Courtyard living : contemporary houses of the Asia-Pacific / Charmaine Chan.

Private little worlds.--The young, the old and the in-between.--Essential sightlines.--Air, Light, Shade.--Blurring the boundaries.

Courtyards have long played an important function in residential design, regulating light, shade, and the use of space. With centuries of tradition as inspiration, contemporary architects are now realizing courtyard living afresh. This lavish survey of twenty-five residences across the Asia-Pacific region features homes from Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Structured by courtyard function, the book's five chapters--on privacy; social spaces; sightlines; air, light, and shade; and blending boundaries--are richly illustrated with photography and architectural sketches that reveal the position of the courtyard within the floor plan. Showcasing the unique lifestyle opportunities afforded by contemporary courtyard design, this is an inspirational resource for anyone interested in indoor-outdoor living.