Privacy in architecture refers to design choices that give people a sense of security and privacy in a physical space. Particularly when designing residential dwellings, it's important to bear in mind that despite the importance of the materials used, level of eco-friendliness, availability of different amenities and luxuries and so on, a home at the end of the day is a place where one should feel safe in a private space.
In this regard, many urban homes are great examples of privacy in architecture in that they give their inhabitants refuge from the noise and bustle that surrounds them. In the urban context, a good home must feel like an oasis of calm in a stormy desert.
It's not just about being separated from the chaos around you though. Even within a home or other building, there is often a need for designated public and private areas. In a luxury home, you don't want spaces used for guest entertainment to infringe on more private areas of the home such as bedrooms.
What's interesting about the theme of privacy in architecture is the number of creative ways in which it can be explored, with everything from building materials and surrounding nature pliable to help create a sense of privacy and separation.
100 Examples of Privacy in Architecture
From Garden Wrapping Houses to Shaded Private Enclaves:
Rahul Kalvapalle — Mar 12, 2015 — Art & Design
100
Tropical Modern Residences
The Brillhart House is a Majestic Hand-Built Home is Downtown Miami
99
Luxurious Eco Abodes
Eentileen Arkitektur's Denmark Cabin Features a Sustainable and Chic Design
98
Playfully Designed Office Spaces
Studio O+A is Behind This Vibrant Cisco-Meraki Office Design
97
Creative Contemporary Abodes
This Home in Santa Monica Features Lots of Creative Space
96
Cubic Retro Retreats
This 1960s Renovated Bungalow Still Retains Some Vintage Charm
95
Zero-Maintenance Abodes
BAK Arquitectos Builds the Casa Mar Azul in a Forested Setting
94
Compact Glass Cabins
Modular Glass House Offers Broad Landscape Views from Every Transparent Face
93
Refuge-Encouraging Abodes
The Main Street House by SHED Architecture & Design Stimulates Solace
92
Vertically Stratified Homes
This Split-Level Home Features an Interesting Spatial Arrangement
91
Minimalist Beach Houses
Juan Carlos Doblado Designs a Striking White Home in Peru
90
Triangle-Shaped Beach Havens
This Beach Home Design is Retro and the Perfect Place to Entertain
89
Secluded Panoramic Abodes
House H by AOZ Creates Privacy without Compromising Stellar Views
88
Lushly Tropical Havens
This Contemporary Holiday Home is the Perfect Place to Relax Amidst Nature
87
Rectilinear Minimalism Housing
Montreal's Siamoises Mentana-Boyer Project Features Dual Residences
86
Window-Centric Abodes
The House in Gokurakuji Has Expansive Views
85
Invigorating Outdoor Homes
The BK House Integrates Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
84
Sustainable Luxury Villas
Casa 7A is a Luxurious and Sustainable Country Villa
83
Sturdy See-Through Architecture
The Far Pond House by Bates Masi Architects is Ready for Storms
82
Music-Themed Industrial Offices
Berlin's Soundcloud Office is Both Cozy and Collaborative
81
Minimalist Loft Abodes
This Penthouse Renovation in Tribeca Embodies Modern Design Ideals
80
Inconspicuous Island Oases
The Mirage House Features Spectacular Island Views
79
Sliding Roof Houses
The All-Glass Residence by dRMM Boasts a Retractable Exterior
78
Private Chameleon Abodes
This Novel House Design Balances Intimacy with Isolation
77
Eco-Friendly 1930s Homes
The Renovated Casa 31_4 Room House is Now a Modern Green Marvel
76
Weathered Beach Homes
The Clovelly House Gains Character with Each Year
75
Airy French Abodes
This Open Space Home Offers Terrific Views
74
Geometric Manor Homes
