Life Down A Lane, a house in Melbourne’s Richmond neighbourhood designed by Tom Robertson Architects, features a central courtyard. The contemporary family home is surrounded by neighbours, necessitating a design that balances privacy with openness. The living spaces are elevated for increased sunlight, while the interiors contrast monochromatic exteriors with light tones.
Robust external forms open to the courtyard, providing a focal point and ensuring security. Central spaces include a sculpted marble island in the kitchen and a dramatic full-height window for exterior views.

Located in the Richmond neighbourhood, the contemporary family home is surrounded by neighbours on all sides. So, the design balances privacy and openness through materials and form. “From the outside, the form is robust, predominantly solid and slightly defensive,” the studio said. “Once inside, however, it opens up to a central courtyard, which is the home’s focal point, with spaces configured to look inward.”

The building plans were informed by the exterior considerations of the plot and orient easily to provide maximum sunlight and privacy.
To create space for the courtyard in the basement, the living spaces were elevated by Robertson to the first floor and placed a master bedroom with an ensuite, two child bedrooms with a shared bathroom, directly on the ground.

“In contrast to the monochromatic external palette, the interiors are composed of calming...