Courtyard pool at The Stables, framed by white batten screening, elevated living spaces, and a covered walkway that reinforces the home’s inward-focused layout.
Courtyard pool at The Stables, framed by white batten screening, elevated living spaces, and a covered walkway that reinforces the home’s inward-focused layout.
Entry sequence to The Stables showing a covered walkway through planting, leading to the courtyard-focused home and reinforcing the project’s strong indoor–outdoor connection.
Entry sequence to The Stables showing a covered walkway through planting, leading to the courtyard-focused home and reinforcing the project’s strong indoor–outdoor connection.
Interior circulation space at The Stables with vertically lined walls, a sculptural artwork, and filtered light shaping a quiet, transitional zone.
Interior circulation space at The Stables with vertically lined walls, a sculptural artwork, and filtered light shaping a quiet, transitional zone.

The owners of this modest four room cottage wanted to transform their tiring rental property into a contemporary family home with better connections to the outdoors.

The original dwelling, known as ‘Stables Cottage’, was located on an atypical 405sqm block – one metre wider than standard due to a redundant access easement that previously served as a throughway for horses. This additional width informed the early decision to pursue a courtyard style home that would provide an increase of both natural light and garden deep into the floor plan.

The owners of this modest four room cottage wanted to transform their tiring rental property into a contemporary family home with better connections to the outdoors.

The original dwelling, known as ‘Stables Cottage’, was located on an atypical 405sqm block – one metre wider than standard due to a redundant access easement that previously served as a throughway for horses. This additional width informed the early decision to pursue a courtyard style home that would provide an increase of both natural light and garden deep into the floor plan.

The cottage has been respectfully restored, with the original four rooms used as sleeping quarters. By lifting the cottage in place, vehicles are securely accommodated underneath. A new two-storey rear extension holds living spaces and a master suite. The ‘L’ shaped configuration of the addition runs along the Western boundary creating an Eastern orientated courtyard with pool.

The courtyard is the heart of the project interacting with almost every room in the house. This connection is immediately apparent upon arrival, with direct sightlines of the courtyard visible from the gatehouse through the transparent glazed entry foyer. Once inside, large sliding doors completely open up, giving the kitchen, dining and sunken lounge an outdoor quality.

The cottage has been respectfully restored, with the original four rooms used as sleeping quarters. By lifting the cottage in place, vehicles are securely accommodated underneath. A new two-storey rear extension holds living spaces and a master suite. The ‘L’ shaped configuration of the addition runs along the Western boundary creating an Eastern orientated courtyard with pool.

The courtyard is the heart of the project interacting with almost every room in the house. This connection is immediately apparent upon arrival, with direct sightlines of the courtyard visible from the gatehouse through the transparent glazed entry foyer. Once inside, large sliding doors completely open up, giving the kitchen, dining and sunken lounge an outdoor quality.

The cottage has been respectfully restored, with the original four rooms used as sleeping quarters. By lifting the cottage in place, vehicles are securely accommodated underneath. A new two-storey rear extension holds living spaces and a master suite. The ‘L’ shaped configuration of the addition runs along the Western boundary creating an Eastern orientated courtyard with pool.

The courtyard is the heart of the project interacting with almost every room in the house. This connection is immediately apparent upon arrival, with direct sightlines of the courtyard visible from the gatehouse through the transparent glazed entry foyer. Once inside, large sliding doors completely open up, giving the kitchen, dining and sunken lounge an outdoor quality.

The eastern orientation of the courtyard allows sunlight to flood the living areas with morning light and, despite being situated on the southern side of the block, gives the master suite a northern aspect. A battened external screen and curved void enhance the natural light’s quality, creating dynamic dappled shadows throughout the day.

The eastern orientation of the courtyard allows sunlight to flood the living areas with morning light and, despite being situated on the southern side of the block, gives the master suite a northern aspect. A battened external screen and curved void enhance the natural light’s quality, creating dynamic dappled shadows throughout the day.

Credits:

Town Planner: Mecone
Structural Engineer: Vector Structural Engineering
Builder: VDB Projects
Photography: Catherine Schusler

