Old forests and open heather fields characterize the ancient landscape where this garden is situated.
In the golden age, fortunate people from Amsterdam built their countryside estates. Through the ages, more and more people with money settled on these higher sandy grounds of the Netherlands. Parcels became smaller and smaller, and the original landscape was turned into gardens.
Photography:
Andrew van Egmond
Green contractor:
Kroeze Hoveniers Beesd
Trees by::
Van der berk
Lighting by:
Burlight
Architect renovation and pool:
BOS architects
Interior architect:
De Brouwer Binnenwerken
Although it is a very green area, the connection with the original landscape has been lost. The concept of this garden is to introduce the original landscape back again in a subtle way. Typical Pine and native Birch trees have been selected and planted in a natural composition. One big field of perennial grasses has been introduced and refers to the original landscape. Long minimalistic lines are positioned to frame the lush green clouds of shrubs, trees and grasses.
The original landscape is not literally copied. Instead, the intention was to capture the emotion of the original landscape, resulting in a garden that honours the larger landscape it is in. At the same time the garden embraces the classical architecture of the house with a contemporary garden design.
The chosen materials have a humble appearance and accommodate the classical architecture. The type of gravel used is typical for The Netherlands and feels natural for this environment. The granite cobblestones are meaningful because they are a relic from the old garden.
Refined detailing is critical for a minimal design approach. The way the wooden deck is designed is an excellent example of this.
It appears to float above the walls, paving surfaces, lawn and swimming pool. To prevent the pool from seeming alien in this natural setting, concrete walls were chosen to achieve an appealing green look.
The garden should link the human scale of the dwelling and the larger scale of the landscape. In this garden, this is realized by introducing a long minimalistic line in the back framing the lush green and by transforming the front lawn into one big field of perennial grasses. The wild look of the grasses and multi-trunk trees make a beautiful contrast with the classic house. The field of perennial grasses is a living painting capturing the elements of wind, rain, frost and sunlight. It is an ever-changing composition which connects us to the seasons and our emotions—an experience you don’t expect with this type of architecture.
