Sisäpihojen

Sisäpihojen is the genitive plural form of sisäpiha, a Finnish term for inner courtyards. These are outdoor spaces located inside a block of buildings, usually enclosed by façades on several sides and separated from public streets. In Finnish housing blocks, sisäpihojen function as shared, semi-private outdoor areas.

Design varies, but common features include paving or gravel, lawns, trees or shrubs, and seating. Some courtyards have play areas, lighting, and bike or garbage storage hidden from view. Access is typically from stairwells or courtyards themselves, and the space is not generally open to the public.

Roles and use: sisäpihojen provide daylight and ventilation for nearby apartments, offer a place for relaxation, socializing, and children’s play, and contribute to biodiversity in dense neighborhoods. They also serve as climate buffers, sheltering interiors from wind and noise.

Governance and maintenance: most are owned and managed by a housing association or property manager. Maintenance covers gardening, snow clearance, and repairs. Rules often regulate hours of use, noise, and access for non-residents.

History and planning context: inner courtyards are a traditional feature of Nordic urban design, dating to late 19th and early 20th century housing blocks. Contemporary renovations focus on accessibility, safety, and sustainability while preserving the courtyards’ communal function.