Modern Yet Natural
A garden with integrated pool that invites you to vacation at home
A couple acquired a severely neglected architect-designed house from the early 1960s on the outskirts of Düsseldorf and thoughtfully restored it into a practical, functional "home for two." The landscaping firm Sollazzo & Wetzel from Ratingen guided the project from initial planning through completion of the outdoor spaces. The owners envisioned a sanctuary for relaxation and well-being: a pool, two garden pavilions for storage, expansive terraces and seating zones, and vibrant, lush plantings with natural appeal. The result is a garden that mirrors the home's modern sensibility—geometric in its clarity, yet distinctly organic in its feel.
The design features a welcoming front garden with concrete pavers that sets off the architecture beautifully. The rear garden is thoughtfully zoned: a generous main terrace serves as the garden's heart, flowing down broad steps to a secondary terrace at the office. Stepping stones guide visitors across a gently sloped lawn to the pool and a secluded seating area beyond. Like the house itself, the garden prioritizes natural materials—often locally sourced—for refined elegance: an outcropping is resolved with a natural stone wall of Bergisch graywacke, coordinated with Bavarian granite paving. Evergreen shrubs frame the property's perimeter, providing visual privacy. The substantial specimen trees were selected collaboratively with the homeowners at the nursery. Particular care was taken to integrate the pool harmoniously: Mediterranean plantings of lavender, ornamental grasses, and herbs create an intimate escape—one that's effortlessly maintained through fully automatic irrigation and subtle evening accent lighting.
Photography Credits:
Tom Bendix
www.tom-bendix.de
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|23)
