GARDEN WITH WATER ELEMENT 001

A garden with a cascade in Konstancin. Concrete and water on 600 m²

The design of this garden was a major engineering and aesthetic challenge for us. We faced a difficult terrain in the prestigious Konstancin-Jeziorna area. The final result – a harmonious combination of raw concrete and nature – was worth our efforts.

Challenge. Escarpment and security

Originally, a steep slope ran around the house. It led down to the underground floor, illuminating the relaxation area located in the basement of the building. We had to solve two problems:

• Aesthetics: The unsightly mesh protecting the bank of the slope needed to be removed.
• Safety: the garden is used by a young child, so our priority was to create a safe space without the risk of falling.

Solution. Architectural level game

Working closely with a cubic architect, we created a design for retaining walls made of architectural concrete. We integrated them with pots made of the same material. The resulting form creates a dynamic, raw composition. The concrete blocks provide the perfect counterpoint to the soft greenery that flows from them.

Water cascade. The heart of the garden

The most important element of this part of the establishment is the cascade. A stream of water pours out of a modern steel spout. It then descends into successive pools of concrete. This brings movement and freshness to this minimalist landscape, which homeowners watch from the living room on the lower floor.

Garden Zones. Contrast of nature and geometry

We used a conscious contrast here. The lower part is formal and geometric. The rest of the foundation, at the level of the garden proper, remains soft and natural.

• Old-growth forest: Tall deciduous trees (mainly oaks) dominate here. Their trunks are overgrown with evergreen ivy, which is characteristic of Konstancin’s climate.
• Relaxation Zone: We have designated an area for relaxation with rattan standing furniture on an exotic wood terrace. It is visible from the elevated terrace by the main living room.
• Kid’s zone: On the opposite side we fit a safe playground with a small slide and trampoline.

Details and small architecture

Completing the whole are two stone sculptures brought by the owners from Indonesia. One of them, in the form of a bowl of water, closes the viewing axis of the path. This juxtaposition of concrete, plants and art defines the unique character of this space.

Project data

• Location: Konstancin-Jeziorna
• Area: 600 m²
• Project year: 2014
• Implementation: 2015
• Chief designer: country arch. Piotr Porębowicz