Small garden with Living Pool and an outdoor kitchen

A The large garden is beautiful – but not It always takes up a lot of space to do a lot offer. Sometimes the biggest effect specifically through a clever, compact concept. This Family garden in Zurich Oberland is precisely an example: From a a simple lawn area with adjacent A garden was tiled with..." several places to linger – Living Pool, Seating area, outdoor kitchen, and lawn complement each other to form an exterior space, the much more versatile use as before.

Before the transformation - From a simple lawn to a thoughtfully designed garden oasis

Before the redesign, the garden consisted of a simple lawn with an adjacent terrace made of grey concrete slabs – functional, but lacking any particular character. The view of the surrounding fields was already present, but was hardly highlighted. The objective of the redesign was to transform this basic area into a garden with several distinct zones that cater to different needs: space for relaxation and swimming, as well as for friends, family, and cosy barbecue evenings.

The garden before and after the remodelling

Before and after – small garden with Living Pool and an outdoor kitchen

Small garden with Living Pool and an outdoor kitchen

Small garden with a living pool and outdoor kitchen, stone steps

Small and yet – or precisely because of that – versatile

A manageable plot doesn't mean fewer opportunities, but rather calls for an even more well-thought-out concept. From the upper lawn, which is traversed by natural stone stepping stones, a staircase leads down to the actual terrace level made of wood and natural stone. There you will find the outdoor kitchen, the pool with a dining area, and a cosy Seating and lounge area – a garden with a clear height progression, where each area retains its own character.

A protected pool retreat

On the lower terrace level lies the Living Pool with an adjoining dining area, enclosed by a high wall clad with Maggia Spaccatelli natural stone. The wall’s distinctive rubble-stone appearance not only creates a striking backdrop for the water, but also provides privacy from the densely built-up neighbourhood. The result is a space, right in the heart of the residential area, that is entirely dedicated to peace and relaxation.

Poolside privacy

A view onto the open field

A special charm of this garden: the open fields directly border the wooden terrace, outdoor kitchen, and lawn. Anyone relaxing in the natural pool and letting their gaze wander over the terrace will automatically look out into the distance – over meadows and trees to the hills on the horizon. This immediate proximity to the open countryside gives the compact garden a sense of spaciousness that belies its actual size.

View of nature

Natural stone and wood working together

For the terrace around the pool, robust, flamed Natural stone chosen, while a Sipo wooden deck defines the seating and lounging area. Large natural stone paving slabs, which lead through the upper lawn, echo the same material language and visually connect the two garden levels.

Swimming without chemicals at Living Pool

Bathing without compromise

The centrepiece of the garden is the Living Pool – a natural pool completely free of chlorine. No pungent smell of chlorine, no irritated skin or eyes – just the pleasant sensation of natural, clear water. The anthracite-coloured PP prefabricated basin elegantly integrates into the terrace.

How exactly the Chemical-free water treatment To find out how it works, please visit our dedicated page on the subject. Anyone wishing to experience a Living Pool in action before embarking on their own construction project can also see it in our The Gartenvilla Show Garden to visit.

To ensure the pool can be used for as long a season as possible, an air source heat pump pool heater maintains pleasant water temperatures. A submerged slatted cover protects the pool from dirt, and lighting bathes the pool in atmospheric light in the evenings.

The outdoor kitchen as its own meeting point

On the lower terrace level, directly next to the seating and lounging area, a compact outdoor kitchen made of natural grey concrete was created, complemented by a wooden bar. Surrounded by fragrant lavender and rosemary, it becomes a standalone spot for convivial barbecues with family and friends – right in the heart of the lower garden level.

Geniessen - a feel-good place for friends and family

A garden that proves size isn't everything

This showcase project clearly demonstrates that a compact plot need not be a disadvantage. The clear division into an upper lawn area and a lower terrace level – featuring Living Pool, a seating area and an outdoor kitchen – creates a garden that offers a surprising amount within a small space – and provides far more opportunities for use than the original lawn.