A garden that is not a space for compromise – it is the continuation of a new life

2026-05-12

There are projects that go beyond aesthetics. They are not simply about designing a beautiful garden, but about how to recreate a sense of life in a completely new place.

This is exactly what this family house was meant to do.

My clients spent decades abroad in a special home close to the forest, where living nature was part of their everyday life. When they decided to move home, they were sure: the garden of their new home cannot be ‘average’. They did not want a simple courtyard with a few plants and a terrace. They dreamed of a living space that would give them the same tranquility, closeness to nature and premium quality of life they were used to, only in a new country, in a new climate.

One of the most important aspects of the design was the creation of a suitable microclimate. The orientation of the house and the overheating in the summer was a serious challenge, so all elements of the garden were consciously designed to take advantage of the light conditions, while at the same time reducing the heat load in a natural way.

Plants with large canopies, pergolas and shading solutions have become not only spectacular elements, but also a real comfort function. It was important for the family to be able to use the terrace, the outdoor community spaces and the various points of the garden even on the hottest summer days.

The design of the vegetation was also aimed at a natural, lush effect. We did not want to create a sterile, over-designed garden, but a green environment that almost surrounds the house. The diverse vegetation not only visually makes the garden special, but also improves the sense of heat, supports biodiversity and ensures a more sustainable operation in the long term.

One of the biggest challenges of the project was the discreet parking. The clients wanted to have space for more cars within the plot, but it was an important request that the parking lot should not dominate the view of the garden. Therefore, I applied spatial organization solutions that visually slightly hide the cars, while maintaining the functionality to the maximum.

Since the family likes to welcome guests, the garden has been consciously designed as a community space. Several interconnected, yet separate outdoor zones have been created: a large terrace, a shaded lounge area, a dining room under the pergola, a sun terrace and a cozy fireplace, which by evening will become one of the most special points of the garden.

And I needed something really extra, something really special! … This is how waterfall walls were born.

The sight and sound of moving water gave the garden a completely new atmosphere. It not only acts as a illuminated visual element, but also acoustically helps to exclude the noise of the outside world, while creating a calm, resort-like atmosphere.

High beds, an automatic irrigation system, energy-smart shading and sustainable plant use have all contributed to keeping the garden livable, sustainable and easy to use over the long term.

For me, this project is a perfect example of how garden design is actually a lifestyle design.

Because a really well-designed garden isn't just beautiful.

He can wait for you to come home.