Harmonious garden design
The garden design is based on the polygonal architecture of this home and is reflected in the rounded shapes. The rounded shapes mediate between the strong architecture of the house and the soft surroundings. Paths made of Saibro, a hardened gravel surface, break up the garden. Trees were deliberately planted in only a few places. They frame the cosy lounge and create a sense of security. Guests are greeted by a pretty «gatekeeper» — a flowering magnolia — right next to the lavender and grass embankment.
Contrasts between garden and house
When the white evergreen begins to bloom in spring, the delicate flowers cover the garden like a wafer-thin sheet. Lavender adorns the embankment over which a staircase leads from the road up to the garden. Together with the ornamental grasses, the delicate flowers form a sea of purple that welcomes every visitor with its lovely colour.
Once at the top, you catch your first glimpse of the house. It becomes clear that fascinating contrasts are what make this garden so effective. The façade has a cool look reminiscent of oxidised metal, while the polygonal structure is extremely modern. In contrast, the planting was chosen to be very simple and uniform, yet playful and light and airy. Various ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, spherical holly bushes and curved gravel paths make up the ambience.
The art of omission
The special thing about this garden is the exciting and strong contrasts — and yet absolute harmony prevails. The guiding principle of „less is more“ is particularly evident in the restrained choice of plants and the uniform play of colours.
After all, the client wanted the garden to offer their children enough space to play and run around. The roof of the garage, which is located under the garden, was the ideal place for this. This is now the largest flat area — even big enough to play football. The right place was also found for the seating area, which is designed with large floor slabs to ensure the stability of tables and chairs: next to the entrance to the house and next to the kitchen. This makes it easy to combine indoor and outdoor living.
Planting
Trees
- Amelanchier lamarckii (copper rock pear)
- Magnolia soulangiana ‚Heaven Scent‘ (Magnolia)
Woody plants
- Ilex crenata hedges and balls (instead of box)
- Hydrangea macrophylla ‚Zebra‘ and ‚Zorro‘, Paeonia (hydrangea)
Perennials and grasses
- Lavandula angustifolia ‚Hidcote‘ (Lavender)
- Carex morrowii ‚Variegata‘ (Japanese sedge)
- Pennisetum orientale (Oriental lamp grass)
- Vinca minor ‚Alba‘ (white periwinkle)
- Hosta (Funkia)
- Tiarella cordifolia (heart-leaved foam flower)
Bulbous plants
- Allium in 2 varieties
Materials
- Saibro (paved gravel surface)
- Large-format concrete slabs
- Concrete steps
data
Architectural office: L3P Architects ETH FH SIA AG
GU: Duttweiler Bau GmbH
This property was awarded the architecture prize Best Architects 13 Award.
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