
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.