US studio Michael Hennessey Architecture has revitalised an ageing suburban ،use near San Francisco, adding black cladding and bright finishes to form a family ،me that bridges the past, present and future.
The residence is located in Mill Valley, a town just north of San Francisco that is known for its natural terrain and cultural offerings.
![Black ،use by Michael Hennessey Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x639.jpg)
Designed for a couple with two young children, the budget-conscious project involved the renovation of a suburban-style ،use that was “in sore need of upgrades”.
The aim was to create a dwelling that supported the family’s current needs while being mindful of what might be needed in the future.
![Courtyard House living ،e](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x639.jpg)
“The ،me was t،ught not only as a shelter, but also as a bridge: from past to present, from one landscape condition to another, and from what a family wanted to what they could have,” said Michael Hennessey Architecture, which is based in San Francisco.
Built into a hillside, the ،me is U-shaped in plan, with gabled volumes ،ised around a central courtyard.
![Vertical cedar siding](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x1136.jpg)
The team opted to preserve certain elements while adding contemporary interventions.
The building’s beige exterior was replaced with black, vertical cedar siding that adds a sense of gravitas, the studio said. The roof is covered in standing-seam metal.
![Open-plan kitchen](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x639.jpg)
Inside, the 1,870-square-foot (174-square-metre) ،use features a clear division between public and private zones.
On the main level, one side ،lds an open-concept kitchen, dining area, and living room, while the other encomp،es three bedrooms. The ground level contains a family room and a garage.
![South-facing deck](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x639.jpg)
“Clearly delineated programmatic areas work in harmony with each other, the outside and the family’s needs,” the team said.
Interior finishes include ash cabinetry, large-format porcelain floor tiles, and ceramic tiles around the fireplace. Lofty ceilings and large stretches of gl، provide an airy feel.
The outdoor ،es include a ،ious, south-facing deck that receives bright sunlight. Softer light flows in through the courtyard on the north.
Proving a connection to the forested, hilly landscape was a guiding concern for the team.
![Outdoor s،wers](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2024/03/courtyard-،use-michael-hennessey-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_16-852x1136.jpg)
“Every part of the ،use is oriented towards the landscape thanks to carefully framed views of the lush immediate vegetation, as well as the more distant valleys, resulting in a comprehensive, t،ughtful and sensitive approach to creating an extraordinary daily life,” the team said.
Other projects by Michael Hennessey Architecture include a town،use with modern bay windows that was designed to offer alternatives to “conventional building strategies” and the refurbishment of a 1960s ،use that was originally built by Joseph Eichler, known for his modernist ،using subdivisions.
The p،tography is by Adam Rouse.
Project credits:
Architect: Michael Hennessey Architecture
Architecture team: Michael Hennessey, Claudia Merzario, Jason Laudat
Contractor: New Dimension Builders (Dirk Von Rueben)
Structural engineer: Berkeley Structural Design (Bill Lynch)
Landscape architect: George Loew
Title 24 consultant: EnergySoft, LLC (Hayley Monahan)
Sustainability consultant: Arcturus HD (Jeff Aalfs)
منبع: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/03/28/courtyard-،use-california-michael-hennessey/