The patio

From the Roman Domus to the Contemporary Patio House

The typology of the house with patio originates in the Roman era with the Domus Pompeiana. This is the matrix that has generated countless variations of the house with patio over the years. It is in this period in fact, that it is usual to build the homes of the wealthiest people, according to a pre-established model, capable of ensuring a greater level of privacy within the urbanized context.

This housing model was characterized by a volume of two floors above ground, few openings on the facade, a rectangular plan and two entrances, one main and one secondary. The rooms were distributed around a central space called atrium which constituted the public access area to the house and housed in the center a basin, the impluvium, where the rainwater converged entering from the compluvium, a specific opening in the roof.
Next to it was the tablinum, a hall where the owner of the house welcomed those who came to visit him. Next was the perisitlium, a portico with an adjoining internal garden, which overlooked the study, the hall for important occasions, the bedrooms, the dining room and the space reserved for prayer.

As time passed and the socio-economic structure changed, the Roman domus would undergo some progressive modifications that would determine the affirmation of diversified conformations depending on the specific time and place. Despite this, some recurring characteristics would allow us to recognize the original scheme in the following versions.

The first innovation is characterized by the increase in volume within the central space, determined by the need to obtain new habitable spaces while maintaining the entrances unchanged. At a later stage, there will be a progressive development in height of the building for the same reasons. The third innovative factor concerns the insertion of commercial premises along the passage side: this element will inevitably modify the front of the domus. The historical events of the late ancient period are decisive for the development and change of the housing patterns spread respectively in the Middle Eastern and Western areas. However, even if the place and the needs change considerably, the model of the Roman domus remains in the articulation of the residences.

In Arab culture, for example, the typical home is equipped with one or more generously sized patios where the most important activities take place. All the rooms overlook this space which houses a pool of water in the center and constitutes the beating heart of the house. Even today it is possible to admire the fabulous riads structured in this way. Furthermore, in the Mediterranean area in this period, sometimes we see a progressive fragmentation of the wings of the portico that has always characterized the peristyle of the original homes.
This is a structural change dictated by specific needs that also cause a change in the intended use of the spaces and a concept that differs from the idea of ​​a single-family home.

During the Middle Ages the situation changed radically: the domus of the wealthiest gave way to the castle of the Lord of the city. The new residence, however, retained an internal courtyard that fulfilled countless functions, even becoming a refuge for the population in the event of war attacks. The concept of housing for the wealthiest classes became of fundamental importance for the social affirmation of the family.

From this moment on, residential buildings took on great value and during the Renaissance they competed with the grandeur of pre-existing public buildings. The original function of the home as a gathering place and nucleus of family life changed, leaving room for the symbolic meaning linked to the power of a single individual. Despite this, the spatial conformation underwent few changes, maintaining mostly the classic rectangular plan with an internal and central open courtyard. The latter housed fountains and real gardens designed with care and attention to detail, in order to constitute a source of pride for the Lord who owned them.

In the following decades, there was a decline in the use of this solution and the internal courtyard was revived around the 20s with a new meaning. Complexes of residential cells organized in real residential blocks that took on the shape of a C and an L spread. In this period the aim was to merge traditional models and innovation with a particular sensitivity to the social aspect, increased by the sharing of semi-public spaces, the courtyards precisely.
Today, the ancient system that presented the courtyard delimited by the internal spaces has often given way to living cells open on several sides with respect to the context and delimited by gates or private walls.
It is evident how, with the passing of the centuries, the changing society and its specific needs determine the changes in the housing scheme. Architecture is for this reason, a faithful mirror of the socio-economic reality of a precise time, where however it is possible to find constant characteristics that ensure a certain continuity. Yesterday as today for example, the internal patio represents a very coveted element, able to guarantee comfort and psycho-physical well-being to the individual.   

