thanks for your response Jacqui,

my only other concern is the unslighltly view of the apatment building (ground + 4 levels)..  I was toying with the idea of building a mini pergola, roofing over the courtyard to have as an outloor under cover setting. area.  The townhouse is a 3 bedder and this will do nicely as it will blend well with the indoor living area-that has sliding door that opens up quite wide

This is looking more like the direction I'll take.