A courtyard of tight proportions and extreme light zones – and shared by the family dog. We created a private, cool oasis courtyard at the back of the house; a fresh and green extension to the living area of the family room and kitchen. The organic shapes of garden beds and seating provide ease and balance to the buildings; a functional and attractive year round area. Strong native planting on the front boundaries diffuses the scale of the building and helps buffer the house from the street.