There are a few elements in play here. The space is rather small and they wanted a place to relax and enjoy al fresco meals with their family. They also wanted a water feature in the courtyard that could be heard from every common room in the house. So a combination of the two goals in one structure was a good fit for the home owners. The height of the water drop is tall enough that the falls can be heard in the kitchen, the dining room, the master bedroom and the upstairs family room, creating a serene sound scape through out the house. It's really quite pleasant. And yes, visual interest was also very important to the home owners. Thanks so much for your question!

Great to read that all concepts I thought you wanted to achieve, were correct and I am not an architect not less, I am justa a fan follwer of Houzz. I absolutely adore the space. Congrats.