The Courtyard House | Baumann Architecture

Firm： Baumann Architecture

Type： Residential › Private House

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2016

SIZE： 1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET： $500K - 1M

Roman courtyard meets Gowanus garage: selective demolition transforms a derelict garage into a courtyard building, open to the sky. An exposed steel frame stabilizes the cinder block structure and satisfies seismic code. A galvanized steel screen with operating shutters insulates the wood facade from the street and forms an enclosed smoking porch.

Sectional distinction between public and private spaces was accomplished by grouping all residential components on the second floor addition, and all common areas on the first, adjoining the open courtyard. Radiant floors, green roof, operable updraft skylights and a highly insulated envelope minimize the energy requirements of the building.