The U-shaped house design is a not-uncommon feature in European, Spanish, and Mediterranean style homes. It also sometimes appeared in 1990s ranch homes, but overall the design hasnt been common in single-family architecture. Thats changing as architects, builders, homeowners, and prospective buyers are now taking a second look at the U-shaped house plan. In addition, more urban areas – where space and privacy are in short supply – are finding the U-shape attractive.
And there are other reasons why the style is top of mind these days.
The U-shape takes a traditional rectangular home and gives it an attractive twist by adding a central courtyard, garden, swimming pool, or landscape element. The innovative feature – accessible from various points of the home – becomes the grand outdoor space for the family . . . a perfect oasis and retreat, especially during these challenging times of the pandemic.
Let’s take a look at this intriguing house design, its basic features and benefits, and elements that enhance its charm and character.
Top: A classic two-story Mediterranean-Tuscan style home features this amazing open courtyard with a swimming pool. Bottom: The foyer and den open to the outdoor retreat, and the second-floor study (not shown) overlooks the courtyard. The pool, which is not shown in the floor plan, is situated just beyond the two verandas and the breakfast room (all visible in the top photo). The 7,700-square-foot floor plan has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two powder rooms (Plan #195-1243).
Looking more like an “H” from a distance, the classic U-shaped house style wraps around three sides of a patio or courtyard to create a sheltered area, garden, or landscape element. A house with the U-shape facing the rear usually includes a pool in the backyard.
In this design – as in courtyard entry home plans – the courtyard divides the home into living/social and sleeping wings. However, all of the rooms are typically strategically positioned and fitted with large windows and glass doors to have full views and easy access to the outdoor space.
Overall, the emphasis of the U-shape in a home is the flow of the house, smooth connection between the interior and exterior areas, and spatial relationships between rooms.
This courtyard of a two-story Mediterranean style home is a truly spectacular sight. There is the beautiful landscaping, pool, and massive stone columns that anchor the second-floor deck. The amazing home has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a powder room, a family room, a media room, and a main level laundry (Plan #195-1173).
This outdoor living area is reminiscent of the structures found in Spanish-Mexican haciendas as well as the atriums and courtyards in California homes designed and built by Joseph Eichler and Cliff Mays. Sometimes, the courtyard features low garden walls for privacy. Courtyards can also be in front of the home in a side yard or even as a garage entry.
Palm trees are part of this attractive courtyard entry of a magnificent one-story, 4,817-square-foot Florida style home. The lovely residence with 10-foot-high ceilings includes a pool, home office, library, mudroom, and other amenities (Plan #175-1131).
A small garden and a landscape element such as a fountain or gazebo are the features in the homes backyard. Even a modest-size courtyard can accommodate these enhancements.
A striking fountain is the focal point in the landscaped garden of a gorgeous four-bedroom European style home plan with French influences. The one-story home has an open floor design, four bedrooms, a home theater, mudroom, butler-s and walk-in pantries, a pool, and covered lanai and rear patio (Plan #193-1048).
If the courtyard is the focal point of a home with a U-shape – whether in the front or rear of the house – a swimming pool is often the centerpiece of the rear courtyard. Today, a pool is a must-have or wish-list item for some prospective homeowners.
The focal point of the courtyard of a charming Colonial style home, this fabulous swimming pool can be reached from the Great Room and other living areas of the home. There are four to five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a family room, home office, mudroom, den, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, and outdoor kitchen (Plan #204-1020).
Large windows or glass walls – even skylights – allow plenty of natural light into the home and unobstructed views of the outdoor space. These windows and stacking glass walls provide easy access to the private outdoor space as well.
Just look at the glass doors and large clerestory windows on both sides of the Great Room of a stunning one-story, three-bedroom, 3.5-bath Mid-century Modern home. With a 22-foot-wide stacking door opening to the covered area at the rear and a 12-foot door to a screened front patio, the residence allows abundant natural light to filter in all areas (Plan #202-1022).
Long hallways and corridors connect the primary rooms and different areas of the home together. The main rooms and living areas are typically located adjacent to the courtyard – and have direct access to the space.
Traditionally, the U-shape itself only extends from the exterior wall to the front or rear courtyard – about one room’s length. This is ideal for cross-ventilation from one side of the home to the other.
If you want curb appeal and all the bells and whistles of simple but elegant living, it may be time to think seriously of house styles with a U-shape.