Courtyard House

In 2020, Meridian 105 undertook the design of a new two-story single-family home located in the Berkeley neighborhood of Northwest Denver.

The homeowner emphasized the importance of environmental consciousness along with maintaining privacy within the dense urban environment. Spanning 2,800 square feet, the house features a distinctive architectural composition, marrying an upper-story peaked roof volume with a concrete-walled ground floor.

Despite the constrained width of the property, strategic design decisions were made to optimize sunlight exposure. The second-floor volume was oriented to the north and subtly angled at 12 degrees, facilitating the installation of a glass roof over the entry and powder room. This architectural shift not only allows natural light to permeate the interior but also expands the width of the exterior courtyard on the narrow lot.

The heart of the home, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, surrounds the exterior courtyard, which is enclosed by an extensive glass walls ystem. This design feature not only floods the interior spaces with abundant natural light but also establishes a seamless connection to the meticulously landscaped outdoor area. The concrete walls of the ground floor serve a dual purpose, providing structural support for vine growth while seamlessly integrating with the landscape design.

The homeowner’s commitment to the environment helped to inform material selection. A sustainably modified Accoya wood rain screen envelops all sides of the upper building volume, including the roof. The mechanical system in the home was chosen for its reduced energy consumption and low greenhouse gas emissions.

Awards:
AIA Colorado Award of Merit 2024