Courtyard Homes

Three diversly sized homes arranged around a common courtyard.
Cambridge, MA
Concept Design
3 Homes
2020






Courtyard Homes is a conceptual project for moderate densification in a low-rise residential neighborhood. The scheme arranges three units around a central courtyard. Each unit is sized to a different household income level and set of spatial requirements.



Massing diagram in context
Site plan



Archaic & restrictive zoning requirements 

The massing approach takes cues from the existing context to both have more and less setbacks—ones that do not comply with zoning requriements, but ones that allow for greater density, privacy, and pragmatic outdoor usage.























Social cooking and gathering spaces for each unit front on the courtyard, while upper levels host misaligned private bedrooms and bathrooms. The cascading roof, sloped for optimal solar access to the courtyard, allows the larger three story home to have more space, while the smallest home just has 1.5 bedrooms. 
Third Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Roof Plan
Ground Floor Plan




Each kitchen is on a different level, and interface with the courtyard in either full or partial access and privacy.


Gathering, reading, sleeping, and working spaces are more compact and naviagate around the buildings in section, always with few large openings to direct views but maintain usable wall space.

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