Dense urban living requires successful compact housing models, something this thoughtful, rigorous yet inspirational house, designed and self-built by husband and wife architects, delivers admirably on a tight site and limited budget.

With few secondary finishes, the character of the house is entirely defined by the finished face of the black bricks, concrete and pale timber from which it is constructed. What could easily have been austere and oppressive is rich and inviting, with a sense of durability that should allow the house to mellow with age. The backdrop to the intimate living area is a picture window on to a miniature courtyard, avoiding the ubiquitous full-width operable glass wall that would be overkill in a house of this scale.  This is minimum scale, maximum effect.