When the most powerful garden experience is born from the impossible

At first glance, this garden in Esztergom seemed more problematic than full of possibilities.

Strong level differences, narrow spaces, specially accessible garages, vision problems from a neighbour – typically the conditions that many people think are: You can make a practical but compromise garden out of this.

That's exactly why this project ended up being so exciting!

One of the biggest challenges of the design was that access to the garage was only possible from another street. This fundamentally rewrote the usability of the plot, as the roof of the garage had to be integrated into the view, practically becoming one of the defining surfaces of the garden. However, instead of treating this as a problem, we turned it into an opportunity.

This is how the concept of the roof garden was born.

The green area built on the garage ceiling not only played an aesthetic role, but became one of the most important experience zones of the garden. Related to this was the design of the rock garden, which created a natural transition between the different levels, while giving character and a unique atmosphere to the whole space.

However, the owners did not just want a spectacular garden. It was important to them that the garden was really livable and usable in everyday life. Space had to be found for the greenhouse, the wooden storage room, the high beds, the herbs and several functions that could naturally fit in a larger garden – but here every centimeter required a very conscious design.

And yet, the real focus of the project was not in these features.

It's the sight, the outdoor experience!

One of the most important requests of the clients was that, looking out of the house, the garden should always provide a strong organic experience. They did not want to see a narrow, articulated or over-enveloped space. The goal was to make the garden visually look much larger and more livable than its real size, with plant zones, textures, colors and natural layers appearing from all angles.

This was a particularly difficult task, since one side of the garden consisted almost of a lane of car access width.

In this extremely narrow space, it was necessary to prevent the garden from becoming parking-like. The rhythm of the plantings, the green areas of different heights, the coverings and the use of materials all served the purpose of making the space look layered and natural rather than narrow.

In the meantime, another serious problem had to be solved: full view from the roof terrace next door.

The challenge here was to ensure that the protection of privacy does not come at the expense of the openness and aesthetics of the garden. We did not want to create a closed, dark space, but a system that adapts flexibly to situations.

This is how the mobile pergola system became the central element of the garden.

The movable cover provides shielding, intimacy and opening at the same time. When necessary, it provides visual protection from the neighbor, while at the same time allowing the plants under the pergola to receive adequate light and remain truly living parts of the garden. And when the space can be opened, pulling the tarpaulins creates a completely free, airy outdoor experience.

This garden is a perfect example of how sometimes the greatest challenges lead to the strongest designs.

Because good garden planning isn't about perfect conditions.

It's about creating value, experience and harmony from seemingly impossible situations!