The Bourne Lane House was Inspired by English Barns
73
Super Slim Condominiums
The AIR-Madalena Building Celebrates Tall and Thin Construction
72
Elevated Ski Chalets
This Ski Cabin Design is Hinged on Proving Social Space
71
Tranquil Oceanic Retreats
The Oceanique Villas Provide Privacy and Relaxation
70
Luxe Master Suite Decor
This Master Suite Blends Window Views with User Privacy
69
Divided Angular Architecture
STOCK Architects Designs a Secluded House in Osaka, Japan
68
Steel Outdoor Learning Centers
The Colorado Building Workshop Presents a Space for Education
67
Modernized Victorian Residences
This Victorian House Incorporates Contemporary Elements
66
Playfully Industrial Workspaces
The DSM Office by Studio Niels and Broekbakema Makes Research Fun
65
Grand Theatrical Residences
The Backstage House is Modeled After a Theater
64
Trippy Transparent Homes
The S-House in Tokyo Has Random Staircases and a Transparent Facade
63
Privately Terraced Apartments
The Walsh Street Apartments Ensure Privacy
62
Shrouded Garden Ateliers
Atelier Pam & Jenny is a Charming Studio in Belguim
61
Windowless Wall Abodes
The Kusatsu Home by ALTS Design Office is Modern
60
Undulating Concrete Abodes
This Concrete House Embraces the Surrounding Hilly Landscape
59
Split Facade Abodes
The 'Transustainable House' Features Alternating Sides
58
Secluded Luxury Homes
The Luxembourg House is Designed to Offer Privacy and Seclusion
57
Sumptuous Seaside Resorts
Casa Mo Boasts Beautiful Views Without Compromising Privacy
56
Timber Screened Residences
The Pedro House Features a Multi-Purpose Timber Exterior
55
Abundant Foliage Abodes
This Dunbar-Southlands Neighborhood Residence Uses the Landscape
54
Glazed Transparent Architecture
Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Builds a Stunning Home in California
53
Geologically Sustained Abodes
The Desert Courtyard House Preserves a Piece of Time
52
Watery Courtyard Residences
This Contemporary Estate Features a Water Court
51
Ascending Attic Staircases
This Renovated Attic is Accessed by a Steel Staircase
50
Privately Open Concept Estates
Inbo Designs a Villa with the Perfect Balance of Public and Private
49
Louvered Wood Screen Abodes
The House in Dawanglu Features Sliding Wood Doors
48
Framed Courtyard Abodes
The House of Nagahama Frames Several Gardens
47
Versatile Modern Homes
This Mixed Material House is Novel and Stunningly Smart
46
Modernist Grotto Abodes
The Grass Cave House Embraces Clean Minimalism
45
Harmonious Southern Abodes
This Southern-Style Home Features Traditional Elements
44
Minimalist Black Box Abodes
The Klm House by Project Dwg is a True Definition of Minimalism
43
Transparent Australian Residences
The Yallingyup Residence is Cleverly Arranged
42
High-Tech Learning Spaces
Woods Bagot Completes MUSE at Macquarie University
41
Stress-Free Urban Abodes
The Library House by Khosla Associates Reflects the Lives of Residences
40
Shaded Private Enclaves
This Modern Villa Design Protects from the Heat and Curious Passersby
39
Shape-Shifting Houses
The Sharifi-Ha House Has a Trio of Rotatable Cube-Shaped Rooms
38
Modernist Box Abodes
The MNGB House by Vaumm Architects Features Sleek Design Lines
37
Cedar Plank-Surrounded Abodes
Arbol Design Provides Ample Privacy for a Residence in Japan
36
Secluded Courtyard Abodes
The House in Fukuchiyama Features an Enclosed Courtyard
35
Shape-Shifting Pavilions
This Pavilion Design is Made With a Series of Rearranging Panels
34
Expansive Glass-Back Abodes
The Green House by Maniera Architects and Associates is Stunning
33
Transparent Floating Structures
The Grand Pinklao Project by Office AT Sits High Above Ground
32
Otherworldly Mountain Retreats
This Cozy Wood House Boasts Stunning Views and a Rustic Design
31
Intimate Timber Residences
