Cover Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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Design editor Charmaine Chan's newest book, Courtyard Living, delves into the inspiration and architecture behind some of the region's most compelling living spaces—all of which are built around courtyards.
In the hustle and bustle of big-city living, private outdoor space—a quiet retreat of one's own, complete with fresh air and greenery—can sometimes feel like the ultimate luxury. In her new book, Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific, out September 19, design editor Charmaine Chan explores 25 unique homes across Asia and Oceania—including properties in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka—that are contemporary embodiments of the thousands-years-old pursuit of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
In five chapters—sectioned into privacy, multi-generational living, sightlines, light and ventilation, and living with nature—Chan highlights clever and inspirational design features in detailed photographs and architectural drawings. Here are 15 of our favourite from the collection.
1. AN House, in Jakarta, Indonesia
Above AN House, in Jakarta, Indonesia, by d-associates. Photograph: David Linggar (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
AN House, in Jakarta, Indonesia, by d-associates. Photograph: David Linggar (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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2. 2+2 House, in Sydney, Australia
Above 2+2 House, in Sydney, Australia, by Matt Elkan Architect. Photograph: Simon Whitbread (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
2+2 House, in Sydney, Australia, by Matt Elkan Architect. Photograph: Simon Whitbread (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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3. Saigon House, in Ho Chi Minh City
Above Saigon House, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a21 studio. Photograph: Quang Dam (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Saigon House, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a21 studio. Photograph: Quang Dam (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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4. 17 Blair Road, in Singapore
Above 17 Blair Road, in Singapore, by Ong&Ong. Photograph: Aaron Pocock (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
17 Blair Road, in Singapore, by Ong&Ong. Photograph: Aaron Pocock (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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5. ARC House, in Brisbane, Australia
Above ARC House, in Brisbane, Australia, by Kevin O’Brien Architects. Photograph: Toby Scott (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
ARC House, in Brisbane, Australia, by Kevin O’Brien Architects. Photograph: Toby Scott (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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6. Chameleon House, in Bali, Indonesia
Above Chameleon House, in Bali, Indonesia, by Word of Mouth. Photograph: Daniel Koh (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Chameleon House, in Bali, Indonesia, by Word of Mouth. Photograph: Daniel Koh (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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7. Courtyard House, in Changhua, Taiwan
Above Courtyard House, in Changhua, Taiwan, by Dotze Architecture. Photograph: Hey!Cheese (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Courtyard House, in Changhua, Taiwan, by Dotze Architecture. Photograph: Hey!Cheese (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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8. House by the Lake, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Above House by the Lake, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by Thisara Thanapathy Architects. Photograph: Thilina Wijesiri (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
House by the Lake, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by Thisara Thanapathy Architects. Photograph: Thilina Wijesiri (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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9. Marble House, in Bangkok, Thailand
Above Marble House, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Openbox Architects. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Marble House, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Openbox Architects. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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10. Parañaque House, in Manila, Philippines
Above Parañaque House, in Manila, Philippines, by Atelier Sacha Cotture. Photograph: Ed Simons (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Parañaque House, in Manila, Philippines, by Atelier Sacha Cotture. Photograph: Ed Simons (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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11. Shadow House, in Alibag, India
Above Shadow House, in Alibag, India, by SRDA. Photograph: Edmund Sumner (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Shadow House, in Alibag, India, by SRDA. Photograph: Edmund Sumner (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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12. Riparian House, in Karjat, India
Above Riparian House, in Karjat, India, by Architecture Brio. Photograph: Ariel Huber (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Riparian House, in Karjat, India, by Architecture Brio. Photograph: Ariel Huber (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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13. Suryamzhu, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Above Suryamzhu, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, by Design Unit. Photograph: Lin Ho Photography (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Suryamzhu, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, by Design Unit. Photograph: Lin Ho Photography (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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14. Residence Rabbits, in Bangkok, Thailand
Above Residence Rabbits, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Boon Design. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Residence Rabbits, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Boon Design. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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15. Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore
Above Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific by Charmaine Chan is available on Amazon.com
Above Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific by Charmaine Chan is available now from reputable booksellers (photo courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific by Charmaine Chan is available now from reputable booksellers (photo courtesy Thames & Hudson)
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