Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson) By Danica Lo September 06, 2019
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.Â
AN House, in Jakarta, Indonesia, by d-associates. Photograph: David Linggar (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
2+2 House, in Sydney, Australia, by Matt Elkan Architect. Photograph: Simon Whitbread (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Saigon House, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a21 studio. Photograph: Quang Dam (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
17 Blair Road, in Singapore, by Ong&Ong. Photograph: Aaron Pocock (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
ARC House, in Brisbane, Australia, by Kevin O’Brien Architects. Photograph: Toby Scott (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Chameleon House, in Bali, Indonesia, by Word of Mouth. Photograph: Daniel Koh (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Courtyard House, in Changhua, Taiwan, by Dotze Architecture. Photograph: Hey!Cheese (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
House by the Lake, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by Thisara Thanapathy Architects. Photograph: Thilina Wijesiri (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Marble House, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Openbox Architects. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Paranaque House, in Manila, Philippines, by Atelier Sacha Cotture. Photograph: Ed Simons (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Shadow House, in Alibag, India, by SRDA. Photograph: Edmund Sumner (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Riparian House, in Karjat, India, by Architecture Brio. Photograph: Ariel Huber (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Suryamzhu, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, by Design Unit. Photograph: Lin Ho Photography (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Residence Rabbits, in Bangkok, Thailand, by Boon Design. Photograph: Wison Tungthunya (courtesy Thames & Hudson) 
Cornwall Gardens, in Singapore, by Chang Architects. Photograph: Albert Lim (courtesy Thames & Hudson)
Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific by Charmaine Chan is out September 19 and available on amazon.com.
Courtyard Living: Contemporary Houses of the Asia-Pacific by Charmaine Chan is available now from reputable booksellers (photo courtesy Thames & Hudson)
