Collection by Allie Weiss

Beautiful Courtyards

Whether within a home's perimeter or outside of it, these modern courtyards provide a breath of fresh air.

Creative brainstorming sessions often take place in the building's outdoor spaces. "Generally we open the porch doors all the way to have any meetings or [do] collaborative work," explains designer Shawn Benson.
Creative brainstorming sessions often take place in the building's outdoor spaces. "Generally we open the porch doors all the way to have any meetings or [do] collaborative work," explains designer Shawn Benson.
A single crepe myrtle, which sports red blossoms in summer, defines the courtyard.
A single crepe myrtle, which sports red blossoms in summer, defines the courtyard.
The Heids incorporated mostly native plants into the courtyard, which Andrew designed as an ovoid decagon. The George Nelson Platform bench is from Design Within Reach. Solarban low-e glass improves insulation. The layout, says Andrew, is meant to “bring people together.”
The Heids incorporated mostly native plants into the courtyard, which Andrew designed as an ovoid decagon. The George Nelson Platform bench is from Design Within Reach. Solarban low-e glass improves insulation. The layout, says Andrew, is meant to “bring people together.”
Inspired by the work of Le Corbusier, American architect Michael Herman experimented with indoor-outdoor perspectives when he redesigned a flat in Paris for his family of three. Photo by Filippo Bamberghi.
Inspired by the work of Le Corbusier, American architect Michael Herman experimented with indoor-outdoor perspectives when he redesigned a flat in Paris for his family of three. Photo by Filippo Bamberghi.
For Paul and Shoko Shozi, a pair of retiring Angelenos, the goal was to shut out the neighborhood but bring in the sunny skies. Their new prefab home, the Tatami House, designed by Swiss architect Roger Kurath of Design*21, makes a central courtyard the physical, and maybe even the spiritual, center of the home. Because the Japanese maple in the courtyard had to be planted before the ipe deck was laid, Kurath designed a small removable panel to allow access to the tree’s base. The Shozis can pull up the bit of decking to tend to the tree and replace it when they’re through. And because the boards line up perfectly, only the gardener need know it’s there. From the kitchen and living room you’re well connected to the courtyard and the rest of the house.
For Paul and Shoko Shozi, a pair of retiring Angelenos, the goal was to shut out the neighborhood but bring in the sunny skies. Their new prefab home, the Tatami House, designed by Swiss architect Roger Kurath of Design*21, makes a central courtyard the physical, and maybe even the spiritual, center of the home. Because the Japanese maple in the courtyard had to be planted before the ipe deck was laid, Kurath designed a small removable panel to allow access to the tree’s base. The Shozis can pull up the bit of decking to tend to the tree and replace it when they’re through. And because the boards line up perfectly, only the gardener need know it’s there. From the kitchen and living room you’re well connected to the courtyard and the rest of the house.