Studies and realizations of the modern patio house

Throughout history, the typology of the house with a patio has been at the center of studies and debates supported by architects and engineers. The first experiments date back to the beginning of the 900th century when some exponents of the Arts and Craft Movement gave life to some housing solutions with an internal courtyard. The first example of aggregation of single cells, however, was proposed in 1904 by Tony Garnier with his “Citè Industrielle” but is limited to hypotheses that remained on paper. In reality, the scheme that is widespread today was developed in the 20s and 30s, during the rationalist period in Germany, by the architect Hugo Häring.

The solution reinterpreted the terraced house scheme, keeping in mind the characteristics of the place and the social needs of the moment. In the following years, the concept of using the open courtyard as a direct extension of the internal space became increasingly popular. The model received a fair amount of consensus thanks to its low construction cost, high density and optimal livability.

In Italy, the architects Marescotti and Pagano stood out, who around 1940 proposed some experiments with the L-shaped distribution typology, with solutions that involved the grouping of several courtyard houses. These were single-family homes, all identical and placed side by side in pairs with communicating courtyards but divided by a diaphragm, in which the idea of ​​exploiting open spaces as much as possible was revived. These studies constitute only the premise of the subsequent post-war reconstruction activity that gave a central role to the house with a high residential density courtyard. In 1952 Adalberto Libera with the program INA-CASA, endowed the Tuscolano district in Rome, of a housing complex generated by the courtyard typology (see the project here).
The apartments, designed according to four different sizes, were able to accommodate up to eight people. The surrounding areas, passages and connections were areas for rest and meeting, in order to encourage socialization among the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Despite the interesting result, in the following years in Italy, the multi-family typology isolated or adjacent to other similar ones, low cost and developed in height, was preferred to the house with a patio.

From this moment on, the patio house is developed as a prestigious single-family typology and is interpreted as an escape route from the chaos of the urban fabric. A famous example is the Row House di Tadao Ando, built in Osaka in 1976: referring to Japanese tradition, the house appears as an airtight box which however hides a small open patio inside.

The originality of the solution consists in the fundamental importance of the courtyard that must be crossed if one wants to pass from one room to another. It is an "obligatory passage", thanks to which it is possible to re-establish a relationship with nature and with the open space that also constitutes the focal point of the residence. Also by Ando is the Kidosaki House, a private villa built between 1985 and 1986, where the space takes on a complex articulation and winds around the internal courtyard developed on multiple levels. Raw materials, neutral colors and elegance blend together in a combination of peace and silence, far from the frenzy of the city.

Patio as an internal-external continuum – Tadao Ando, ​​Kidosaki House, 1985-1986
Source: www.architectboy.com

And it is always Japan that bears witness to the success of courtyard house projects: in this case the Nexus World Housing in Fukuoka. In the 1991 Rem Koolhaas & Partners they design some individual houses on the occasion of the urban renewal plan. The result is two blocks of 12 apartments each, equipped with large patios on which the rooms are developed distributed on three floors. Here, the courtyard is the only source of air and light for the homes.

Patio Types and Features

As mentioned above, the patio is often associated with private residences where it plays the role of a courtyard or garden that overlooks the internal spaces.
This is a mistaken consideration because in the past, this space inside the building has been used in other architectural typologies. Just think of the medieval convents and their cloisters surrounded by four colonnaded wings, along which the monastic rooms were distributed. Even the hospitals of the chivalric orders are an illustrious example of complexes with central courtyards. In this case, the space was used as a real pharmacy equipped with a laboratory, warehouse and small botanical garden for the cultivation of medicinal herbs.

The concept of patio today is the result of changes over time but retains some original connotations.
It is possible to distinguish between external and internal patios. The first is completely uncovered and sometimes has flexible and easily removable covers, the second instead constitutes a sort of "private garden" inserted inside the house and completely covered. The latter typology is usually placed in the central nucleus of the house and constitutes an element of a predominantly aesthetic nature, where ornamental plant species and decorative elements are inserted. This is a solution more often found in villas and residences of a certain value, where it has the dual function of guarantor of brightness and aesthetically valuable element. In Asia, the covered garden belongs to tradition and since ancient times has been considered an integral factor of the house, a zen space in which to alienate oneself from the din of chaotic cities.

