In a residential neighbourhood, the family wanted this garden to be a dreamy oasis 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 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.
The garden before and after the remodelling
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. A variety of grasses, evergreen shrubs, white hydrangeas, purple steppe sage and many other perennials and shrubs have been carefully arranged in the planting plan 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. With the applied Living Pool Technology The phosphate, which is vital for algae, is removed from the water. In this way, the technology supports the plants in purifying the water without having to sacrifice the swimming pond look. 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 created by the two cubic gargoyles and the green screen have turned the garden into a private, green oasis.
The path to the dream garden
The original garden showed an outdoor space that is very common in Switzerland: an uneven surface surrounded by a wooden screen and a few deciduous shrubs. With one-sided planting, 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.
