This summer garden project is located in Onex, in the canton of Geneva. To support the architectural renovation of a villa, we were mandated by the client to propose new developments, in order to take full advantage of the exteriors in summer.
From the beginning of the project, the idea of being able to develop the garden on the neighboring plot was expressed and anticipated. The initial sketch left the door open for a potential second stage where the historic garden could extend over the entire land. During construction, the purchase is finalized. The enclosed suburban garden becomes a generous plot of land, a green setting for a green park.
From a renovation of a suburban garden to the creation of a green park
This two-speed project begins with the renovation of the “historic” plot. In this area, our intervention mainly focused on the insertion of planted beds, the creation of paths and the repair of natural stone terraces. The first sketches also introduce the hammock area and the lighting of the garden.
The integration of the adjoining plot of 2900m2 completely changes the volume of the garden. A curtain of evergreen shrubs surrounds part of the land to create the sensation of a cocoon of greenery. A few strategically positioned openings open up the view of the great landscape and the Salève.
The exuberant garden places particular importance on plants, with rich palettes, adapted according to the exposure and desired atmospheres. For example, for the area we like to call “the Brocéliande forest”, we combined trees with tortuous silhouettes with rocks, lush ferns and moss to recreate the atmosphere of this magical place. We also thought about how beautiful the garden would be in winter. To do this, we used plants with decorative woods. A plant ribbon shaped by gradients of color ranging from deep green to flamboyant red in winter adorns the view from the windows of the villa.
Japanese maple, Persian beech, Beijing lilac... very beautiful subjects have been sourced in the largest and most prestigious European nurseries.
A garden with organic shapes in movement
Zoom on: the pergola space
The pergola offers a relaxation and conviviality area. The roof provides shade to an outdoor kitchen, a dining area and a lounge area with armchairs and sofas. The interior is divided into two parts: a storage area for storing outdoor furniture and an area dedicated to parking and repairing bicycles. Cycling being a passion of the owner, we integrated a transparent window allowing you to see the bicycles displayed inside from the garden . Combining cedar wood and powder-coated sheet metal, the orange Kettal structure contrasts with the surrounding greenery, and adds a touch of originality to the garden. The natural stone floor, repeating the theme of organic shapes, was prepared in the factory, numbered and installed according to a precise layout. An integrated LED strip around the edge emphasizes the roundness and creates a floating effect when night falls.
