8 courtyards that offer a breath of fresh air

1. Compass swing

An intelligent response to a tricky site creates an L-shaped, glass-walled pavilion home with a sheltered courtyard at its heart – bringing sheltered sea views to the east, privacy, and importantly opening a north-facing aspect.

Designed by Jessop Architects

Photography by Jamie Cobel

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2. Sunken treasure

One person's light well is another's sunken court – in this case complete with sculptural olive tree – creating deep daylight penetration and ventilation, along with making the lower levels pleasing.

Designed by SPF:architects

Photography by Mike Kelley

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3. Charismatic connector

A grand private courtyard garden with protected plane tree connects the main house to the mews house on this property – expansive windows including an upstairs balcony, are all trained on the pretty al fresco spot.

Interiors by Alison Henry Design

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4. Rising above it

This house wraps around an internal courtyard that creates a private outdoor area and allows for ample sunlight to penetrate the house – the light bringing feature keeps on giving by continuing as a bite out of the upstairs plan

Designed by Banham Architects

Photography by Andrew Pritchard

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5. Inner light

Providing natural light, airflow, and a great sense of transparency and spaciousness across the interior, this internal courtyard becomes the heart of the house

Designed by Alex Urena Design Studio

Photography by Tim Shaw

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6. I see U

The U-shaped design of this home semi-encloses a sheltered outdoor space – the arrangement creates the pleasing effect of looking across the warm, private courtyard into the other wing.

Designed by Creative Arch

Photography by Andy Chui

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7. Circling the wagons

Articulated roof forms and multi-faceted cladding combine to give this home the look of grouped smaller buildings, playing down its generous size and creating a sheltered courtyard at its heart

Designed by G.J. Gardner Queenstown

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8. Sunny disposition

This house is orientated around an internal courtyard that is approached right at entry – the al fresco spaces ensures that, during the day, most internal spaces benefit from the northern sun.

Designed by Stufkens & Chambers Architects

Photography by: Anthony Turnham Photography

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Story by: Trendsideas