Monica a single working mum and artist has a young son and daughter, Benjamin & Brigitta. Their home is one of many grand Victorian terraces in the inner west right next to the rail line and under the main flight path.

The obvious noise problems were compounded by a complete lack of northern sun Monica’s brief sought to resolve these issues and provide an extra income through the insertion of another dwelling at the rear of the property.

With no rear lane the design solution involved creating an inner courtyard, on two levels, between the proposed dwellings.

The courtyard has been carefully sculpted to allow external access and maintain a degree of visual privacy. Traditional colours were used in a vibrant way to subtly differentiate the various elements of the home.

Light & air is drawn into all the living spaces through the creation of this small atrium that could truly be called an inner sanctum.