More and more modern apartments are featuring spaces that combine the functions of courtyards and balconies. They provide a space that is open to the air, a breathing space for the apartment and one that can really be an asset both visually and emotionally. We call them courtyard terraces.
They don’t entirely turn inwards like a courtyard and they offer more protection than a balcony. One ends up with a dynamic space that can cocoon at the same time as offering some views. A world within a world.
They are often easier to garden as they tend to be less windy and exposed than traditional balconies, and the planting will not be battling extreme weather to such an extent. Understanding the sun/shade seasonal patterns made by the walls is vital in order to choose plants that will be happy.
We often try to design built in planters to create continual soil space for the roots and plants to interlink and communicate which always seems to lead to happier plants. Otherwise large generous free standing containers also work well if you have to retro fit. Lots of small pots is hellish to maintain and visually distracting.
When designing, it’s helpful to understand how you’d like to use the space. Perhaps it’s for lounging or eating outdoors; maybe you’d like a fire or a water feature; or maybe it’s a gorgeous private space with a daybed off a bedroom. Optimal use of space is crucial so that the space feels easy to use and move around in. Dual functions such as planter walls forming seats or water feature walls doubling as planter walls can be very helpful to create a generous feeling of space. Once you have worked out the practicalities, a sense of pattern and shape in the layout will elevate the space into the extraordinary.
These spaces are strongly three dimensional as the walls elevate them from the ground plane. Take advantage of your walls and use them as another design surface, think softening and climbing creepers, pergolas, small trees such as lemons and pomegranates, and tumbling plants over the edges of planters.
Small spaces can be unforgiving, with every element on show. Materials therefore need to be chosen with care, not simply as a backdrop but for the contribution they make to the overall scheme. Colour, scale and texture all play an important role.
Lastly, make something that satisfies all the senses- include plants, and sound such as water splashing or concealed speakers, comfy seating, soft lighting and barefoot friendly textures underfoot.
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