The Harcourt

A contemporary response to climate, privacy, and light — designed through a solar passive lens.

Harcourt House is a carefully considered two-storey home in Bassendean, designed to harness natural light, enhance thermal performance, and create a sense of calm, protected living within an urban context. The architecture balances openness with privacy, using layered elements that filter light and frame the experience of the home.

At its core, the design is driven by solar passive principles—optimising orientation, shading, and thermal mass to create a home that remains comfortable throughout the seasons with minimal reliance on mechanical systems.

A defining feature of the project is the use of laser-cut screening to the upper level. These perforated panels act as a dynamic environmental filter—softening sunlight into a dappled glow while maintaining privacy from the street and neighbouring properties. Throughout the day, light shifts across surfaces, bringing a sense of movement and atmosphere into the interior spaces.

The ground floor opens into a sequence of interconnected living spaces, flowing effortlessly into a protected outdoor courtyard. Large glazed openings dissolve the boundary between inside and out, encouraging natural ventilation and reinforcing a strong connection to landscape and lifestyle.

A sculptural stone fireplace chimney anchors the home, providing both a visual focal point and a sense of material grounding. This element contrasts with the lighter upper form, creating a layered composition that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Materiality throughout the project is deliberately restrained—combining light-toned volumes with darker cladding elements and textured stone to create depth, contrast, and longevity.