Conundrum

Grasses and dense carpets of ivy form a complex pattern across the entire property – the pattern’s colours and shapes change seasonally. In between, bands of vegetation of staggered heights containing individual shrubs and trees convey the illusion of landscape expanse and depth in a small space. In keeping with the conditions on this steep, dry south-western slope, pines and rowan berries dominate the picture. Striking growth forms and warm tones – the reddish brown of the pine trunks, the red berries and the yellow autumn leaves of the rowan berries – enhance the special atmosphere of the garden in seasonal change.

A narrow circular path winds its way between the ribbons of vegetation and turns the garden landscape into a walkable picture. Like fingers spreading apart, the tapered edges of the concrete slips that form the paths and hidden terraces reach into the vegetation: paved surfaces and garden grow together, lose themselves in each other. An expressive, iconic landscape frames the iconic buildings. Two strong elements complement each other to create a powerful conundrum that, depending on the point of view, focuses on the buildings or the garden.