View of the internal patio – Hopper House, AHL Architects, Hanoi (Vietnam)    
Source: www.elledecor.com

Views of the decorative interior patio – Nishinoyama House, Sanaa Kazuyo Sejima & Associates, Japan
Source: Kazuyo Sejima & Associates

As for the patio located in the outdoor space adjacent to the residence, it is more widespread and requires greater attention in design choices and future management. Since it is an outdoor area, exposed to the elements, it will be necessary to opt for plant and shrub species suitable for the local climate and for water-repellent and weather-resistant materials.

Furthermore, if you want to insert even a partial covering in the space, it is essential to obtain the necessary documentation and permits before proceeding with the construction of any fixed element. While the internal patio constitutes an intimate block immersed in the home environments, the one used as an outdoor courtyard represents a true continuum between residence and outdoor space. The garden becomes an extension of the living spaces and constitutes an added value in the urban context where the relationship between nature and buildings has now been lost. For this reason, the patio is used as a functional area, for meeting and relaxation.

A second distinction can be made in relation to the opening of the patio with respect to the context. We speak of a closed patio when the open space belonging to the residence does not foresee any direct contact with the surrounding urban fabric. If, on the other hand, the patio relates to the public space through an opening fence or connects fluidly with it thanks to the absence of diaphragms, we will be dealing with semi-open and open patios. The typological choice is always the result of specific needs, dictated by different socio-economic contexts.

PATIO TYPES DIAGRAM

We have seen how the typology of the house with patio has undergone countless changes throughout history, however, it is still possible today to trace some characteristics that have remained constant over time. 

1. THE INTROVERSION
   The distribution scheme of the patio house has a regular and closed plan with a central open space onto which the internal rooms overlook. The smaller sides have few openings on the facade and the only connecting element with the context is represented by the entrance to the house. For this reason, this building solution has always been considered the result of the need for privacy and an almost anti-urban confidentiality. The patio house thus constitutes a true independent microcosm within the urban fabric.
   
2. THE DIMENSIONS
   The patio is the portion of land located in a central position and enclosed by the rooms of the residence. The courtyard must be large enough to be recognizable as an open space of relevance, but not too much, in order to maintain its identity as an internal area. The guiding criterion used in design to obtain a good result consists in maintaining the proportions between the size of the area and the height of the volume that surrounds it.
   
3. THE BORDERS WITH THE EXTERNAL
   The courtyard house consists of a residence and a patio that together occupy the entire surface. There are no residual spaces and the private property is adjacent to the public space. Depending on the typological choice, the patio can be more or less permeable with respect to the context (closed, semi-closed, open patio).
   
4. ACCESSIBILITY
   The entrance to the house with a patio is the only connecting element between the context and the most intimate areas of the residence. It can be located in correspondence with the living area or in the passage between it and the sleeping area. In the case of patio house complexes, the position of the entrance to the internal residence will determine the aggregative conformation of the residences.
   
5. COMPACT URBAN ENVIRONMENT
   Since the residential units have fronts with few functional openings, the courtyard houses can be directly joined together through the blind walls. In the complexes built throughout history, the single-family courtyard houses occupy blocks in which residences, private green spaces (patios), public green spaces and connecting paths coexist. This system generates a compact urban fabric and promotes sociability.
   
6. SHARING
   In the contemporary courtyard house, the idea of ​​introversion is toned down and leaves room for the concept of sharing and social exchange, while still ensuring a good level of privacy. This practical change arises from a vision of living that is less and less private than in the past. 
   
   

The advantages of the patio house

Throughout history, the patio house has found its greatest diffusion in the Mediterranean area, where the mild climate favored the exploitation of open private space. However, in recent decades there has been a growing interest in this residential typology also in the northernmost area of ​​Europe.
The need is to live in spaces on a human scale, with portions of shared and appurtenant greenery. Furthermore, the patio also represents an advantageous solution from a thermo-hygrometric point of view. In fact, it is an excellent solution for cooling residences located in warm territories and at the same time, it allows heat and light to be retained in colder areas. To this end, it is advisable to make the best material and morphological choices in relation to the place where you are, remembering that light surfaces reflect the sun's rays and heat less, while dark surfaces, on the contrary, absorb more heat.

