Courting the greens

With the onset of winters, it8217;s difficult not to think about the lazy afternoons, when all one wants to do is bask in the sun.

City homes bring the natural feel of exteriors inside through courtyards

With the onset of winters, it8217;s difficult not to think about the lazy afternoons, when all one wants to do is bask in the sun. To move in open spaces and be close to the fresh greens and primrose yellows. But rather than stepping out, this time the city residents make their own courtyards to enjoy the luxuries and step in style. Here8217;s a peek-a-boo into the green spaces inside the houses that find multiple uses.

At advocate Gaurav and Shweta Dheer8217;s residence in Sector 10, it8217;s a seamless blend of nature and artificial that appeals. The courtyard forming the focal point of interior design, here it builds connectivity through the three floors and gives in ample natural light to the basement as well. 8220;The open space gives the whole house a warm feel and merges three separate units into a complete family house,8221; smiles Shweta, emphasising that while the floors assure individual spaces, the traditional courtyard bridges distances and provides the perfect spot for a bar.

Fashioning homes that make optimal use of nature, BP Singh, landscape artist, feels that it8217;s best to build houses that are eco friendly. 8220;Natural lightening from the glass ceiling creates a sense of drama and simultaneously saves power and if a water body is made in the center of the courtyard, it helps decrease the temperature of the whole house by at least two to three degrees,8221; Singh explains the dynamics and reels the positive effect of a central green space in his latest venture, Sunshine, a party hall.

While, some pronounce the 8220;green void8221; as the perfect way to herald the arrival of winter, others agree with Singh and adress it as a summer special. 8220;Throw in fresh, seasonal colours, delicate designs and flower pots in the courtyard and get a cozy feel any time of the year,8221; chirps Sangeeta Bhargava, an HR consultant, whose house creates a sense of fluidity with white walls, large open doorways and cleverly positioned windows. 8220;The house was designed to let in nature in full bloom,8221; she smiles, as she shows the area that8217;s abuzz with plants and opens up as a little play ambit for her son. 8220;Cars, toys, school work.. he does it all here,8221; she beams.

The traditional courtyards are coming back in a big way, what8217;s different is that they are much more refined. The paving options including granite, sandstone, travertine and of course the standard pavers, concepts and themes too have come to dominate. Interior designer Annu Bains emphasizes that home-owners have now moved beyond the desire for a private refuge and are instead focusing on creating inviting entertainment areas 8212; a place where family and friends are always welcome. 8220;And courtyards have become such an integral part of a home that overall, home-owners are prepared to commit a realistic budget to making it not only functional, but beautiful too,8221; chirps Bains, adding that motor blinds are now being used to hold out the sun when required.

Architect Renu Khanna, who won the national award from CGEWHO society, in Sector 25, Panchkula, for building a structure that embodies courtyard with panache, tells us, 8216;8217;Courtyards are the perfect gelling place for people and are good for the mental health of the society as a whole.8221; Her house in Sector 4, Mansa Devi Complex, flaunts a pool in the courtyard, 8220;The very character of these assure us the best of both worlds,8221; Khanna sums it aptly. This one8217;s to an open house!