Courtyards have a history dating back to around 6400-6000 BC, with the earliest known appearance in the Neolithic Yarmukian site at Sha'ar HaGolan in the central Jordan Valley.
​
​This gives courtyards special significance in architectural history.​
​​
​What's fascinating is how courtyards evolved from a practical necessity to a deliberate architectural feature.
​
Originally, homes had open fires burning in a central area with only a small hole in the ceiling for smoke to escape.
​
Over time, these openings were gradually enlarged, eventually leading to the development of the centralized open courtyard we know today.
​
This evolution showcases how architectural elements often arise from functional needs and gradually transform into aesthetic and cultural features.
​
From a practical necessity to a deliberate architectural feature, the courtyard has come a long way and continues to be an essential part of home design.
​
With its ability to connect indoor and outdoor spaces while providing privacy and natural light, it's no wonder that this timeless element remains popular in contemporary architecture.
​
Our Executive Director designed and constructed a courtyard home on a small suburban site in 2000 for the purpose of creating a view that didn't exist.
​
Similarly, Vias that lead to courtyards are one of the most endearing features of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida.
​
​The word Via, in architecture, means just what you would think. Used as a preposition, it means "by way of," "by means of," or "through". In this case, they lead to beautiful openings between mixed-use buildings just off the Avenue.

• ​Via Bice ​
• ​Via Delmario​
• ​Via Encantada​
• ​Via Mario​
• ​Via Amore​
• ​Via Roma​
• ​Via Parigi​
• ​Via Mizner​

The last one is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once home to Addison Mizner, who designed the five-story apartment that anchors Via Mizner.
​
​There is a downside.​
​
The cost of adding a courtyard design varies widely, depending on size and features.
​
The main cost differences would likely come from additional features often associated with courtyards, such as:

• Additional decking.
• Pergolas, gazebos, or a trellis.
• Retaining and privacy walls.
• Additional landscaping and planting costs.
• Potentially, more exterior walls are used in the house's layout.

However, the overall value of additional landscaping and decking could offset the investment.
​
A simple way to be inspired is to search "Courtyard Homes" on Houzz.com. You'll find countless examples of how courtyards are used in modern homes, from small and intimate spaces to large and grand designs.
​
A more complicated path for inspiration can be a stock image or royalty-free website, such as Getty Images. The one we've found to have a better selection of photos is Adobe Stock Images, although they are almost all AI-generated.

Which is not a bad thing if you're looking for ideas. In fact, AI is becoming very helpful in architecture, particularly when it comes to renderings.
​
AIBD Premier Partner Hauska works day and night to bring you the AI tools you need to present your ideas quickly, professionally, and affordably.
​
Learn Design Pro in minutes and produce photorealistic interior and exterior renderings like this in seconds, not hours or days.

Coming soon is Design Pro V2! Which will include these features and more.

• Project Canvas: Designer/client workspace for collaboration
• Edit: Select specific areas of your image for AI transformation
• Style Lock: Use a Pinterest/reference photo to render your visual

Discover how AI can transform your design practice through their video and webinar resources.
​
Learn from industry experts about the latest AI tools and techniques to elevate your workflow.
​
​Visit the Hauska resources pages to access videos, webinars, events, guides, and more.
​
And have a triumphant rest of your week,
The A-Team
​
P.S. - Watch Design Pro demonstrated live this Friday at 1:30 pm ET. Visit AIBD.org/DesignBuildSanAntonio for more details.