Mediterranean Courtyard House

Restoring a 1940s Spanish Revival home posed challenges because of its uneven terrain and outdated layout. The entrance uphill led to an upper-floor living room, while the kitchen remained isolated and dim in a rear wing. The bedrooms were situated on the lower floor and linked from above by a pair of slim stairways, making access to the courtyard difficult for hosting, cooking and outdoor living.

The existing inner courtyard offered an opportunity to open the entire residence to the landscape. The front became the rear, relocating the main living areas to the lower level. Expansive steel and glass openings were added, uniting the house’s wings and floors. Centralizing the kitchen and adding a grand stair simplified transitions between levels.

The courtyard was revamped into an inviting outdoor space. A double-height kitchen bridged the house, aligning it with the garden. Panoramic views now stretch from the front to the rear yard and encompass a pool. This renovation achieved a harmonious blend of indoor-outdoor living, adapting the home’s layout to modern family needs.