Kotipihat

Kotipihat is a Finnish term that refers to private outdoor spaces attached to a dwelling, such as backyards, front yards, terraces, or small gardens. The word is a compound of koti, meaning home, and piha, meaning yard or courtyard. In everyday language, kotipihat denotes the outdoor areas owned or used by residents of a house or apartment building.

The concept varies with housing type and geography. In urban settings, kotipihat often include compact gardens, balconies, patios, paving, and shared courtyards, while in detached or semi-detached houses they may be larger and feature lawns, flower beds, sheds, and seating areas. Design and use of kotipihat are influenced by climate, sun exposure, privacy needs, and local regulations, with considerations such as wind protection, microclimate, and accessibility playing common roles in planning.

In Finnish discourse, kotipihat appear in real estate descriptions, architectural planning, and gardening literature, where they are discussed in terms of outdoor living space, maintenance requirements, and ecological considerations. Practical themes include plant selection suitable for the Finnish growing season, rainwater management, composting, and the integration of native species to support biodiversity. The cultural importance of kotipihat relates to outdoor recreation and seasonal living, as residents often extend their living space into the yard during the spring and summer months.

See also: kotipiha, patio, garden, balcony.