If the dimensions allow it, the insertion of low and medium-sized tree species will allow the open area to be cooled and shaded spaces to be created that will favor the use of the patio during the summer season. During the daytime hours, a real exchange of hot and fresh air is created, stored respectively in the areas exposed to the sun and in those in the shade. During the night, however, the excess hot air will tend to rise and be released into the air. In this way, the air will be healthier and an ideal microclimate will be created for the well-being of the user.

As far as the lighting aspect is concerned, the presence of the patio is an added value in terms of light quality. If the patio is surrounded by glass, the light filters easily during the daytime, contributing to energy savings and promoting the psycho-physical well-being of the resident. In fact, on the contrary, environments that do not enjoy good lighting cause visual stress with repercussions on the health of the individual. To this end, it is essential to take into account the orientation of the building: the south-east and south-west axis guarantees exposure to solar rays all year round, while the north axis relies on reflected light, less deep but more uniformly distributed in the internal environments.

The diffusion of natural light in the rooms also works as a connecting and balancing element between the open space and the actual residence. Currently, despite its great potential, the patio house is not widely used due to urban planning that tends to favor building typologies with reduced construction costs. However, this type of solution, in addition to ensuring a high density with a horizontal development, ensures excellent livability. In fact, it is able to combine the advantages of single-family villas with the needs of a large catchment area, becoming an accessible model and no longer elitist as it once was. Today, however, it is possible to find solutions that involve the aggregation of various types of patio houses, more or less open to the outside.

House aggregation schemes with closed, semi-closed and open patio (click on the image to enlarge)
Graphic schemes Chiara Del Core

The contemporary patio house

Ancient origins, peculiarities firm in the past, the courtyard house today constitutes a private building typology. The aesthetic internal patio is an element that is found above all in single homes of a certain architectural value. It is a solution that draws from tradition but is shaped on today's and changing tastes.
The functional open space, on the other hand, occupies an area pertaining to the house, interpreted as the vital hub of family life. Large windows are often favored to allow natural light to filter in and to ensure continuity, as if the patio were the spontaneous continuation of a living room or kitchen.
From a practical point of view, this peculiarity allows to exploit a space that would otherwise be purely aesthetic. During the summer season, the unfolding of daily life can find an alternative to the closed environments of the house, while during the winter, the courtyard becomes necessary for the improvement of the microclimate and the light intensity.
When designing a patio, some fundamental attention must be paid to the success of the residential complex. Let's see below what criteria to follow.

THE COVERAGE

The percentage of covered surface area of ​​the patio determines its type. We are talking about closed patios in the presence of verandas or total and removable covers, semi-open patios when flexible elements cover partial surface areas and open patios in the absence of covers. We are talking about all those structures such as gazebos and pergolas, inserted in order to shade small functional areas and maximize their use. One or the other choice depends on personal needs and taste: if the indoor patio can be used all year round and is an integral part of the interior spaces, the outdoor space gives the priceless sensation of being in contact with the surrounding environment. Today, the market offers countless solutions for screening areas exposed to the sun: from classic curtains to tensile structures, ending with the most innovative technological solutions that include lamellar elements adjustable in height and inclination through a convenient remote control.

VERTICAL DIAPHRAGMS AND FLOORS

The most sought-after patio houses feature large windows that allow light to flow into the interior spaces. The choice of window type is guided by the desire to make the courtyard more or less permeable to the residence. In fact, there is the possibility of opting for sliding windows that can replace the entire separation wall, completely opening the house to the outside.
As for flooring, materials must be carefully chosen, keeping in mind the function of the specific area and exposure to atmospheric agents. For example, an area subject to walking must be resistant to wear, non-slip and safe, while a space intended for relaxation will be preferable to be light in colour so that the sun's rays are reflected, avoiding excessive heating. If the patio is to have purely decorative inserts, synthetic or real grass will be perfect, requiring more maintenance but with greater benefits. It is also possible to use multiple different finishing materials depending on the use: for example, a fluid transition from flooring to grass or gravel will guarantee an aesthetically pleasing result.