Media: Site. by CO-architecture

Courtyard-facing dining space at The Stables, where sliding glass doors dissolve the boundary between indoor living and the landscaped outdoor zone.
Courtyard-facing dining space at The Stables, where sliding glass doors dissolve the boundary between indoor living and the landscaped outdoor zone.
Open-plan kitchen and dining area at The Stables, with full-height glazing, a central skylight, and direct access to the courtyard garden.
Open-plan kitchen and dining area at The Stables, with full-height glazing, a central skylight, and direct access to the courtyard garden.
Living area at The Stables opening onto the courtyard, with built-in seating, operable glazing, and soft daylight shaping the interior.
Living area at The Stables opening onto the courtyard, with built-in seating, operable glazing, and soft daylight shaping the interior.
Kitchen and dining space at The Stables with a long timber table, concrete flooring, and full-height glazing opening to the courtyard pool.
Kitchen and dining space at The Stables with a long timber table, concrete flooring, and full-height glazing opening to the courtyard pool.
Kitchen joinery detail at The Stables, combining timber cabinetry, stone finishes, and a restrained palette that anchors the open-plan interior.
Kitchen joinery detail at The Stables, combining timber cabinetry, stone finishes, and a restrained palette that anchors the open-plan interior.
Bathroom detail at The Stables featuring a sculptural basin, vertically lined walls, and minimal fixtures within a dark, tactile interior.
Bathroom detail at The Stables featuring a sculptural basin, vertically lined walls, and minimal fixtures within a dark, tactile interior.
Curved ceiling detail at The Stables, where soft plaster forms shape light and shadow across the interior.
Curved ceiling detail at The Stables, where soft plaster forms shape light and shadow across the interior.
Skylight framed by sculpted ceiling geometry at The Stables, drawing daylight deep into the home.
Skylight framed by sculpted ceiling geometry at The Stables, drawing daylight deep into the home.
Abstract interior detail at The Stables highlighting the intersection of curved and planar surfaces in a restrained white palette.
Abstract interior detail at The Stables highlighting the intersection of curved and planar surfaces in a restrained white palette.
Ensuite and bedroom connection at The Stables, with timber joinery, stone vanity, and a clear sightline linking private spaces.
Ensuite and bedroom connection at The Stables, with timber joinery, stone vanity, and a clear sightline linking private spaces.
Bedroom interior at The Stables featuring soft furnishings, timber accents, and filtered daylight through battened glazing.
Bedroom interior at The Stables featuring soft furnishings, timber accents, and filtered daylight through battened glazing.
Shower detail at The Stables with skylight illumination, minimal fixtures, and a calm, light-filled bathroom setting.
Shower detail at The Stables with skylight illumination, minimal fixtures, and a calm, light-filled bathroom setting.
Upper-level circulation space at The Stables, with white balustrades, timber flooring, and full-height glazing bringing daylight into the interior.
Upper-level circulation space at The Stables, with white balustrades, timber flooring, and full-height glazing bringing daylight into the interior.
Restored hallway of the original cottage at The Stables, featuring decorative timber detailing, high ceilings, and a visual connection to the front verandah.
Restored hallway of the original cottage at The Stables, featuring decorative timber detailing, high ceilings, and a visual connection to the front verandah.
Detail of heritage timber fretwork and wall-mounted light at The Stables, referencing the home’s original character within the contemporary renovation.
Detail of heritage timber fretwork and wall-mounted light at The Stables, referencing the home’s original character within the contemporary renovation.
Bedroom at The Stables with soft white finishes, built-in desk, and natural light creating a calm, private retreat.
Bedroom at The Stables with soft white finishes, built-in desk, and natural light creating a calm, private retreat.
Window-side study nook at The Stables, featuring timber surfaces, minimal furnishings, and views into the surrounding greenery.
Window-side study nook at The Stables, featuring timber surfaces, minimal furnishings, and views into the surrounding greenery.
Interior detail at The Stables highlighting painted timber walls, heritage joinery, and a subtle nod to the home’s original character.
Interior detail at The Stables highlighting painted timber walls, heritage joinery, and a subtle nod to the home’s original character.

The owners of this modest four room cottage wanted to transform their tiring rental property into a contemporary family home with better connections to the outdoors.

The original dwelling, known as ‘Stables Cottage’, was located on an atypical 405sqm block – one metre wider than standard due to a redundant access easement that previously served as a throughway for horses. This additional width informed the early decision to pursue a courtyard style home that would provide an increase of both natural light and garden deep into the floor plan.

The cottage has been respectfully restored, with the original four rooms used as sleeping quarters. By lifting the cottage in place, vehicles are securely accommodated underneath. A new two-storey rear extension holds living spaces and a master suite. The ‘L’ shaped configuration of the addition runs along the Western boundary creating an Eastern orientated courtyard with pool.

The courtyard is the heart of the project interacting with almost every room in the house. This connection is immediately apparent upon arrival, with direct sightlines of the courtyard visible from the gatehouse through the transparent glazed entry foyer. Once inside, large sliding doors completely open up, giving the kitchen, dining and sunken lounge an outdoor quality.

The eastern orientation of the courtyard allows sunlight to flood the living areas with morning light and, despite being situated on the southern side of the block, gives the master suite a northern aspect. A battened external screen and curved void enhance the natural light’s quality, creating dynamic dappled shadows throughout the day.

Credits:

Town Planner: Mecone
Structural Engineer: Vector Structural Engineering
Builder: VDB Projects
Photography: Catherine Schusler

Media: Site. by CO-architecture

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