CBD Residence

The former home of Emeril’s Homebase was purchased by clients who wished to renovate the ground floor and construct a garage at the rear of the site. Having recently moved to the Central Business District (CBD) area, and beginning to have thoughts of starting a family, they were enthralled with the idea of having a grassy backyard hidden among the brick and concrete that surrounded them.

The property has an alley abutting the back, and was used for auto access. The adjoining property has a grant of servitude for their auto access of 10’ from the edge of their property line, to 15’ high.

Through the development and analysis of sun studies, as well as private and public exterior space program needs, the design resolved to an “elevated backyard” with a courtyard and garage on the first floor.

In designing the garage, NANO's strategy was to elevate the backyard living area and extend it to the edge of the property. By separating the garage from the existing rear wall of the building, it allowed light to enter the new first floor bedroom, creating an absence of space and a private courtyard. The garage “roof” is covered with greenery that can be accessed immediately upon exiting the building on the second floor. Additional green walls climb the surrounding brick surfaces, creating a garden retreat in the heart of the urban environment.

The courtyard is flanked by a cantilevered stair and garage on one side, with a protruding storefront on the other side. The “elevated backyard” has integrated plant beds, benches and split levels for seating and play areas. There is a sun trellis with lights and fans for comfort. The defining detail of this project is this is resolution of all the client’s needs within the program, and providing the only single privately owned property in the CBD that has a backyard.