For those who are looking to add an exotic flair to their house or residential site in an affordable way, the inclusion of a concrete courtyard built with the assistance of cement mixers is an innovative way of making magic happen on a budget. Courtyards have long since been used as a means of introducing space to dense areas, allowing guests and residents to commune within their homes while still getting an opportunity to connect with nature. Courtyards, architecturally, represent one of those great indoors-outdoor effects, a sense that the natural world can very much still be integrated into domestic living.

 

What’s more, with the use of cement as a primary material, builders and designers have the option of customising finishes to suit their unique style. Whether it’s polished or rustic, cement can be repurposed to suit a huge variety of contexts, tastes and conditions. If you’re interested in seeing how cement mixers are put to use in the development and construction of residential courtyards, then read on.

 

Benefits Of Cement For Construction Projects

 

Be it a residential courtyard, a commercial shopping mall or a public parking lot, cement is one of those materials that can virtually be put to use anywhere thanks to its hardy properties. There is a reason why cement is a primary material, and cement mixers are a primary piece of equipment, on any build site throughout the world. Beyond its extreme affordability compared to other alternatives like wood, stone or clay, concrete is easy to mix and pour on-site, easy to transport given its capacity for local production and assembly, and widely available across countries by virtue of its abundant aggregates.

 

To gain access to cement and mixers in South Africa, construction managers and builders need not look too far. Dry cement is available for low prices through producers like Lafarge, AfriSam, PPC and Sephaku Cement. These producers then distribute their varying products through smaller local chains and distributors such as BuildIt, Builders Warehouse and Makro, for example. Following that, builders can approach BS Power for their equipment.

 

As a result, most builders are able to access cement and mixers whenever and wherever they need it, often even in the most rural areas. This is because cement is made up of fly ash, stone and gravel that is often reworked. This also means that the material can be eco-consciously produced and reproduced using recycled building materials and mixers on-site.

 

Beyond affordability and ease of access, another benefit of cement is its signature durability. This is one material that is unlikely to be eroded or weathered down easily — in fact, cement is extremely hard-wearing, characterised by longevity, ultra-low maintenance costs, energy efficiency and structural integrity.

 

History Of Courtyards In Residential Spaces

 

Almost every culture throughout the world has its own variation of a courtyard, and as far as we can see historically, these spaces have been used as a place of assembly, entertainment and relaxation. The origins of courtyards are visible as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, about 3000 BCE, where domestic realms and shelters were built around central open spaces. These spaces were highly valued and praised for their ability to offer ventilation and light while maintaining an easy flow of foot traffic.

 

Courtyards are also visible across Greek, Egyptian and Italian cultures. But perhaps the most popular and architecturally acclaimed is the Arabic courtyard, as demonstrated in homes throughout Islamic communities. Visible throughout the 7th century CE and onwards, Islamic courtyards (known as Sahns) were central features of many madrasas, homes and mosques, often adorned and embellished with shaded arcades, water fountains and luscious gardens that would provide the perfect shade for afternoon prayer.

 

Whether a courtyard is located within a countryside French château, an Italian Palazzo of Renaissance design, a medieval monastery or the Roman Domus, it is clear that courtyards have formed an important part of architectural history. Praised for their ability to introduce light and ventilation while still offering shade, privacy and space for meditation, courtyards are a worthwhile design feature in both modern and traditional homes.

 

In our contemporary era, where we continue to draw inspiration from the traditions of cultures across the globe, it is not uncommon to see new, innovative introductions of these historical architectural designs into modern homes and residential buildings. This is because the courtyard’s design is rooted in a very common human desire for natural light, organic gathering spaces and a comfortable transition between domestic and public life.

 

 

Personalising Your Cement Courtyard

 

Now, in more modern times when traditional materials such as clay, stone and marble are less abundant and far more costly to mine and transport, innovators have opted to use cement to recreate these romantic sites within residential spaces at a more affordable rate. In many ways, cement holds the perfect features to accommodate these indoor-outdoor spaces, as it can withstand foot traffic and harsh weather such as torrential rain or strong wind.

 

But even more so, cement’s ability to be easily customised using stamping, colouring and staining makes it ideal for application in these sites. Personalised designs are easily possible and can be used to create artistic patterns and produce neat finishes, while also having the option to introduce colour through stains and paints.

