The Narrow House

The Narrow House is a distinguished piece of architecture that brilliantly transforms the constraints of its slender 17' x 70' urban plot into a design asset. Rather than seeing the narrow footprint as a limitation, the design leverages the linearity of the site to create a flowing sequence of spaces. The home unfolds into three distinct zones. This sequencing ensures each area retains its character—social, transitional, and private—while contributing to a spatial experience that feels expansive despite the compact width. The central innovation is the Open-to-Sky (OTS) courtyard, which acts as the architectural heart, flooding the interior with natural light and driving the home's climate strategy. This central space facilitates cross-ventilation, promoting airflow that helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The courtyard is also the visual nexus, creating a visual link between different levels and reinforcing the sense of openness. The design's philosophy is one of balance—between modern simplicity and sustainability—where the narrowness heightens the richness of experience, ensuring every space is touched by light and air.