The XAN House by MAPA is a Timber and Concrete Paradise
30
Slenderly Framed Abodes
The Scape House Features Differently Sized Windows
29
Revitalized Historical Homes
The House Chapple, Built in 1960, Still Retains its Romantic Elements
28
Hovering Glass-Roofed Terraces
Mario Gasser Develops a Transparent Design for an Austrian Villa
27
Industrial Urban Abodes
This Modern Loft Apartment Boast Brick, Glass and Metal Finishes
26
Ecologically Transparent Homes
The Washington Park Residence Overlooks the Lake
25
Secret Garden Enclaves
Eto Kenta's Hidden Garden Design Home is Stunning and Private
24
Slender Window Abodes
Takahashi Maki and Associates Build a Thin Home in Japan
23
Garden Wrapping Houses
This Wooden Home in Helsinki is Bent to Wrap Around a 100-Year-Old Garden
22
Courtyard-Focused Abodes
The 'Patio' House by Yaita Associates Has Plenty of Space for Fresh Air
21
Minimalist Sky-Reflecting Homes
Pitsou Kedem Designed This Impressive Dwelling
20
Protruding Undulating Homes
The Undulating North Star Apartments Combine Form and Function
19
Split-Level Swiss Homes
The House in the March District is Arranged Within Five Split-Levels
18
Repurposed Norwegian Dormitories
Snohetta Revived a Wooden Boathouse for Summer Camp
17
Trapezoidal Family Mansions
This Family Estate Makes Privacy a Priority
16
Secluded Boxed Abodes
The Jun Ishikawa Box House Gives Privacy in an Urban Area
15
Concrete Garden Sanctuaries
The Marseille Townhouse Offers an Urban Oasis
14
Slatted Facade Abodes
Apollo Architects Builds the Foo House in Japan
13
Transparent Diamond-Shaped Structures
Villa Kavel 1 by 'Studioninedots' Exudes Luxury
12
Limited Opening Architecture
House in Mayu by Horibe Associates Architect Firm Prioritizes Privacy
11
Glazed Showroom Abodes
Shintaro Fukuhara Designed a Home with an Audacious Display
10
Greenery-Infused Urban Abodes
The House K in Tokyo Makes the Most of a Busy Area
9
Sophisticated Event Venues
The Proud Galleries Event Space is Multi-Functional
8
Mesh Material-Lined Abodes
This Fabric-Inpired Exteriors Design Concept is Stunning and Unique
7
Triangulated Roof Designs
The Beret House is Completed by Y+M Design Office
6
Curtain-Encircling Abodes
The Toledo House is Made to Withstand the Heat of Guatemala
5
Arid Hilltop Resorts
Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman Sits High Above Sea Level
4
Tilted Barnyard Abodes
The 34.25° House Features a Sloping Roof for Privacy
3
Steel Column Abodes
The Corten House's Steel Material Informs Its Design
2
Timber-Wrapped Facades
Y+M Design Office Creates a Private House in Japan
1
Snakeskin-Patterned Buildings
This School Canteen's Bricks are Arranged in Snakeskin Patterns
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Mental Health-Friendly Homes
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Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings
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Curvaceous Privacy Wall Homes
The KWK Promes 'Open House' Opens and Closes to Suit Privacy Needs
Minimal Japanese Home Designs
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Calming Workspace Productivity Pods
The Kabin Privacy Pods Support Wellbeing at Work
Extreme Space-Saving Architecture
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Privacy Enhanced Minimal Homes
KWK Promes Designs the Open House with a Focus on Privacy
Discreet Architectural Polish Homes
Mobius Architekci Designs the Loop House in Rural Poland
Window-Accented Garden Homes
CAN Designs the Verdant House with a Luscious Garden
Minimal Mid-Century Hollywood Homes
Studio Qasabian Designs the Mulholland Home in LA
Tranquil Elevated Tiny Homes
Jan Tyrpekl Designs the Cozy Zen House in Austria
Contemporary Office Privacy Booths
