House Of Canopies by Studio Motley

Located on a linear site within a quiet residential community, the form of the house unfolds to envelope a generous garden court within. The three wings are distinct in function, containing a semi covered party area in front and the private bedroom wing at the back. Bridging these two is the wing containing the living, dining and staircase spaces and forms the heart of the house. Connected to the courtyard through a series of timber sliding doors spanning almost fifty feet, it features a double height volume capped by a large concrete roof which cantilevers three meters over the garden area. Continuous horizontal slits below the roof form a counter point to the heaviness of the concrete and create a delicate connection to the rest of the building while also bringing in a diffused light quality to the spaces below. The large openings are amply shaded and the horizontal slits allow for the hot air within to escape creating airy and cool interior spaces. A simple and restrained material palette of exposed concrete, kota stone and teak wood serve to highlight the quality of light and allow the experience of the courtyard to take center stage.