Guests by the Forest
A garden on both sides of a river, where planting continues the understorey and human presence stays discreet
- Project type
- private garden
- Area
- 1,100 m²
- Year
- 2021
- Location
- Moscow region, Babin Dvor
- Status
- concept, project on hold
Site conditions
A 1,100 m² plot beside the forest, split in two by a river. The site already had a house, a terrace, and mature trees — mostly spruce. The river banks are sloping, and the two parts of the plot are connected only by a detour road.
Project goals
- - connect the banks and make the river part of the garden
- - integrate the garden into the existing forest setting
- - extend the understorey while preserving the character of the place
- - place leisure areas without removing trees
- - keep human presence in the landscape delicate and unobtrusive
Project idea
The concept is built on minimal intervention in the existing landscape. I started from the idea that the forest is primary here, and the garden is a complement.
A wooden bridge connects the two banks — it became the axis of the site: from the house across the river to the guest house and a rest area with loungers and a hammock. Paths and decking wrap around the house and mature trees, taking only the necessary footprint.
I placed the barbecue area with a summer kitchen at the edge of the plot, and kept the fire bowl on the terrace by the house — so evening scenarios are separated and do not interfere with each other.
New planting selectively complements the existing ecosystem. Most of the site keeps its natural character — forest, understorey, river, and its slopes.
For surfaces I use wood, gravel, and mulch — without continuous paving or unnecessary disturbance of the soil.
One of my early projects where an interest in natural gardens and working with a forest setting already emerged.