The Plenum Cabin by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen is Comfy
Backyard-Transformed Dwelling Units
Catch Architecture and Obreval Design the ADU Carpintaria
Japanese Inn-Inspired Apartments
Intheory Design Creates an Apartment Inspired by Ryokan
H-Shaped Structural Mountain Homes
Studio B Architecture + Interiors Designs the Villa H
Artful Wooden Pavilions
Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónia Designs the Orchid Pavilion
Landscape-Integrated Hill Homes
Elías Rizo Arquitectos Designs the Casa AV in the Hills
Curved Translucent Experimental Apartments
NEUHÄUSL HUNAL Designs the Sculptor's Apartment
Silver Curtain Concrete Homes
Local Studio Bangkok Tokyo Architecture Designs the House K
Lush Surroundings Glass Homes
Room 11 Designs the Glass House in Koonya Overlooking the Bay
Tactile Minimal London Homes
Tuckey Design Studio Refurbishes the Bough Terrace in London
Interior Courtyard Mexican Homes
RA! Creates the Casa LL with Panels and Concrete in Mexico
Town-Like Classroom Designs
Atelier Apeiron Designs the Kindergarten of Museum Forest Building
Partially Buried Tranquil Retreats
WillemsenU Completes the House Under the Ground
Tranquil Contemporary Cabin Retreats
Dominik Ilichman and Adam Hofman Design the Hyatta
Moroccan-Inspired London Townhouse
PL Studio Adorns a London Home with Bright Colors and Patterns
Traditionally Formed Gabled Homes
Studio Circle Growth Designs the Casa De Mi Luna
High Concrete Walled Homes
Cesar Mancillas Creates a Linear Home with Tranquil Elements
Bright Tranquil Residential Designs
Sivak+Partners Designs the Mlynchik Residence Nearby Kyiv
Anticipatory Architectural Homes
The Vulcan House in Perth Has a Sensible Design Process
Simplistic Tranquil Garden Studios
Atelier Janda Vanderghote Designs the T(uin)Huis Atelier
Garden Oasis Renovated Homes
Sam Crawford Architects Designs the Hidden Garden House
Planted Balcony Home Designs
4site Architects Designs the House of Greens in Bangalore
Narrow Lot-Based Modern Homes
Johnsen Schmaling Architects Designs the Curtain House
Bamboo-Inspired Cultural Buildings
This Cultural Center Seamlessly Blends Into its Surroundings
Dynamic Y-Shaped Glazed Houses
Saunders Architecture Designs the Y House in Alberta
Garden-Centric Health Centers
A Trio of Studios Designs the Carcavelos Health Complex
Subterranean Courtyard Galleries
Buzz Designs the Hermit Space Yards in Beijing Park
Social Network-Encouraging Homes
Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects Design a Madrid Home
Fiji Ocean-Front Estate Homes
A Tesm of Designers Join Forrces to Create the Reef House
Minimal Philosophy Toronto Homes
Burdifilek Designs the Sleek Forest Hill Residence
Terraced Garden-Surrounded Homes
Arkitito Arquitetura Designed the Lechuza House in Brazil
Hidden Urban Oasis Cottages
Winwood McKenzie Adds an Extension to the Quarry House
Greenhouse-Topped Residences
Moe Architecten Adds a Greenhouse on Top of the Wooden House
Infill Site Family Residences
Open Practice Architecture and Kinder Design Work on the Coach House
Wooden Screen Stacked Houses
DB Arquitectors Designs the Casa VJC Iporanga In Brazil
Relaxing Wooden Holiday Homes
Norm Architects Designs the Heatherhill Beach House
Bright Balcony-Defined Apartments
Austin Maynard Architects Designs the Nightingale Village
Nature-Leveraging Home Designs
PAE Designs the Casa Coaba Tucked in the Hillsides
Meadow-Overlooking Sleek Homes
StudioAC Designs a Holiday Home iwth a Cedar-Clad Build
Sandy Landscape-Reflective Homes
SIA Arquitectura Designs the Casa da Encosta n Grândola
Bamboo-Clad Residential Homes
i29 Designs the Open Park Villa to Connect with Nature
Reconfigured Spacious Brooklyn Homes
Light & Air Design the Z House with an Open and Bright Look
