A family of four in Unterrath envisioned a garden with clean lines and welcoming spaces for relaxation. Landscape architects Fricke & Hollender transformed their narrow yet exceptionally deep lot into a versatile outdoor living space—complete with a conservatory, expansive terrace, and swimming pool.

Six weeks of intensive planning sessions with the homeowners refined every detail: from shapes and colors to the garden's key features. The resulting design plan addressed multiple complexities: the property stretches 50 meters deep but measures just 7.5 meters wide, situated on a modest single-lane street. Only experienced landscape builders could navigate the logistical challenges of construction and crane work in such tight quarters. Additionally, integrating pool equipment into the compact footprint required creative problem-solving—a discreet garden house became the elegant solution. To define distinct zones along the property's length, the team staggered different areas at varying elevations. Near the conservatory, a protected dining terrace flows into a separate chill-out zone for the adults. Continuous heavy cumaru wood decking unifies interior and exterior spaces in one generous sweep. The pool itself is framed with wooden decking and oversized Schellevis concrete slabs from the Netherlands. A sculptural 90-centimeter mound with visually floating pavers marks the transition to the rear garden. The planting palette—feathery grasses, lavender, sage, a striking Japanese maple, and espalier trees—creates a soft, cultivated backdrop. A carefully designed lighting scheme sets the perfect mood for warm summer evenings. The clients' reaction said it all: children's eyes sparkling with one unmistakable message—"Cannonball!"

www.galabau-fh.de

Photography Credits:

Oliver Fricke

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|22)