When you have a courtyard or atrium, you can create your own private paradise! No other design method can give you this level of seclusion and security.
Courtyards and atriums are outdoor spaces completely or partially enclosed by a building or wall. Most are unroofed, but some are covered with clear material like glass or plastic that allows light in.
A courtyard offers the ideal space for a hot tub, outdoor dining set, meditation bench, and/or fountain. A fountain is particularly attractive because the relaxing sounds of the falling water can be heard throughout the house.
I’ve seen beautifully landscaped courtyards with small ponds and lavish tropical or desert vegetation. Since courtyards are often visible from many locations inside, they can greatly enhance the home’s ambiance.
A courtyard adds more living space and a feeling of spaciousness inside the house. It’s like how high ceilings and open floor plans give you a sense of having an abundance of space.
There’s another advantage to courtyards that can reduce your energy bills. Ventilation! Since there are more windows and the ability to have cross ventilation, it’s easier to keep your house cool – and fresh. Good ventilation reduces the likelihood of mold, fungus, and bacterial growth.
You might wonder how a courtyard could be designed into a small house. I’ve seen it done two ways.
- One or more small spaces like a closet, bathroom, or hall enclose the courtyard on one side, and the rest of the house surrounds it on the other three sides. See Diagram A below.
- The house is built in an L-shape with an opposing L-shaped block wall fence to enclose it. See Diagram B below.
I love enclosed courtyards (Diagram A) for their privacy. I find it pleasurable to lie in the sun, sit in a hot tub, or eat a meal in an outdoor space where I know for certain it is away from prying eyes/ears and noise. A courtyard can be an outdoor oasis. 🙂