Walled Garden

The project was above all a collaboration between architect and client. The clients wanted their home to feel open and connected but not cavernous. The upper floor, accessed from the street includes the formal living space, main bedroom and bathroom with guest spaces, the kitchen and dining space on the lower level opening to the garden. An internal balcony was introduced that allowed a dialogue between the two levels. This helped connect what would otherwise be quite distinct floors as well as lending an almost civic quality to the home. The focus is the newly landscaped garden space which is framed by large openings at the rear of the house. Materials have a rich and timeless quality. They needed to be neutral enough to provide a backdrop to the client’s collection of art, books and furniture. A natural plaster with varying texture was used for all new walls and partitions which gives a soft and diffuse quality to the light. Douglas fir timber screens and slatted floor planks allow light to permeate through the home permitting glimpses between spaces and reinforcing this sense of connection. The concept for the garden was to create something that would be beautiful to look at but that also defined ‘moments’ within it. Lush foliage, ornamental grasses and ferns were specified that could withstand the South facing aspect and equally thrive in the dappled light beneath the canopies of established trees beyond the property. Within this, two seating areas were created, separated by a wildlife pond and a meandering path creating moments for pausing and contemplation.