Indian Design Principal-Based Homes
Matra Designs the New Prism House with Four Concrete Volumes
Robust Monolithic Walled Homes
H Arquitectes Completes the Casa 1736 in Barcelona
Environmentally Blending Residences
A Threshold Studio Designs the Ineffable Light Home
Serene Wooden Garden Pavilions
Byró Architekti Designs the Garden Pavilion in Prague
Futuristic Curved Islandic Homes
The Collective Studio Co., Ltd Designs the Nest Residence
Multifunctional Vietnamese Homes
H-H Studio Designs the House for Young Families in Da Nang
Greek Countryside Rural Retreats
Invisible Studio Created the House in an Olive Grove in Corfu
Concrete Boxes-Overlapping Homes
FujiwaraMuro Architects Designs the House in Tsurumi-ku
Self-Designed Evolving Homes
The Six Columns Home by WIll Burges is Designed to Grow with Him
Welcoming Prefabricated Student Housing
Ignacio Prego Architectures Designs New Student Housing
Log Cabin-Inspired Minimal Homes
Gartnerfuglen Arkitkter Designs the Årestua Home in Telemark
Local Craft-Shown Bamboo Pavilions
AtArchitecture Designs the Northeast Pavilion for an Art Fair
Rocky Garden-Nestled Serene Pavilions
Temp Designs the 3-to-1 Pavilion in a Rocky Garden
Light Reflective Modern Villas
PPAA Completes the Concrete Villa with a 'Water Mirror'
Personal Cubicle Concepts
Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes Designs a Personal Working Pod Concept
Cement Block-Decorated Homes
Bloom Architecture Designs the Small Houses Collection
Exposed Concrete Stealthy Homes
OFIS Aritekti Designs the Villa Eternal Way in Slovenia
Metal-Wrapped Exhibition Spaces
Trace Architecture Office Creates a Structural Steel Wrap
Artfully Inspired Home Renovations
Reflect Architecture Designs the North Drive House in Toronto
Lush Garden-Focused Melbourne Homes
Splinter Society designs the Gardener's House in Melbourne
Tranquil Functional Home Designs
Atelier Varun Goyal Designs the Modern Courtyard House
Curvaceous Brick Forest Homes
Blurring Boundaries Designs the Asmalay Home in a Forest
Live-In Art Gallery Homes
Casa Galeria is a Home That Doubles as an Art Gallery
Raw Concrete Industrial Homes
Studio Cochi Architects Designs the House in Nishizaki
Perforated Facade Compact Residences
Rahul Pudale Design Creates the Porous Adobe Compact Home
Lush Garden Holiday Homes
Studio Vio Highlights Tradition for the De Hue Space in Hue, Vietnam
Woodland-Inspired Timber Office Spaces
Atelier du Pont Completes the Pavilion Jardins Building
Compact Calming Homes
Batay-Csorba Architects Masterfully Designed a Modern Brick Home in Toronto
Contemporary Luxe Compact Retreats
Cameron Anderson Architects Designs the Gilay Estate
Inclusive Social Housing Projects
Peris + Toral Arquitectes Design 85 Social Dwellings in Cornellà
Tranquil Aesthetic Bungalow Renovations
OWIU Design Created the Echo Park Hillhouse
Juxtaposing Contemporary Homes
Bates Masi Designs the Stony Hill Project with Various Volumes
Angled Concrete Forest Homes
Nendo Designs the Block Wall House in a Japanese Forest
Cozy Gaden Cabin Retreats
BYRÓ architekti Designs the Garden Pavilion with Wooden Detail
City-Framing Concrete Residences
Cadence Architects Completes the Design of the K-Home
Hidden Garden Timber Pavilions
Tikari Works Designs A Room Around a Tree in London
Cutout Roof Cement-Clad Homes
Edition Office Designs a Home with a Focus on Tree Views
Neighborhood-Honoring Residences
Gnome Architets Designs the Contemporary Delancy Residence
Sensory-Enhanced Workspace Designs
Design ni Dukaan Elevates Workspace Design in Various Senses
Concrete Cultural Visitor Centers
UAD Completes the Villagers' Home Center in Zhejiang Province
Natural Landscape-Surrounding Homes
All(zone) Designs the Under the Rain Trees Holiday Home
Open-Interiors Concrete Care Homes
