There are many advantages to incorporating interior courtyards in residential projects, both in urban contexts and in more natural surroundings. In both cases, they are a key element in improving the quality of the home's interior space in various ways. Whether in the form of a central cloister, side courtyards, or through perforated slabs and the addition of skylights, these spaces play a vital role in creating a harmonious living environment, offering benefits ranging from the regulation of interior temperature to enhancing social interactions and fostering a close connection with nature.
Firstly, these spaces increase the influx of natural light, which not only enhances the perception of the interior space but also has positive effects on the health of the inhabitants by reducing the need for artificial lighting and the associated energy consumption. On the other hand, courtyards significantly improve the home's interior ventilation, facilitating cross-air circulation, which naturally refreshes the spaces and helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, creating healthier environments.
Additionally, interior courtyards offer a great opportunity to incorporate vegetation into everyday life at home, which adds aesthetic value and contributes to emotional well-being. Biophilic design within residences has been shown to reduce stress. Integrating natural elements strengthens the connection between the interior and exterior, allowing residents to enjoy a more balanced and harmonious environment.
Below is a selection of projects that have incorporated interior courtyards filled with vegetation, which have been key in optimizing natural light and fostering a closer connection with nature.
Q U A D R O S House / gruta.arquitetos
House in Muko / Tomohiro Hata Architect and Associates
Courtyard House by the Water / Studio DesignSeed
Naples Street House / Edition Office
Sabino 10 House / Editorial
Singapore Residence / Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
NoFe House / Equipo de Arquitectura
House of 7 Courtyards / Arquitectura Spinetta
The Longcave 2 House / 23o5Studio
TicTacToe House / VDV ARQ
Estomba House / Calfat-Mazzocchi
Brick Cave / H&P Architects
Uncle's House / 3 Atelier
Mipibu House / Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados
V House / COTAPAREDES Arquitectos
Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 11th, 2018, by María Francisca González, and updated by Paula Pintos on December 2nd, 2024.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2018 and updated by Paula Pintos on December 2, 2024.