Garden Composition
For us, everything is about our love for nature, which leads us to create a new sense of earth. Through this approach we start to visualize the shape of the garden. Each garden should be unique and not an imitation of others. Our vision for the upcoming garden design starts from the moment we see a garden. Our perspective on how the landscape should be formed depends on the elements that surround it, such as buildings, natural elements (climate, soil, relief of the area, flora and fauna, orientation, etc.) and the needs that will serve in the future.
01. Planning
The first step before we start planning is to determine together with the client the premises and their uses. For the design of a surrounding area, a prerequisite is the proper measurement and mapping of the area with a geodetic station. The station records the data found in the area and also in the wider region.
After that, we determine the uses of the landscape based on the data we have recorded. Such data are the data we recorded earlier and has to do with the climate conditions in the area, the expectations of the owner as well as the weather conditions. Weather and soil are the most important factors for the upcoming design.
Then, we identify the uses of the landscape as well as the ways of connection between them. By uses of landscape we mean all functional units that are related to the configuration of the landscape such as the outdoor living room, the liquid elements, promenades, green spaces, etc. The ways of connection between the uses are a key issue both for practical reasons and in terms of creating a sense of comfort. To create directions in the surrounding area we use corridors. These unite the various uses with each other, delimit paths and identify visual axes.
An important piece before finishing with the planning, is planting. We determine the areas and points where we will plant as we record the existing plants. We determine what kind of plants are required from a matter of durability but also from a matter of shade - sun. We also record the points where we want to create isolate spaces and others where we do not want to cover the view, as well as in the areas where they will not be planted or paved, we cover it with turf.
02. Landscape Design
The garden should be a major part of the original design of the house. As it is not only required to harmonize with the surrounding area, but to be a miniature of the overall image of the landscape. The surrounding area will guide us on how to harmonize the house in the landscape. The levels that will be formed and the materials that will be used will be the connecting link between the house and the garden.
In the initial design of a surrounding area, we take into account the area where the study will take place in order to create a territorial pattern and then proceed to the classification of its use areas. The garden should consist of shapes. Territorial shape or pattern, shapes of water, trees, leaves and even flowers. If one observes the floor plan of a garden, one sees that it looks like a sequence of shapes, which constitute the lawn, the planting, the liquid element, etc. The shape is very important, as it is related to the pattern of the surrounding space.
We define in more detail the functional units, the corridors and the planting areas. In addition, we determine the materials that will be used, such as corridor paving materials, wall coverings, outdoor living room, paving materials, etc. Finally, we can add to the surrounding space where we form elements from the area, such as stone. Even materials that have been left from the building could well decorate the garden such as bricks, slate, cement slabs etc.
03. Landscaping
The landscaping - constructing of the surrounding area is usually the last step.
For the regeneration and shaping of the landscape, small or large interventions are required in it with constructions. Stairs, bridges, corridors, fences, benches, pergolas, paths, seating areas, water elements are some of the constructions. The synthesis of all these elements requires not only the synthetic function but also the aesthetic perfection of the elements that will be used in a landscape.
Corridors – Trails
The corridors serve the movement of pedestrians in the garden. Their dimensions depend on how many people will pass. Their design and construction require the most effort and time, as they determine the architectural rhythm and morphology of the space and secondarily the function and connection of the spaces between them.
Corridors and trails are the dominant aesthetic element in a garden giving directions to all areas of use.
Water elements
Water offers light and life even in the most confined spaces. The cool visual image, the sound from a small waterfall to the flowers that can be mirrored in it, form a small oasis in the garden. Using a small one with a waterfall and a fountain is something that all ages can enjoy. It can be integrated into any building block, even if the ground surface is very limited. The simpler the use of water in a small space, the better.
Swimming pools are also an element of water. The design and architectural form of the pool must harmonize with the morphology of the existing space.
Outdoor living rooms
The elements that consists a garden depend on how it is used, as well as the size of the garden for which it is intended. Living areas can be covered with pergolas or completely open.