Courtyard House in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The extensive functional programme, combined with the rather unremarkable character of the surrounding neighbourhood and the widespread presence of approximately three-metre-high masonry walls, led us to conceive an inward-looking courtyard house. The building opens onto a lush, intimate garden, providing both privacy and full control over the views from the interior spaces.

To limit excessive solar exposure and ensure that the courtyard can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions, we introduced covered arcades between the courtyard and the living spaces.