This residential and commercial property nestled on a hillside demanded a garden that serves dual purposes—personal retreat and professional setting. For the owner and his clients alike, the garden becomes a space for movement and meaningful conversation in a relaxed setting. When the body moves, so does the mind. The owner himself credits the garden as instrumental in closing deals, having witnessed how its calming influence often tips negotiations in his favor.

Landscape designer Volker Schwerteck shaped the front garden with generous, formal lines—visitors are immediately greeted by sweeps of lavender. Light-hued natural stone walls of Franconian limestone echo the home's façade. Behind the house, the garden's focal point is a striking composition: a Trespa wall with a cut-out aperture paired with an understated limestone water trough. Carved from Franconian limestone, this simple form strikes a sophisticated balance—modern in its clarity, warm in its materiality. Positioned prominently adjacent to the terrace and visible from the office spaces, the wall and trough have become beloved gathering spots; birds visit regularly to drink and bathe. A vine-covered trellis screens the space between terrace and street, while specially sourced antique oak beams lend the structure distinctive character. From the terrace, a gently curving gravel path winds through lush perennial plantings—an intentional counterpoint to the building's contemporary geometry. Organic forms and abundant vegetation make the modest footprint feel layered and spacious, while different heights and textures create visual rhythm. The planting supports a thriving ecosystem; bees and insects thrive here. On the shaded north side, a narrow strip of the garden features semi-transparent coloured glass panels and slender woody plants that draw the eye deeper and invite circumnavigation of the building. Plant designer Sigrun Schnee orchestrated the selection and placement of every perennial and shrub, bringing particular focus to how the garden transforms through the seasons. Her approach is grounded in understanding each site's potential and translating the clients' vision into a cohesive, harmonious design.

www.gartenplanung-schwerteck.de

Photography:
Volker Schwerteck Garden Design

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 03|23)