Cincinnati-based Drawing Dept designed Courtyard Nine around a fundamental tension in the site: the most desirable southern light came from the same direction as the street, where the homeowners needed privacy most. A courtyard scheme became the solution, framing the sky to draw light deep into the plan while a composed exterior perimeter keeps the home shielded from the street and neighboring properties.
The sixty-foot-square central garden courtyard anchors the entire residence, with every room opening directly onto it. Taking cues from Japanese Zen gardens and the spatial logic of cloistered architecture, the design creates a continuous gallery linking all spaces while allowing an ever-changing interplay of light, reflection, and shadow throughout the day and across seasons. The home is equally suited for quiet daily living and large-scale philanthropic gatherings.
Built by Dallman & Bohl, Courtyard Nine was recognized with a 2024 AIA Cincinnati CRAN Award for New Custom Home and was featured on America By Design. Flush mount Infratech WD-Series heaters ensure the courtyard earns its place year-round, keeping outdoor spaces comfortable well into the evening and through cooler months.