WORKS > Clinton Hill Courtyard House
Clinton Hill Courtyard House


Concept - Three Light Volumes
The original historic Carriage House filled the 24’ x 76’ lot floor with very little light and air. Three Light Volumes are subtracted from the structure to transform it into an inspiring residence, opening up all the spaces of daily living to light and nature.


Living and Dining Room
A new Sky Volume cuts through the second floor illuminating the adjacent Library and the loft-like Living Room below.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.




Garden and Kitchen
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.


Living and Dining Room
The boundaries between interior and exterior are porous in this hybrid loft/courtyard/rowhouse; the living spaces focus inward to the Light Volumes, which in turn open out to garden and sky.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.


Building Plans


View from garden
A Light Garden is carved into the one-story wing, bringing light and nature into the core of the house. The Living Room, Kitchen, and Girls’ Bedroom are centered around the Garden, joined through the mahogany-framed sliding glass walls. The garden opens up to the Roof Terrace above connecting all social spaces of the house.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.
Photograph by Michel Arnaud.




Photograph by Michel Arnaud


Photograph by Michel Arnaud


Garden Corner Detail


Photograph by Michel Arnaud




Stair Detail


Pattern in stairwell created by the light from skylight


Atrium and skylights from the library


Light at different times of the year
Two squares of skylight project the sun’s path across the white-stained plywood surfaces of the cubic volume, amplifying seasonal and diurnal variation. The suspended volume branches to give light to the master bedroom, and extends down into the Living Room along the stair, hanging the steps. The stair wall is perforated with 1” holes, perpendicular at eye height and at radiating angles up and down for shifting views.


The library
Photograph by Michel Arnaud


Photograph by Michel Arnaud


Epiphany Skylight in Bathroom


Photograph by Gustav Hoiland