We Can Dream: How to Design a Gracious Motor Court
These outdoor rooms can be both grand and charming. Here are the key elements to consider if you are building one
I recently moved to Mount Airy, a Philadelphia neighborhood full of trees and old stone houses. As I surveyed my new area, I noticed homes with large outdoor rooms surrounded by hedges and stone walls. These were motor courts, connected to the driveway and garage but a place for people as well as cars. Motor courts are a useful feature that can work for many types of homes.
These spaces often are hidden from the street, behind the home or enclosed in walls. This particular Mount Airy home features a motor court located where it is visible from the street, so that passersby might see kids playing basketball or families unpacking groceries from the car.
Motor courts can be a great area for hosting a party or playing with the dogs. They can also work as elegant, secluded entries for high-profile homes. If you’d like to contemplate a motor court for your own home, here are five design elements you’ll want to consider.
Motor courts can be a great area for hosting a party or playing with the dogs. They can also work as elegant, secluded entries for high-profile homes. If you’d like to contemplate a motor court for your own home, here are five design elements you’ll want to consider.
1. Size and shape. Motor courts are where cars and people meet, so scale is important. They can be any shape but need to be designed so a vehicle can move easily — and safely — around. To get started, think about whether you want a car to turn around in the space or just drive through it. Also consider scale. A large court is great for cars but can dwarf a small house.
A motor court doesn’t have to be large, but it should be useful and easy to navigate by cars or people. This Mount Airy home features a small court with a few extra parking spots next to the garage. On a design note, trees in this court add shade and soften the stone walls.
2. Placement. Motor courts should be placed near buildings. Because they are a transition space between car and building, they are typically adjacent to the home or garage. They could also be useful near outbuildings for loading or as a place to turn around.
This motor court located in front of the home acts as an entry room connecting the garage and front entrance. A court in front of your home is typically more formal, and materials should match or enhance your home.
Find an architect or designer near you
This motor court located in front of the home acts as an entry room connecting the garage and front entrance. A court in front of your home is typically more formal, and materials should match or enhance your home.
Find an architect or designer near you
This court is hidden behind the home and feels less formal. The playful labyrinth pattern and lack of plantings feels utilitarian and meant for family games.
3. Barrier. A common feature of motor courts — and what really sets them apart from just being oversized driveways — is the barrier. Enclosing the space with walls or fences creates a room and a feeling of security. Especially with an added gate, the barrier allows you to unload kids and pets safely even near a busy street. The barrier also provides privacy and soundproofing, making it a great choice for urban and suburban front yards. The home pictured here uses a mix of hedges and stone walls to create a barrier.
This home in Mount Airy has two motor courts. On the right, stone walls enclose a small parking area near a garage — you enter it via the dark gate located on the right side of this photo. On the left, an entrance through the house provides privacy for the rear motor court.
4. Transition. The transition into the motor court and through the barrier is an important design opportunity. While some courts keep it simple, others lead you through gates, arches, trees and even buildings. Often paving will change and the space will take on a distinct style. The home pictured here features a large motor court with a fountain and transition through a porte cochere.
This home draws you in with a cobbled driveway leading to an arch and hanging light. Creating a dark narrow entry that opens into a large bright space will make the court feel larger and more grand when you cross the transition.
6 Driveway Looks Take Landscapes Along for the Ride
6 Driveway Looks Take Landscapes Along for the Ride
5. Paving. There are many elements to consider when it comes to choosing the hardscaping material, including drainage, ability to plow snow, heat retention, durability and comfort under foot. The most popular materials for motor courts are gravel, decomposed granite and concrete pavers.
This modern home uses long lines of plantings to break up the expanse of paving. Choosing a ground cover material is also an important step in creating a functional and beautiful motor court.
Gravel Driveways: Crunching the Pros and Cons
This modern home uses long lines of plantings to break up the expanse of paving. Choosing a ground cover material is also an important step in creating a functional and beautiful motor court.
Gravel Driveways: Crunching the Pros and Cons
As you consider potential paving material, reflect on the feeling and sound each material will make. The transition into your motor court is not just visual. When a vehicle enters a cobble or gravel area, the driver will naturally slow down and passengers will notice the change in terrain. The sound of gravel crunching under a car will signal homeowners of a guest’s arrival.
If you’re lucky enough to have the budget to afford such a luxury, a motor court can be a useful and beautiful space. Plus, compared with landscaping, it can be a relatively low-maintenance addition to any style of home.
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If you’re lucky enough to have the budget to afford such a luxury, a motor court can be a useful and beautiful space. Plus, compared with landscaping, it can be a relatively low-maintenance addition to any style of home.
More
Key Measurements for the Perfect Garage
How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors