Straight into nature – designing a garden on a slope

Inspired by the architecture, a design was created with formal but also natural elements. The floating wooden terrace is a dominant feature of the garden. We were able to convince the client and the architect to create three usable levels instead of a single large, sloped area. When we started of our construction work, the steel substructure for the wooden deck was complete. It was now our job to integrate it into the terrain. Daniel Berg took on task of placing the stone. This was particularly difficult not only because there was little room to manoeuvre at the house, but also because the goal was to make the substructure of the wooden deck disappear. Working with precision was essential, as was finding the best selection of stones to place close to the house.

Free-standing rock structures planted with perennials help transition away from the formal areas around the house – a nature-inspired design for a garden on a slope. The existing trees, a walnut and cherry, were incorporated into the new garden design.

Leidenschaft für den neuen Garten

During my last visit, the client told me: “The first thing my husband does when he comes home from the office is go into the garden. He never used to do that.” You can’t really get a bigger compliment for your work.

Daniel Berg

The substructure along the path is concealed by basalt rocks – a floating wooden deck on the slope

Fire pit – framed with natural stone

In order to overcome the large difference in height between the house and the garden, another level was built. A natural stone wall now invites you to linger by the fire bowl, which features natural stone in a number of ways – the fireplace is made of basalt, with sawn blocks for the steps and walls, and chippings cover the floor.

Stone setting in the front garden – inspired by Japanese gardens

The scene is set by the basalt steps leading from into the garden and the calm gravel surface. Inspired by Japanese zen gardens in the karesansui style; the minimalist entrance has two green areas that take the shape of islands, complete with stone setting and plants.

Vertically placed rocks sit at the end of the dry-stone wall, which was built using natural stone. Other rocks that are positioned horizontally can be used for seating and act as a path through the plant beds.