Like many building projects, the Kolb family's garden came second. In 2011, they built an impressive home—one that later appeared in architectural publications. When it came time to complete their outdoor space, they enlisted Benjamin Klotz of Klotz garten & exterieur to bring their vision to life. Today, their garden serves dual purposes: a private retreat and gathering space for the architectural practice housed within. Beyond that, it's a masterclass in thoughtful design—effortless to maintain, ecologically sound, wildlife-friendly, and visually compelling.

The garden specialists employed their distinctive concept of "Nature Architecture"—the seamless marriage of built form and untamed landscape. Every detail was carefully considered, creating distinct zones that bridge professional and personal life. Asymmetrical pathways through the lower garden generate intrigue and privacy, inviting constant rediscovery. A striking rock formation anchors one corner, while an elegant oak-timber screen with climbing hydrangea provides a natural boundary between work and leisure. A sculptural dead olive tree, dressed in wisteria, becomes a living art piece. A water garden, fed by an Alpine-inspired channel through a willow-twig pavilion, captures the family's cherished memories of South Tyrolean holidays. A weathered oak bench completes the scene.

The upper garden—once an empty, uninviting expanse—now centers around massive boulders as focal points. Between these eight-tonne anchors sit a wooden shelving unit, a fire bowl, and carefully selected plantings that transform this level into the family's favorite gathering spot, while strategically screening the neighboring building's prominent facade. The clever link between levels? A climbing path with oversized tree trunks creating a playful, natural transition. Rather than erase the landscape's history, the designers preserved existing root systems and celebrated wild plants like horsetail—allowing the terrain to retain its authentic character and wild beauty.

www.klotz-garten.de
www.linie1-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

S. Kolb; B. Klotz

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|20)