OTHER SMALL GARDENS

“Domestic gardens are spaces that allow for the expression of personal aspirations; shedding light on that which the individual considers to be of value. They have the ability to become a refuge - responding, with every interaction, to specific inclinations, and requirements.”

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Location
Ahmedabad

Typology
Home Garden

Site area
4,551 m²

A few years ago, the studio was invited to undertake the landscape design of tight linear spaces - measuring 6 m by 20 m - that were intertwined between already designed homes. The intent was to create a sense of connection between the three houses that belonged to three brothers. The gardens and their elements became a response to familial interests and requirements.

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As one enters, a common trellis along the front, and a connective walkway attached to the homes has been incorporated, such that the elderly parents, who have spaces for residence in all three homes, may navigate freely.

And then, the design includes sunken basements, and lounges.

The first Daughter-In-Law of the family is invested in planting, and growing her own produce. And so, her garden is a composition of orchards, a pocket within the courtyard that functions as a forest with Neem trees, and Amla trees, beds to grow vegetables, and seating elements. Tucked within are fragrant flower plants, and water gardens.

Landscape India Project Image

Landscape India Project Image

The second Daughter-In-Law was keen on spaces for socialisation, and recuperation. To allow for this, her garden incorporated a space for bird-feeding, a long bench within a gravel court for meditation, and breakfast courts.

A grove of trees adds to the usability of the space. This garden also incorporates a floating deck.

The third Daughter-in-Law, who was also intent on using the garden as a space to entertain loved ones, requested that it be inclusive of a large lawn that would act as a space to host formal dinners, a pavilion, and a circular seating court.

Landscape India Project Image

Landscape India Project Image

Apart from this, the third garden included a deck with a bench amidst fragrant planting. Their daughter was provided with a private court, with a garden in the background.

Ultimately, at first glance these gardens are similar in their size, and structure. Where they differ is in their elements, and the responses that the design interventions provide - navigating the threshold between private and social, and the built, and natural. More than anything else, they have become an example of how such spaces, professionally designed, must be invested with the ability to cater to the personal; to the highly specific needs and requirements of the individual.

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They are spaces that respond to the everyday ritual of gardening, and the seemingly common-place activities, and interactions with nature that occur in these spaces.

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