THE GREEN INSERTS

The green element in design is certainly an added value that can make a difference from an environmental and psycho-physical comfort point of view. As mentioned above, it is possible to use artificial solutions that simplify maintenance over time, even if natural species provide priceless benefits. Plant elements can be inserted into the floor, in special vases or as a filling for pergolas and walls.

The orientation of the patio and the local climate are determining factors in the choice of greenery, but in any case it is preferable to opt for types that require simple management and resist direct sunlight. As regards the position of medium-low height plants and shrubs, it is preferable to place the larger species along the perimeter of the patio and the smaller ones in front, in order to give the right depth by expanding the spatial perception. Thanks to the contribution of greenery, the private courtyard thus becomes a true microcosm between nature and the built element. The advantages that derive from this are many: in addition to making the environment more welcoming and pleasant, users will enjoy physical, mental and environmental benefits.

THE WATER ELEMENT

If the patio is used as a continuation of the interior spaces of the house, it will have to meet functional and aesthetic needs. Just as the inclusion of plants and flowers contributes significantly to the livability of the space, the addition of the water element characterizes its added value. The size of the patio and the needs of the residents will determine the consistency of the intervention: in large spaces, a private swimming pool can also be inserted for those who want to use the patio as a garden for the summer. In the case of small areas, even just a detail such as a fountain or a small pool of water can contribute to improving the domestic micro-climate and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY

In order to make the most of the patio even during the evening and night hours, it will be necessary to provide it with proper artificial lighting. If there are areas with different intended uses, it will be appropriate to provide them with a different light intensity depending on the need: for example, in the presence of support surfaces for eating or for work, greater brightness is necessary compared to the relaxation areas for which soft lighting will be perfect. To this end, it is a good idea to choose devices of different types and power: recessed spotlights in the floor for the paths, lampposts corresponding to functional fulcrums and even luminous mushrooms that in addition to illuminating warm the outdoor environment making it usable even during the coldest periods. 

6 – THE MATERIALS

Designing an outdoor environment requires a little extra attention in terms of choosing materials, as they must be more resistant to wear and tear over time and atmospheric agents. As for the finishes of floors and walls, we go from treated wood to composite materials, to raw concrete and resin. The most commonly used furnishings and accessories are those in steel and plastic. If the choice falls on the most valuable natural wood (rattan, wicker) with the best aesthetic result, it is advisable to place the furniture in a covered position, protected from the elements in order to preserve its quality. 

• WOOD
  The most used type is teak, which has always been used in the nautical field thanks to its resistance to atmospheric agents. It is possible to choose it in the format of slats to cover floors, walkways and functional areas.
  
• WPC
  These are composite materials, which have become popular because they are a valid alternative to natural wood. Generated by the fusion of natural fibers and thermoplastic polymers, they resist wear and tear over time better and require less maintenance.
  
• CEMENT
  It is a material that lends itself well to outdoor flooring because with a minimum thickness it is possible to cover the surfaces avoiding demolishing existing structures. In this way, moreover, the level of the internal and external floors remain unchanged, preserving the home environments from the danger of rainwater coming from outside. The versatility, speed of installation and durability make this material one of the most used in outdoor environments. In addition to the continuous casting, it is possible to opt for decorative blocks, slabs and tiles, so as to satisfy various needs.
  
• RECYCLED RUBBER
  Some of the advantages of recycled rubber flooring can be found in the sustainability of the product, ease of installation and safety as it does not change in the event of sudden impacts. Furthermore, it has a long durability over time. It is optimal in areas surrounding swimming pools.

If the patio is a continuum between the residence and the exterior, the furniture that will complete the private patio project must follow the style and typological choices made for the interior. The most commonly used materials for furniture and accessories are divided into natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

Among the first we include:

• RATTAN
  It is a natural woven fiber, cheap and light that is used for the production of durable and resistant outdoor furniture. This material is biodegradable and in nature it is found in abundant quantities, for this reason, opting for rattan means choosing with an eye to environmental sustainability. The original color is beige but on the market there are many nuances capable of adapting to any environment.
  