Max Núñez Arquitectos Designs the Hogar Alemán Care Home
Warm Wooden Interior Homes
OYO Architects Designs the Derelict Dune House in Belgium
Pale Yellow Minimal Townhomes
i.B. Archstudio Designs the VVV Townhouse with Pastel Hues
Electric Garden-Nestled Cottages
NOKE Architects Designs the House of Color in Poland
Rustic Warm Homey Residences
CPlus Architects Design Mother's House in Southwest Beijing
Open-Air Perforated Concrete Homes
MM++ Architects Designs the Anchor House in Vietnam
Peaceful Sophisticated Minimal Residences
OZA Design Presents the Cranleigh Lodge in London
Efficient Architecture Design Tools
Architecture Helper Provides Design Insights in Seconds
Gabled Forest-Side Homes
Théque Atelier Designs the Frame House in Hungary
Understated Luxe Modern Apartments
Renesa Designs the House of Gond for Monica Gaur
Unconventional Chinese Housing Estates
Atelier GOM Designs the Longnan Garden Estate
Mirrored Panel Tropical Gardens
Research Artistic Design + Architecture Designs the Frame Garden
Roman Architecture-Themed Pavilions
Pratique and Fanum Design the Forum des Vestiges Pavilion
Thick-Walled Coastal Buildings
KLG Architects Designs the Hytte Riverview in South Africa
Clear Glazing Compact Residences
IGArchitects Designs the Check Patterned House in Japan
Sustainable Custom Luxe Homes
Schenkar and GA Arquitectura y Construcción Join on a Structure
Personality-Reflecting Brick Homes
Omar Vegara Taller and Renata de Miguel Design Casa Cantellano
Void-Cut Elevated Residences
Chop _ Archi Design the Compact Kumagaya House in Japan
Wooden Louvre Secluded Residences
Keiji Ashizawa Creates the Private House in Aoyama
Courtyard-Style Californian Homes
Schwartz and Architecture Designs the Modal Home in Cali
Blocky Structural Coastal Homes
Åsa Hjort Architects Completes a Home Design in Sweden
Expansive Roofs Concrete Homes
Studio MOB Creates a House in the Farm in Coimbatore
Plaza-Surrounding Housing Complexes
Tariq Khayyat Design Partners Designs the H Residence
Immersive Artful Apartments
Tereza Porybná and Objektor Architekti Design the Ovenecká 33
Star-Shaped Structural Pavilions
Minsuk Cho Designs the Archipelagic Void Shelter in London
Bamboo Screen-Wrapped Restaurants
Long Nguyen Design Creates the Nhà Tú Garden Restaurant
Dynamic Concrete Modern Buildings
Atelier Matias Mosquera Designs the Shire Building
Housing Block Defensive Facades
Bureau des Mésarchitecture Creates Gold Aluminum Shutters
Geometric Red-Brick Suburban Homes
OFIS Arhitekti Designs the Frame House in Ljubljana
Greenery-Surrounding Lush Homes
Ho Khue Architects Creates the Nest House in Vietnam
Precisely Designed Toronto Homes
Reflect Architecture Created the Baby Point Home in Toronto
Blocky Courtyard Home Designs
Studio VDGA Designs the House of Courtyards in Dubai
Wellbeing-Harnessing Tranquil Homes
Proctor & Shaw Adds an Extension to the Heath House
Gridded Screen Apartment Blocks
Neri&Hu Design a Grid Facade Residential Building in Taiwan
Vaulted Compact Merged Homes
Studio Tololo Ugarte Designs the Tiny Vaulted Catalejo Home
Warm-Tonal Urban City Apartments
General Assembly Creates a Comforting Palette in New York
Light-Centric Evocative Home Designs
HW Studio Designs the Casa Emma in Morelia, Mexico
Renovated Cottage Garden Extensions
John Ellway Renovates a Cottage with New Extensions
Regional Modern Tropical Homes
Lijo Reny Architects Designs the Stoic Wall Residence
Terraced Naturally Lit Homes
Unknown Works Designs the Bright Oasis Home in London
Textural Tranquil Cottage Extensions
So Architecture Adds a New Sanctuary to Harriet's House
Glamorous Urban Tranquil Villas
GROWTO DESIGN Presents the Natural Villa in China
Philosophically Designed Modern Homes
c.dd Designs the Boundaless Residence in Guangdong