which they can comfortably live and grow.

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Houses: Kitchens + Bathrooms, June 2022

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Warm and minimal: Riverview Courtyard House - Architecture AU