courtyard plans and inspiration

Our house is designed in a U shape which creates a north facing courtyard, sheltered from the cold southerly winds and the west sun.  We hope to eat and cook out here often.  Totally inspired by this home again, love the clean lines of the pergola, the huge table, the generous BBQ area.

The walls making up the U will be  a mix of cladding and stone, adding lots of texture and life to the area.  
Undecided about the floors but we will probably extend the limestone outside.  I know I don't want the entire area paved, would like large pavers with green ground cover in between (no mowing for this space).

Hoping this is going to be a windfree sun trap in the cooler months, and a shaded refuge on a hot summers day.