When sprawling backyards and trimmed front lawns are out of the question, a courtyard becomes a viable solution.
When thinking about courtyards, however, images of antiquated structures and moss-covered stone benches come to mind. But in reality, courtyards are a popular element in contemporary architecture, particularly in cities and inner suburbs where space can be limited.
A courtyard has both aesthetic and functional benefits, which is why many architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate this in their designs. If you’re dreaming up your forever home and are looking for mortgage lenders but have no final design yet, a courtyard house design is worth exploring.
To achieve a courtyard that belongs in the 21st century, here are some benefits of a courtyard house and the fundamental elements you should familiarize yourself with:
A house that breathes
The main purpose of a courtyard house is to promote cross-flow ventilation throughout the house to conserve energy. The idea is that, whenever you are in the house, be it the main living area, a bedroom, or bathroom, you can open the windows and get fresh breezes and privacy.
This is only possible with a courtyard house. While open layouts may have been the go-to choice for homeowners, many struggle with keeping the house sufficiently cool or warm. With a courtyard, you can have multiple breezeways, but it would only work if there are windows or doors across the opposite sides of the room.
Separate zones
A courtyard breaks up the house into smaller, more manageable sections so that it wouldn’t take up a lot of energy to heat or cool the house at once. More importantly, it addresses the typical problem with open house layouts where privacy and boundaries are difficult to establish. This has been a common sticking point during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were forced to stay at home for prolonged periods. With a courtyard house design, each member of the family can have their own space to breathe, focus on work or school, or have some quiet time.
The indoor/outdoor connection
In a courtyard house, the boundary between indoors and outdoors is often blurred. In fact, some modern courtyard designs seem like there is no distinction at all. If you want to achieve this look, consider installing a floor-to-ceiling glass atrium with sliding doors. Putting up a continuous wall that extends from the main living room to the courtyard is also a great idea. Feel free to open up your bedrooms or bathrooms to the courtyard, as well.
If you’re concerned about privacy, you can install blinds or roller screens for when you need intimate time. Courtyard homes can get too sunny and bright at certain times, so it would be good to have plenty of window treatments that are easy to control. Fortunately, there are now several smart devices that let you control many aspects of your house with a few clicks of a button.
A year-round escape
A courtyard is not only a focal point to a home, but it can also be a usable space to do all sorts of activities, from drinking your morning coffee, reading a book, or having dinner parties. But since it’s still technically an outdoor space, exposure to the elements can render it uninhabitable during certain times. To remedy this, consider installing a weather control system. This can include installing a retractable atrium roof so you can keep the courtyard closed during heavy rains and snowfall. If you live in a hot and arid region, consider planting tall trees for shade and natural cooling. You can also put up a fire pit so it can easily be a cozy sanctuary during chilly nights.
Planting and accessorizing
Another way to make a courtyard cozier and more inviting is to make it comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Add furniture pieces that are stylish and can withstand the elements. You can also add a few potted plants here and there, an outdoor rug for a warm underfoot, and some dining tables and chairs for outdoor eating.
To add an extra layer of Zen, consider putting up a water feature, some bonsai trees, rock and sand formations, and interesting knickknacks that go well with your theme. If you’re not a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants instead. However, for your courtyard to look sleek year-round, you may still need to do some pruning and replanting.
A courtyard house is not only show-stopping and fun; it’s also an ingenious way to conserve energy, stay in touch with nature, and maximize space, no matter how small.