Modern Meets Mediterranean in an Outstanding Private Garden Design

Vale do Lobo — Vila 1148, by Iúri Chagas, Algarve, Portugal. Have you ever wondered, what is the key to a successful design? Perhaps no one has discovered the universal formula, but we all have some assumptions on the subject. And so do the designers of the high-quality private garden project you are about to view. Undoubtedly, there were many aspects considered by the designers, all of which contributed to the final result. To gain key insights into what makes this private garden a perfect example of innovative and contemporary landscape design, you should prepare to find yourself mesmerized by the exotic character of sunny Portugal and its fascinating residential landscaping.

The Concept of the Private Garden Design

It’s easy to be captivated by that specific picturesqueness, typical of Mediterranean regions such as the one where the private house of the project is located — Vale do Lobo golf resort in the Southern Portuguese region of Algarve. As we speak of Mediterranean climate zones, it’s important to highlight that the overall design concept is closely bound up with the climatic conditions of the site.

The rest of the basic lines cover a philosophy based on sustainable, bold, innovative, and individual approach, contemplated in the selection of vegetation and in the choice of construction materials. This sums it up best: “All the decisions about the garden were made with the owner of the property”, says Iúri Chagas, the landscape architect of Vale do Lobo — Vila 1148. Interweaving Modern and Mediterranean Presumably, showing consideration for a client’s needs and wishes inevitably leads to an individualized approach. In this case, that approach developed a unique solution, harmonizing the standpoint of the professional with the views of the client. All of that resulted in an incredible, well-balanced hybrid of casual elegance in Mediterranean design style and a streamlined, organized, contrasting style of modern landscape design. Related Articles:

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Sustainable Measures The choice of Mediterranean design is influenced by a number of factors, the most important of which is the climate. Algarve comes under the Mediterranean climatic type, characterized by dry, arid regions with little rain throughout the year. This means that there is great concern about water storage.

The sustainable measures for water conservation within the project include a drainage system connected to a rainwater collector, a closed-circuit operating cascade, as well as a minimal area of the garden (15 percent) being covered by lawn. Furthermore, the plants used in the project are representatives of native species or are well adapted to to the climate (Olea sylvestris, Quercus suber, Nerium oleander, Arbutus unedo, Rosmarinus spp, etc.), requiring minimal care. Well Defined Functional Zones Besides the substantial sustainable strategies, there is one more consideration that adds value to the project. Despite the small size of the garden (600 square meters), the design manages to create a variety of well-defined, tangibly connected functional areas. Fluent Transition from Active to Passive Recreation Active recreation is represented by the putting green, composed of artificial grass in aid of the water conservation precautions. To make sure the putting green is an active playground area by both day and night, recessed lighting was installed in the Corten steel retaining wall. The physical and visual connection between the putting green and the contemplation area is provided by a transition area comprised of an alternative log path and the retaining wall continuation. The accent here is the flower box, bringing contrast through the combination of its triangular shape and the natural look of Agapanthus spp. New scenarios and emotions are discovered in the leisure area, due to the reposeful sound of water from the rust-colored Corten steel cascade. In addition to the sense of peace, Nephrolepis exaltata pops out as a surprise element among the graded waterfalls. One more elegant detail is the fine water line in the deck flooring, leading to the alluring hanging garden in the interior patio. In the recreation area, you will find a sunny Mediterranean haven with a pool, palms, warm-colored deck flooring, and an inviting, self-sustaining green lawn. Unification To integrate this whole idyll, the landscape architect used weathering steel in various forms, which unifies the entire garden, giving both a modern and natural look at the same time. Another final touch is the warm lighting, which makes the garden a vibrant, active space day or night. Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design  by Alex Krieger
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

Article by Velislava Valcheva Return to Homepage

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