Drumaldry Contemporary Courtyard – the epitome of modern living where indoors and outdoors have no boundaries

Mr. Ruskin’s reference to “graceful and pleasing” buildings is exemplified by the courtyard designs. These were achieved both by the six foot brick walls surrounding each lot and by the placement of the houses, not in the center of the lots, but along a side wall. In this way, private garden spaces were created that could be enjoyed from every room in the house.

According to the Miller & Smith brochure, the design origins for these houses can be traced to the past where, even in ancient times, the “advantages of cluster homes enclosed by walls” was understood. The marketing brochure used illustrations (Troglodyte Cave Dwellings of Southern Tunisia, Egyptian Court Houses; Greek Peristyle House; and a Chinese Court House) to demonstrate that, “In ancient times, the surrounding walls provided escape from extremes in the weather, protection from outsiders, and maximum privacy” – just as they do today.

Another description of Drumaldry comes from the architectural firm’s brochure:

“Considering the relatively small size of the lots at Drumaldry, the houses have an unusual amount of privacy and spaciousness. Large glass areas open into enclosed courts in which trees and plants are seen against the background of warm brick walls. Through openings between rooms on different levels, one sees changing vistas as he moves through the houses.

All houses are placed on cul-de-sacs, eliminating through traffic. Because of this, each cluster of houses around a cul-de-sac becomes a smaller, individual neighborhood within the larger community of Drumaldry.”

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