 

And if you are concerned about cement’s appearance being too harsh or sterile, do not worry. Despite common disbelief that cement can only be used as a foundational support and not as a finished, outward-facing material, there is ample room to make cement sing in your courtyard. In fact, thanks to its monochromatic look and paired-down texture, it is surprisingly easy to bring life into cement courtyards.

 

And speaking of design juxtapositions, it is important to mention that — when designing a cement courtyard — both the client and the contractors must keep in mind which cultural reference they are building on. As we now know, courtyards are visible throughout the world and all have their own unique styles. So, it is up to the client to determine which design specifications are most appealing to them, and up to the contractor to advise on the logistical practicalities of producing a site along the lines of that brief.

 

Finally, they must also decipher just how green they want the project to be — as this will impact the type of cement mixers they purchase and whether or not they would like to use cement made with recycled aggregates — and secondly, what kind of functionality the space is intended to serve. While courtyards can function in public, private and commercial spaces, in a residential area it is important to consider how the space will be sectioned off to suit the dining, lounging, entertaining and gardening needs of the homeowners.

 

Courtyards are, of course, incredible because they can flexibly provide for a variety of uses, including meditation, dining and even play or creative work. But even still, if a client can inform contractors and project managers of the area’s primary purpose, then can work to ensure that the final product efficiently provides the needed access to whatever water and power sources are required.

 

Likewise, accessories and furniture will change the game if selected thoughtfully. Naturally, both have to be equipped with outdoor weather-proofing. Still, the extra spend is worth it if you want to highlight the courtyard’s features with some embedded lighting and lanterns, benches, tables and chairs. Finally, it seems that in almost any courtyard throughout the world, a water fountain or water feature is mandatory, further naturalising the space as a place for meditation, relaxation and reconnection with nature.

 

With these added features, your cement-poured courtyard may quickly become the new best place to entertain, rest and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere that just so happens to be on the steps of your home.

 

 

Advantages Of Courtyard In Residential Spaces

 

Flexibility

 

In public spaces, courtyards provide the perfect environment for all kinds of miscellaneous and recreational uses, be it a market day, a concert and performance, art exhibition or just a picnic setting. In private residential spaces too, courtyards function flexibly according to the needs and desires of residents. This is one of the courtyard’s greatest strengths — their ability to provide a setting for almost any activity, provided the weather is right.

 

In our busy lives, it is important to curate spaces within our homes that can be used for whatever is needed. Unlike the rooms in the rest of our homes, which are often dedicated to particular activities — in the sense that the TV room is where your family will likely watch a film, and the kitchen is where cooking is done — it is wonderful to have the option to use an area however you like.

 

Accessibility

 

For those of us who do not stay particularly close to a local garden or park, having a courtyard where you can immediately access some natural light and enjoy the greenery is a huge privilege. This is also particularly useful for disabled people, who may struggle to move between home and other destinations.

 

Similarly, those who lack access to easy transport will benefit greatly from an outdoor entertainment space being directly at the centre of their home. The accessibility of a courtyard within your own home will likely make you want to spend less time going out to expensive restaurants or public spaces and spend more time in the comfort of your own unique space. With a courtyard on your doorstep, every morning coffee, quick lunch break and family dinner can easily become possible in a beautiful setting.

 

Privacy

 

Most of us enjoy getting out of the house and embracing the great outdoors, visiting a park or taking a long walk on an open trail. However, needless to say, during certain times of the year these common destinations can become overcrowded and difficult to navigate, especially when considering the difficulties of parking, paying entry fees and planning around opening and closing times. Thus, a courtyard offers a perfect buffer between the joys of being outside and the frustrations of sharing your space.

 

With a dreamy courtyard at the centre of your home, you get to curate your own guest list when you’d like to entertain, and also decipher opening and closing times yourself. Designed by you and for you, the space will be exclusive, private and safe for you to enjoy whenever you like.

 

 

Incorporate Cement Into Your At-Home Courtyard With BS Power

 

If you’re interested in making an at-home courtyard a reality, and you’d like to do so in the most affordable, practical way, then consider talking to your contractors and architects about the logistics of using cement mixers to lay the ground for an affordable, modern, and exciting multi-functional space. With mixers pouring cement as the foundation of your courtyard, and even as the finishing material, you stand to save plenty of money and enjoy a courtyard that is not only hard-wearing and durable, but also low-maintenance and customisable. What’s more, on our BS Power website, cement mixers are easily accessible, ready to equip you with the machine power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.