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Collection by Arkin Tilt Architects

High-Performance Courtyard House

On a north-sloping site in Palo Alto, CA, the High-Performance Courtyard House is carefully sited and detailed to maximize the experience of its semi-rural site, while remaining comfortable year-round.

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Balancing high and low technologies, the high performance envelope of exterior insulation, air-sealing, rain-screen siding and interior thermal mass combine with simple solar strategies: overhangs, shading fins, and sliding shutters.
Balancing high and low technologies, the high performance envelope of exterior insulation, air-sealing, rain-screen siding and interior thermal mass combine with simple solar strategies: overhangs, shading fins, and sliding shutters.
Gabions mediate the grade changes of the sloping site, providing habitat and filtered drainage while minimizing concrete foundations. Surface water from the upper site is collected in a planted rill that defines the edge of the courtyard, runs between the living room and home office, and into a planted drainage basin keeping water on site and becoming a feature of the entry path.
Gabions mediate the grade changes of the sloping site, providing habitat and filtered drainage while minimizing concrete foundations. Surface water from the upper site is collected in a planted rill that defines the edge of the courtyard, runs between the living room and home office, and into a planted drainage basin keeping water on site and becoming a feature of the entry path.
The outdoor room of the courtyard opens to the north, stepping up to a terrace and pool surrounded by meadow.
The outdoor room of the courtyard opens to the north, stepping up to a terrace and pool surrounded by meadow.
Two shed-roofed volumes, oriented and shaped for a passive and active solar, are linked to create a private courtyard.
Two shed-roofed volumes, oriented and shaped for a passive and active solar, are linked to create a private courtyard.
Solar hot water panels provide domestic hot water for the house, and the pool. The master bath receives daylight from two sides through the high transom windows.
Solar hot water panels provide domestic hot water for the house, and the pool. The master bath receives daylight from two sides through the high transom windows.
Cuerda Seca tiles from the owner's hometown in Spain compliment the clean and simple finishes of the Great Room.
Cuerda Seca tiles from the owner's hometown in Spain compliment the clean and simple finishes of the Great Room.
Live-edge oak harvested on site was used as both structure and guardrail at the central stair to the bedroom wing.
Live-edge oak harvested on site was used as both structure and guardrail at the central stair to the bedroom wing.
Designed to receive afternoon shade from a stand of mature oaks, the courtyard house opens to a hillside meadow and upper pool terrace with a vegetable garden.
Designed to receive afternoon shade from a stand of mature oaks, the courtyard house opens to a hillside meadow and upper pool terrace with a vegetable garden.