Residential design rarely happens in a vacuum. When architects and homeowners collaborate on floor plans—whether for sprawling estates or intimate dwellings—every detail is thoughtfully proportioned and aligned with the residents' vision. That's why Jensen Landscape Architects begins every garden project the same way: by studying the floor plans carefully, understanding not just the structure of the house, but its soul. A terrace is almost always part of the equation, and its footprint is established during construction. This villa exemplifies that principle beautifully—the terrace stretches across the entire width of the garden façade.

No amount of furnishings could warm up this sprawling terrace or make it feel as inviting as the interior spaces. So Jensen's team faced a compelling challenge: redesign the terrace and introduce a pool and pool house. The solution became clear immediately: the oversized rectangular terrace needed to shrink and adapt to how people actually move through the villa. Sebastian Jensen's cardinal rule—"a terrace's livability depends on its distance from the kitchen"—guided the entire design. The journey from kitchen to dining table matters. The sightline to the garden matters. Quick access to cushions and covers matters. Weatherproof storage cabinets, sideboards, or a garden box placed nearby keep comfort within arm's reach. A quality parasol transforms the space entirely. This cantilever design tucks away invisibly when closed, yet opens to a generous four-by-four-meter span that shelters the entire terrace. A low, modern wall—echoing the house's façade—defines the space while offering additional seating.

Every element of the pool was positioned with precision: sun exposure, neighboring trees, sightlines from the house. Choosing materials for a pool required insight that no showroom could provide. By visiting completed Jensen projects with pools, the team knew exactly which finishes would sing underwater. They selected a Riviera prefabricated pool with a stunning glass mosaic surface. The adjacent pool house—outfitted with changing facilities and a restroom—feels like a natural extension. Its open face toward the water creates an ideal spot for evening lounging as the sun begins to set.

www.jensen-landschaftsarchitekten.de

Photo:
Tom Bendix
www.tombendix.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|25)