Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 8:16

"So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim." — Nehemiah 8:16 (ASV)

And in their courts. —Not only on the roofs, but in the internal courtyards.

Of the house of God. —The ministers of the Temple made these; and strangers to Jerusalem made them in the streets or open spaces near the gates.