In Harmony

North Rocks in Sydney’s West is a family-friendly suburb, surrounded by densely forested valleys. Its streets are predominantly lined with single-storey 1950s cottages and new two-storey project homes, which are unrelated to their context, lacking connection to the natural landscape and Australian climate. By contrast, Courtyard House, designed by Youssofzay + Hart, is in harmony with the adjoining bush reserve. It also takes advantage of passive solar design while respecting the scale and form of the local housing typology. “It was important that the materials and form honour the Australian suburban vernacular but respond more sensitively to climate and landscape,” says Belqis Youssofzay.

Amber and Tom Lowes engaged Youssofzay + Hart for the alteration and addition to their two-bedroom double-brick cottage. They wanted a family home that maintained the feel of their cottage, while providing more living space,