Set on a suburban site with limited northern access, the design adopts a U-shaped plan to open an internal atrium to the north. This central garden - from which the project takes its name - becomes the organising element of the home, drawing light deep into the plan and creating a shared outlook visible from key rooms as the house wraps around it. The courtyard and pool sit at the centre of family life, supporting seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces and encouraging daily use throughout the year.

A strong axial spine extends from the front door through to the rear of the site, establishing a clear sense of depth and orientation. Along this spine, the house is composed as a series of connected rooms and smaller moments, including reading nooks, garden-facing studies, and framed views to inset courtyards. Carefully placed glazing, high-level windows, and partial openings allow sunlight to penetrate the home at different times of day, while also supporting cross-ventilation and filtered light suited to the coastal climate.

Materiality is central to the character of the home. Timber cladding is designed to weather and silver over time, responding to the coastal setting, while softer, light-toned cladding is used to balance durability with a calm, airy feel. Internally, tactile materials - including a concrete blockwork wall - introduce texture and depth, reinforcing the clients’ desire for a home that feels grounded, expressive, and closely connected to nature.

Developed in close collaboration with a creative family and in partnership with Otto Henkel of Apparte Studio, Atria House is a layered and flexible home that brings light, garden, and daily life together around a shared centre.

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