We are delighted to have once again been featured in Traumhaus magazine. This time we were able to report on a garden with a swimming pond. The garden is characterised by a new layout that divides the garden into two levels. This overcame the slope and made the entire area usable. These new spatial conditions were made possible by the terracing. The staircase down to the bathing area is a design highlight in itself.
Contribution:
In a residential neighbourhood in the canton of Zurich, the family wanted a dreamy oasis for their garden with modern materials, playful planting and a spacious swimming area. The garden area was transformed into a structured outdoor living room with a swimming pond. The original garden featured an outdoor space that is very common in Switzerland: an uneven surface surrounded by a wooden privacy screen and a few deciduous shrubs.
One-sided planting means that gardens lose their charm in autumn and their use is limited exclusively to the summer. There is an incredible amount of potential in gardens like this. The outside area of this semi-detached house needed more structure, new visual connections, increased privacy and well thought-out areas for different needs. A design concept was developed that utilises the entire area and integrates the embankment into the design. The result is an outdoor living room with a dining area, a cosy lounge as a place to relax and a bathing area with a sunbathing area. The diverse and dreamy planting also lends the garden a fairytale atmosphere.
Two levels, surrounded by flowering grasses and shrubs
A large wooden deck has been added to the upper part of the garden. There is now a sheltered dining area under the existing canopy, which can be accessed directly from the house. The large wooden deck is broken up by two cobblestone steps that lead down to the lounge area. Here, at the outer edge of the garden, a fountain shimmers with two waterspouts that acoustically emphasise the outdoor space. The planting lends the garden a calm and natural atmosphere. Two existing trees with magnificent treetops and striking bark have been incorporated into the garden concept. They cast a marvellous play of shadows on the wooden deck and are decisive for the feeling of space in the open air. With various grasses, evergreen shrubs, white hydrangeas, purple steppe sage and many other perennials and shrubs, the planting plan has been carefully put together so that the garden is constantly changing throughout the year. A few steps further on is a picturesque staircase that connects the two levels. Somewhat winding and accompanied by lushly planted troughs, the terracing is a highlight of the garden in itself.
The steps are repeatedly interrupted by a wide area, which makes the path appear less steep and at the same time creates more space for planting.
A swimming pond with plenty of privacy
The bathing area is located in the lower part of the garden. The surrounding areas have the same elegant grey appearance as the steps. The family really liked the look of a swimming pond. They wanted to minimise the amount of work involved. The swimming pond was therefore extended with a biofilter to keep the planted regeneration zone as small as possible. The «Living Pool» technology used removes phosphate, which is vital for algae, from the water. In this way, the technology supports the plants in purifying the water without having to sacrifice the look of the swimming pond. This biofilter can also be used if no regeneration zone is required. The shape of the swimming pond was adapted to the terrain, allowing the area to be optimally utilised.
Surrounded by tall grasses, the planted steps and the mighty trees behind it, it almost seems as if you are in a mysterious bathing area in the middle of nature. The soundscape of the two cubic water spouts and the green privacy screen have turned the garden into a private, green oasis
