A Modern House Centered Around a Courtyard
In early 2020, architect Mathew Ingham and Ami Spencer decided to built a house in the center of Montpelier in Bristol. The pandemic was just starting, and their contractor went bust, which means that they had to do a lot of it themselves. But the end result made it all worth it, as they ended up with a beautiful, light, and modern home centered around a courtyard.
The idea was to create a home that always feels like summer. They were inspired by buildings from Sri Lanka and Mexico and decided to put a courtyard garden in the center of the building with large windows that open up to this outdoor space.
The 1,400 sq ft house is defined by a material palette of concrete, glass, and Sapele wood, influenced by the work of Geoffrey Bawa. The living spaces are all linked together while still remaining private corners. The light spaces and connection to the outdoors give you a sense of being in a luxurious holiday home.
The kitchen is located in the center of the house, with living spaces on both sides. The kitchen is simple, with white cabinets and a wooden worktop.
On one side of the kitchen is a combined living and dining room.
A small breakfast bar has been fitted between the wooden window trims and offers a view of the courtyard.
On the other side of the kitchen is a second living room. The interior is characterized by sealed bare plaster, bringing soft coloring and texture to the walls, and polished concrete running underfoot.
Tucked in a corner, the owners created a home office on the ground floor. The beveled glass doors can turn this space into a private corner, or it can be opened up for a more social layout.
A large skylight illuminates the wooden staircase to the first floor.
The first-floor landing is very spacious and can house another office space.
On the first floor are two bedrooms. The master bedroom has floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and an en suite bathroom.
The master bathroom features a large skylight to bring the outside in.
The bathroom has a poured concrete sink.
The house is for sale at The Modern House