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Geneva

We approached this project looking for the harmony between functionality and abstraction.

The entrance courtyard wanted in its rigid frame is to form a reception area for the visitor through a central bench. The four replanted chestnut trees are a restoration of the original design. The empty space between the four trees narrows towards the heart of the courtyard in order to open towards the building.

We approached this project looking for the harmony between functionality and abstraction.

The entrance courtyard wanted in its rigid frame is to form a reception area for the visitor through a central bench. The four replanted chestnut trees are a restoration of the original design. The empty space between the four trees narrows towards the heart of the courtyard in order to open towards the building.

The sculptural and abstract forms of yew structures have a logical and functional result while being an exercise in composition between form and direction: the sides cut at an angle help keep the plants healthier than a straight cut and their height cut. allows easier rejection of snow.

The set of topiary is scattered on the south side towards the canal and forms a promenade, a succession of stretching and spatial breathing, proposing in their positioning and in the drawn abstract limits the creation of places for the family.

These spaces qualify as open spaces but with a certain random intimacy, natural environments on their own.

The set of topiary is scattered on the south side towards the canal and forms a promenade, a succession of stretching and spatial breathing, proposing in their positioning and in the drawn abstract limits the creation of places for the family.

These spaces qualify as open spaces but with a certain random intimacy, natural environments on their own.

Between these defined areas with their own and well-designed content, new places are created: a structure and a succession of informal spaces that develop and invite you to take a walk again. At the edge of the property, you can find a carpet of bulbs located at the foot of the trees. On the other side, to the north, a rose garden allows you to harvest bouquets for the house.

Finally with the last plantings carried out in the flowerbeds near the vegetable patch, perennials accompany the visitor in a natural movement, the plantations of these flowers which tend ‘towards the natural’ offers a wild dimension to the project.

Between these defined areas with their own and well-designed content, new places are created: a structure and a succession of informal spaces that develop and invite you to take a walk again. At the edge of the property, you can find a carpet of bulbs located at the foot of the trees. On the other side, to the north, a rose garden allows you to harvest bouquets for the house.

Finally with the last plantings carried out in the flowerbeds near the vegetable patch, perennials accompany the visitor in a natural movement, the plantations of these flowers which tend ‘towards the natural’ offers a wild dimension to the project.

The invitation to walk freely is based throughout the project on the possible choices of paths to follow, which depend on light, time or seasons; a rhythm is created and time gives a continuously changing aspect to the garden. Random but also formal and sometimes functional routes allow the garden to keep the scale of a family home space.

Geneva, Switzerland
2007
3.5 ha
In collaboration with:
Verena Best Architect