Architecture & Urban Design

Courtyards On Oxford

Courtyards on Oxford is best understood by being experienced. The boundary walls give little away as to what secrets lie behind them – the series of individually landscaped private courtyards that function as outdoor rooms, and the long houses, with uses such as studio apartments, boutique offices, and luxury family homes. Situated in Forest Town, Johannesburg, it is a conscious attempt to improve housing delivery in South Africa by creating quality architecture within a quality environment.

The concept addresses how cities function on a large scale, making it clear that we have to rethink housing design in cities that are continuously expanding. In order to deliver a valuable product, this project uses densification and mixed-use as a solution. A unit’s privacy is not compromised by the activities taking place alongside, because they are mediated by distinctly private courtyards which also increase security levels.

Completed 2005

Awards
Gauteng Institute for Architecture Regional Award 2007/2008
South African Institute of Architecture Merit Award 2007/2008
South African Institute of Architects Award for Excellence 2008