Zaguan

Zaguan refers to a house plan configuration where a central passageway leads from a front door to a patio or a courtyard.

A zaguán is a space immediately before, or behind the front door of a house or palace that serves as a vestibule to the main entrance.

It is often covered, but otherwise open to the elements, and provides direct access from the street to the central courtyard beyond.

Being partly outdoors, and at street level, it is frequently used like a mud room, and to stow carriages or cars, or access the service area without going through the house.

The zaguán is common, especially in traditional houses and other buildings, throughout Spain and all Hispanic countries.