HILLSIDE GARDEN 001

HILLSIDE GARDEN 001

Modern garden on the slope - terrain stairs

Design of a modern garden on a slope - a spacious viewing terrace

Terrace in modern garden with water element and ozodb panel

Water element in the garden in the form of a decorative wall

Garden design on a slope in France. Challenge in Divonne-les-Bains (4,000 m²).

The design of a modern garden in Divonne-les-Bains was one of the most demanding tasks for our studio. We had to reconcile several difficult issues here: a difference in level of several meters, restrictive French building laws and the client’s high requirements. We created a garden at the winter residence that seamlessly blends with the picturesque landscape near Geneva.

Landscaping. Terraces and retaining walls

The large topographical variation dictated a clear direction for our work.

  • Terracing: The large difference in levels forced us to use retaining walls and terrain stairs. They provide free access to every part of the garden.
  • Garden interiors: thanks to the cascading layout, the space has taken the form of terraces with different functions and moods.

View axis and water

At the building level, we designed a spacious terrace made of exotic wood. It crowns the viewing axis leading from the living room and dining room. At the end of this axis we placed a spectacular stone wall.

  • Play of light: The stone slabs protruding at different offsets (each designed separately!) create a unique chiaroscuro effect, especially when backlit.
  • Waterfall: We provided for three spouts in the wall. Water flows into a narrow decorative pool, introducing movement and sound.

Artistic Detail. Corten steel

We decorated the adjacent wall with a decorative panel, which is a kind of unique “garden painting”. It is a tree motif made of weathering steel (Corten). Illuminated at night, it becomes the main decoration visible from inside the house, which is crucial on long winter evenings.

Vegetation for winter residence

The house serves as a winter residence (used from autumn to spring). Therefore, we placed great emphasis on the selection of plants that are attractive during this period. We relied on native species that know the climate well and look natural against the mountain landscape.

Project data
  • Location: Divonne-les-Bains, France (Geneva area)
  • Area: 4000 m²
  • Project year: 2013
  • Chief designer: country arch. Piotr Porębowicz

 

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