The Courtyard House by C76 Architecture
Tucked away in the eco-conscious haven of Monaghan Farm in Lanseria, Gauteng, lies a courtyard home that epitomises the harmonious blend of architecture and natural splendour. Artfully executed by Carl Jacobsz of C76 Architecture, this home illustrates the marvellous way that interior can merge with exterior while still ensuring privacy and security.
Encompassing 600 m² on an ample 4000 m² plot, this residence seamlessly merges with its picturesque surroundings. Monaghan Farm, renowned for its dedication to sustainability and the preservation of its environment, boasting large tracts of grassland, bush, and river, provided the ideal backdrop for this holistic architectural endeavour.
Honouring courtyard design
Drawing inspiration from a rich legacy of courtyard spaces spanning various cultures and climates across millennia, the team embarked on a journey to reimagine this timeless architectural concept. Situated at the periphery of the estate, overlooking the sprawling veld and offering panoramic views of the neighbouring game reserve and the distant Magaliesberg mountains, the home breathes new life into the ancient courtyard tradition.
The clients’ vision was elegantly simple yet impactful: a private and peaceful escape from the urban bustle of Johannesburg. C76 realised this vision by crafting a courtyard that invites nature into the very heart of the home. Even when the doors and windows are drawn shut, internal windows can remain open to bring the outside in, inviting glimpses of the sky, fresh air, and natural light, all while retaining a sense of privacy.
Immersive integration
The courtyard, spacious enough to accommodate trees that are destined to reach beyond the roofline, and open enough to welcome nesting birds, infuses the interiors with energy and the melodic cadence of nature. One can find solace while remaining connected to the celestial expanse above. Each room within the home offers outward views, ensuring an unbroken communion with the landscape.
Adhering to a design philosophy of minimal visual impact, Carl intentionally integrated the structures with the terrain, allowing them to blend with the natural tapestry. The sloping terrain informed the initial build concept, affording a secluded living platform on a lower tier, shielded from neighbouring properties. Descending from the driveway through a tunnel, visitors are greeted by the expanse of the courtyard below. Despite its considerable stature, the house maintains a modest silhouette, embracing the earth below. ‘The aim is to always create architecture that is in harmony with nature,’ explains Carl.
Balance and flow
Internally, the layout exhibits near-symmetry, with staircases flanking either side, guiding visitors from the garages and rear bedrooms as they create a pathway that bisects the courtyard. This design ensures that the journey through the residence remains intimately intertwined with nature, with every glance through the courtyard window framing the majestic mountains.
From the exterior, the building conceals its inner sanctum, revealing its split-level configuration only upon entry from the upper level. Adding to this, the veld embraces the construction, as it blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bathrooms open onto leafy courtyards, guest rooms on the upper floor overlook these green sanctuaries, and the principal en suite boasts retractable windows and screens, offering an immersive bathing experience amidst the elevated wildlife.
A deliberate approach
The architectural design caters to the region’s dramatic seasonal changes through passive design principles. During sweltering summers, the open courtyards facilitate ventilation, ensuring a cool interior without compromising security. Conversely, during chilly winters, the house can be compartmentalised to retain warmth efficiently by closing interior windows. Sustainability is further maintained with gas geysers, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a natural pool sustained by collected water, promoting an entirely off-the-grid operation.
Living architecture
Designed to evolve with time, the home will meld with its environment over the years. Trees will mature and the courtyards will flourish with indigenous flora, all while the landscape reclaims its place alongside the build. This approach aims to minimise the architectural footprint on the land. ‘The house will become part of the landscape, less of a man-made object trying to dominate its surroundings,’ adds Carl.
This courtyard home transcends habitation; it stands as a living, breathing testament to architectural symbiosis with its setting. A silent advocate for green integration, it demonstrates how architecture can merge with the natural environment. As the seasons ebb and flow, and the landscape envelops the structure, the residence will evolve, serving as a tribute to the beauty and resilience of eco-conscious living.
Photography by Paris Brummer
This article is an extract from our July Issue. Read the full issue here.
