Houzz Tour: Light-Filled Modern Courtyard Home

From here, the tour follows the same path a guest would take — pulling into the driveway, entering the house and walking through it. This photo shows the north-facing front of the home, with the garage at the far end.

Flavin used a mix of materials on the facade. The main floor, located above this level, sits atop a board-formed concrete plinth that anchors the home. Warm mahogany slats form the wood siding. “The slats add light and shadow to the facade,” Flavin says. Complementing the wood is board-and-batten Extira siding, a durable composite made from sustainable wood fiber, wax, phenolic resins and zinc borate. The overhang, also wrapped in Extira, features a steel edge that highlights the clean horizontal line separating the concrete base from the mahogany above.

Because strong angles play a big part in the home’s architecture, Flavin introduced them at the entry. The entry acts as a hinge point between the straight facade on the left and the angled wing on the right. The overhang ties the two together.

A bluestone path leads to the entry, with narrow beds of dark Mexican river stones defining the space between the concrete walls and the ground. Also notable is the curved edge of the wall to the left of the large mahogany pivot door. “This introduces an angle right at the entrance,” Flavin says. “We needed this to be a soft, curved corner where the wall flares out. The contractor did a great job of building a wood form to accomplish this.”

That wall angles into the space, gently guiding people into the house. The staircase reflected in the mirror serves as a light well, drawing people from the darker, more compressed entry into the bright stairwell and up to the main level.

The mudroom and laundry room sit between the entry and the garage, providing a convenient drop zone for coats and bags when the family enters from the garage.

Door: Pivot Door

The staircase, crafted by a local metalworker, is made of powder-coated white steel. Its minimalist handrail includes glass panels that allow light to pass through, while white oak treads add warmth and texture.

At the top of the stairs, a console and sculpture mark the transition into the public spaces — the living room on the right and the kitchen and dining area beyond.

The kitchen is streamlined and clean, with warmth coming from the white oak cabinets, white oak ceiling and the leather counter stools. Casement windows extend from just above the countertops to just below the ceiling, framing views of the tall tree canopy outside.

The pendant lights echo the cloud-like forms of the stairwell fixtures, while the custom painted-metal range hood keeps the look simple and rectilinear. The wall on the right houses the ovens and ample storage; the refrigerator sits on the opposite side of the island.

Backsplash tile: New California in Dogwood, Clé Tile; cabinetry: Scandia Kitchens

In the powder room, Bentis recommended a striking green tile in deep jewel tones. The mirror is set flush with the tile for a crisp, modern look that contrasts subtly with the handmade tiles’ irregular surface.

The white oak countertop appears to float as well, supported within the walls on either side and notched neatly into the drywall. This detail keeps the lines clean and allows the tile to take center stage. The asymmetry of the sink and pendant light placement add a touch of visual tension that keeps the minimalist design lively.

Tile: Flauti Glossy Green, Nemo

Here’s a look inside that space, where the custom white oak built-ins include shelving, a workstation and a window seat with storage beneath. Like the kitchen, the room features white oak boards on the ceiling for warmth and texture. The result is a cozy space that draws family members from across the courtyard to work, read or practice yoga.

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The primary bedroom’s large windows flood the space with natural light and offer tranquil courtyard and woodland views.

In the primary bathroom, the floating vanity and expansive mirror amplify the light and space. “The shower does not have a door,” Flavin says. “We always have a chat with clients about what they are getting into before we do this.” Because the house is tightly sealed, drafts aren’t an issue. The long glass enclosure keeps most of the water inside the shower, though the homeowners accepted that a bit might splash onto the floor.

The glass divider and open shower entry provide a clear view of the shower’s organic, water-inspired tile pattern while allowing natural light from the window to fill the room. The lower portion of the window has etched glass for privacy.

The glass enclosure is set into channels in the floor, wall and ceiling, creating a hidden frame for an exceptionally clean-lined look.

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