• WICKER
  Originated from the intertwining of willow branches, it guarantees resistance and at the same time lightness. Also in this case the product is versatile and available on the market in various colors.

Among synthetic fibers, all types of plastic materials can be listed. The advantages are many: they resist atmospheric agents, are light and require very simple maintenance. Thanks to new technologies, they can also provide an aesthetic result very close to the materials they reproduce: woven fabrics, wood and metals. 

7 – THE STYLE

If the internal open space must be functional, it is also good that it meets the aesthetic tastes of the client. As mentioned before, in the case in which it is an "extension" of the house, it will be appropriate to follow the same stylistic choices of the internal environments. It goes from the rustic style, with the use of materials such as terracotta, stone, wood and furnishings such as benches, swings and terracotta accessories. If instead you prefer the contemporary style, glass, aluminum, wood and furnishings with regular shapes and neutral colors will be perfect. What is important is to make the area welcoming and pleasant with the inclusion of seats, tables and elements that recreate specific shade.
If the final result does not meet expectations, adding an original detail can make the difference: for example, a hammock will create a corner of peace and well-being or the inclusion of a barbecue will allow you to organize pleasant barbecues in company.    

SMALL PATIO – MEASURED CHOICES

If you have a small patio, you can maximize its use and achieve a satisfactory result from the point of view of aesthetics and usability. You need to enhance the spaces to the centimeter, inserting small-sized furniture and accessories that give personality to the environment. For example, if you want to recreate a convivial area, it will be preferable to opt for a bench rather than chairs that are certainly more cumbersome. If you want to enrich the patio with green inserts, one solution could be to insert hanging vases or shelves hanging on the wall rather than placing plants and flowers on the floor that would take up precious space for the furniture. Last but not least, the advice in small spaces is to take care of every single detail without overloading the patio with decorative elements: the result will be a welcoming and personalized area.

How to Make Your Patio an Extra Room in Your Home

If the home environments do not meet our expectations, why not make the patio an extra room? The best solution involves the fusion of the internal spaces with the external one. It is necessary to pay close attention to the technological choices, to those of the finishes and the furnishings, in order to create areas that follow one another with fluidity and give back the image of a harmonious whole. Furthermore, it is important to specify how the external space is connected to the residence in a more immediate way, if it is exploited and made functional to daily needs. In fact, if the patio has only a decorative function, it would be considered a sort of locus amoenus devoid of quality from a practical point of view. For this reason, since the internal courtyard often communicates directly with a specific room of the house, it will be appropriate to establish a specific intended use, ensuring continuity with the interior. For example, if the kitchen overlooks the patio, the latter can become a pleasant area where you can eat even in the less hot periods, thanks to the inclusion of appropriate shelters and covers. If the living room enjoys the outside view, it can be extended into a relaxation area or solarium, perfect for the sunniest days. It is much rarer, however, that the sleeping area overlooks the patio on the ground floor, but if this solution were to occur, the garden could serve as a play area for children, who could thus move freely from the bedroom to the equipped outdoor green space.

Having said that, it is important to make some small adjustments in the design choices, let's see which ones.

• KEEP THE SAME STYLE
  In order to obtain a harmonious whole between interior spaces and patio, it is essential to choose the same finishes and furnishings with a homogeneous style. This last aspect will be more easily achievable if the courtyard has even a partial coverage that guarantees protection to furniture that is normally used inside the house. In fact, if the space is devoid of screening elements, furniture and accessories will have to resist the action of atmospheric agents. In this case, even if the offer of outdoor materials on the market is expanding, it will be much more difficult to faithfully follow the lines chosen for the interior spaces.
  As for the choice of colors, it is preferable to keep the same tones, trying to favor light shades with the aim of reflecting the incident sunlight and expanding the space.
  
