The pocket garden apartment is designed to create a strong connection to its site. Through gently weaving with the garden it captures views in all directions. The importance of multiple aspects is recognised for connecting the interior spaces with its site.
Then approach here is to utilise the length of the extension, not only the rear elevation towards the main garden. This allows a projected dining room to view the garden and pocket gardens, in both directions. It also allows a bay windows seat to relax and converse in the kitchen, projecting into the landscape. For a client who's passion is the garden, this design is highly expressive and personal.
The atmosphere of each area changes with the seasons. With its understated palette it is elegant and calm. The plan layout is an expression of how the client will use the home, creating meaningful connections with aspects to the full landscape. It projects and recesses to introduce vistas, with curves to soften its connection, weaving through the landscape.
A strong connection with the outdoors is good for mental and physical wellbeing. This project enhances the relationship between inside and out, that utilises the spaces on the side of the house, confidently sacrificing potential area gains in exchange for quality of space, and therefore quality of life. Details such as a desk that looks out onto the client's favourite banana tree makes it both personal and uplifting.
We have lowered the carbon footprint through the use of reduced carbon concrete in the ground structure. Highly insulated walls, reclaimed bricks, and high performing windows reduces further the environmental impact. The design is intended to work in partnership with the garden, and will benefit further from shade provided by the planting scheme to come. It has a special connection to its site, and brings joy to be in the space.
