courtyard house
west sussex
Set on the edge of ancient woodland in West Sussex, the brief was to design a courtyard house for a family of five within a forest clearing.
The site, long and narrow, sloping fairly steeply from South to North, was initially studied in a series of maquettes. With sunlight and heat coming primarily from South, East, and West and spectacular views to the wilder woodland at the North, the design strategy was to capture sun through a fully openable courtyard to the South, while framing views to the North.
The house is designed to be viewed uninterruptedly along its central South-North axis - through the front gates, past courtyard and glazed interior to a balcony overlooking the forest. From the courtyard, a system of views and reflections creates depth and spatial sequence. This is amplified by three panes of glass positioned perpendicular to one another, creating a multitude of reflections. Full-height glazing, doors and gates remove visual barriers when open, connecting the spaces and extending these into their landscape setting.
A wide stair connects the ground to the lower level. As one descends, sinking along the courtyard, a pool in the lower level, set amongst rotated concrete columns, is gradually revealed.
Neighbouring houses are built closely to the site boundaries on the East and West. In response, solid walls to either side of the house act like barriers, slicing through the landscape. Living spaces are on the West to receive afternoon sun, while bedrooms are on the East for morning light.
Materially, lime render is applied to masonry construction, sealed not painted, for its natural texture and tone variation, referencing vernacular British countryside houses. The basement is formed in poured concrete, providing robust construction and waterproofing, as well as contrasting texture internally. The roof is fully planted allowing the landscape to further envelop the house and enhancing biodiversity on site.
The house is conceived as still and geometric, partially sunk into the terrain to preserve the natural contours of the site. Framing long views across the trees, it sets a continuous dialogue between interior spaces and the forest, developing through the movement of nature and seasons.
Key Materials / Lime render, concrete and oak
Architecture / Angela Marquito Architecture with kronig designs
Structural Engineer / Constant Structural Design
Photography / Ståle Eriksen