• REMODULATE THE SPATIAL CONFORMATION
  In order to ensure continuity between internal spaces and the patio, it is of fundamental importance to choose the best dividing elements. These are the frames and the boundary walls that, in the aforementioned perspective, should be as permeable as possible towards the outside. Among the most used alternatives, there are sliding or accordion glass doors thanks to which the two environments become a single space that can be easily used when the modules are opened or folded on themselves. When choosing the frame, it is essential to take into account the technical performance, opting for high-performance glass that guarantees good energy savings. In this way, with a simple movement it is possible to redefine the space by modulating it according to the needs of the moment.
  
• ENSURE SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY
  If the respect of a unique style and the permeability of the screens between internal and external environments are essential in order to guarantee a certain spatial and functional continuity, it is equally important to guarantee the safety of those who live in the house on a daily basis. For this reason, it is essential that there are no differences in level between the floor of the open area and that of the internal spaces and if they are present, it is necessary to remedy them with adequate solutions aimed at putting the floors at the same level. It is also essential to remove any type of encumbrance and obstacle in order to preserve individual safety.

Patio house examples today

As mentioned, today the patio house typology finds its realization almost exclusively in private construction. These are examples aimed at recovering the balance with the environment and nature, maintaining a good level of privacy and ensuring a corner of peace in the chaotic urban environment.

Let us now look at three examples of courtyard houses designed according to the criteria of spatial continuity, exploitation of natural light and maintenance of privacy.

Private house – Michele De Lucchi, Milan, 2014

This is a residence on the ground floor of an ancient Milanese building from the early 900s. The presence of a large internal condominium courtyard, as per city tradition, allows the recovery and exploitation of the open space around which all the internal rooms are distributed. The use of large windows allows natural light to spread with balance in all the lived spaces. The patio is interpreted here as the pivot around which the home develops, a private, intimate place, in which to recover direct contact with the environment. Its central position also makes the patio a real open-air room, an extension of the kitchen, the living room and the master bedrooms. The project stands out as an excellent example of restyling capable of preserving the original shape through a respectful reinterpretation of the pre-existing building in a modern key.

Detached villa – H Arquitectes, Sant Cugat del Valles, 2013

The guiding value underlying the design of this single-family residence is maximizing the relationship with the surrounding greenery. In a residential area just outside the center of Barcelona, ​​this particular home is conceived as a structure that coexists in close contact with nature.

The complex consists of three residential blocks, each with a specific function (children's area, family living area, master bedroom area), between which two closed spaces have been inserted, but permeable to the outside thanks to sliding glass doors. This is a covered space that allows you to experience the green area of ​​the surrounding garden at 360°, both in the colder months thanks to the roofing, and during the summer season. The function of these spaces is twofold: entrance to the residence and outdoor living room. This last aspect contributes to the creation of a fluid passage from one space to another, as well as making the patio a true continuum between inside and outside.
The house thus takes on the connotation of a self-contained organism, complete and very liveable.

Residence – Loft Szczecin, Poland, 2008

From the recovery of an old forge, the Loft Szczecin studio has created an apartment developed on two levels and equipped with a small internal patio. The aim was to make the most of natural light, equipping the openings of the living area with generous windows and preferring the color white for almost all the internal walls. In this case the patio is used as an extension of the kitchen thanks to the insertion of an outdoor living-set. Privacy is ensured by the total closure of the courtyard towards the outside and the insertion of decorative vegetation and on the wall cools the small environment, making it more livable and hospitable.

View of the patio from inside and the patio outside
Source: https://loft-kolasinski.com/portfolio/adaptation-of-a-forge/

Villa Planchart by Gio Ponti – Caracas (El Cerrito), Venezuela, 1953-1957

The patio of this beautiful villa designed by Gio Ponti is characterized by walls covered with colored glazed majolica with imaginative designs. The ceramics are by Fausto Melotti.
In the planimetric scheme of Villa Planchart, the patio takes on the function of a pivot around which all the rooms and activities of the villa are organized. In one corner of the patio there is a table for outdoor dining, a real garden and on one side a body of water with aquatic plants. 

See the dwg drawings of the project of this fantastic villa…>>