The rich Californian history of courtyard buildings evoked and reinterpreted by Magnolia Hill

The courtyard is a key design aspect of the Magnolia Hill residential complex: a housing typology frequently used in the first half of the twentieth century, capable of creating closeness, security and privacy, and which is revisited by Brooks + Scarpa

Brooks + Scarpa in Magnolia Hill renounces the solid fences typical of the local housing complexes in favor of a cubic form which celebrates the courtyard and shared space, at the expense of private space, while offering shelter and comfort

The new mixed-use housing model is located on the edge of Los Angeles' world-famous Valley Village, and its design is the predominant feature: a perforated aluminum façade that shimmers in the sun and responds at night, which reduces noise, enhances privacy and does not sacrifice spectacular views and good ventilation thanks to its countless perforations

The courtyard mediates between the urban environment and the intimacy of the flats, offering residents multiple outdoor gathering spaces and greater privacy, while still maintaining a dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood. Compared to traditional buildings, the space around the courtyard offers a greater sense of security and privacy while connecting to the community outside the building walls