Courtyards Bring the Outdoors In with Architectural & Natural Elements

What kind of image do you conjure up when you think of a courtyard? Many people think only of the grandiose types that are found at mansions or public venues, resplendent with large fountains and lush gardens. In fact, courtyards are an under-utilized architectural detail that can change the whole look and feel of your home. Indoor & outdoor courtyards offer natural light and a sense of outdoor space regardless of where your home is situated.

 

Loosely defined, a courtyard is an outdoor space that is defined by four walls. Urban dwellers or people who find their homes lacking in natural light can both benefit from an interior courtyard. Whether the space is open to the elements or not, the right design can flood your home with beautiful light and create a sense of the outdoors in your living areas. Such spaces can be created as private sitting areas or even some garden space in a home that lacks sufficient yard area yet has ample room indoors.

If you are planning to build your dream home or currently have a home constructed so all rooms face the same outdoor space, you have or will have the perfect space to create a beautiful courtyard. The opportunity for cross breezes through the home and a micro-climate in your very own courtyard have an appeal all to themselves, but the look and feel of this extension to your home is limited only by your preferences. It is worth mentioning that outdoor courtyards do not have to rely on standard building materials to create walls. If your home does not allow for an architectural addition, a landscape architect can design your courtyard using foliage, fencing, and stone as a few examples.

TMS Architects can help you create the perfect design for indoor & outdoor courtyards that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of bringing the outdoors in. Contact us for a consultation with one of our experts in landscaping and building design today.