01. The Challenge and The Fundamental approaches
The building’s outdoor area was initially extremely small, narrow, and overgrown with old, unmanaged vegetation that blocked all views and natural light. To make things more challenging, the building was surrounded by neighboring houses—two on the sides and one directly behind—creating a very tight and visually uncomfortable setting where no one wanted to see or be seen by the others. Some of these buildings were used as private homes, while others were businesses, increasing the need for privacy and subtle separation.
Although the available space was minimal, we aimed to create a fresh, functional, and welcoming landscape zone around the building. Our goal was to bring openness, comfort, and nature to the site without overwhelming the limited space.
The design challenge was twofold:
- To provide a walkable circulation path around the building,
- And to ensure that these narrow edges still functioned as green, calming garden areas.
The solution was to design a natural, minimalist, and sustainable landscape that is easy to maintain, provides a sense of privacy, and visually expands the space.
Even a small garden, when thoughtfully planned, can bring life and character to a commercial building—and that's exactly what we set out to achieve.
02. The implementations and The Solution
One of the primary design goals was to minimize the visual clutter created by the shared retaining and garden walls between the property and neighboring homes. These existing walls disrupted the overall aesthetics of the space and made the already narrow garden feel even more closed in.
However, addressing this issue required a careful compromise:
To visually soften or partially screen these harsh boundaries, we had to intentionally reduce some of the usable garden space.
This decision was made with great care. Even though space is limited, we prioritized spatial clarity and visual calm—believing that a clean, breathable layout would offer more long-term value than a slightly wider but cluttered yard.
- To preserve a natural and organic feel, we decided to install gabion walls in front of the old, worn-out retaining walls visible from our side of the property. These gabions served a dual purpose:
- Functionally, they stabilized and masked the existing structure.
- Aesthetically, they added texture, depth, and a raw, natural beauty to the limited garden space.
This approach allowed us to upgrade the appearance of the boundary without resorting to artificial finishes or heavy construction. It became a subtle yet impactful way to combine function with form, enhancing the overall design with a minimalist and eco-conscious solution. - In the narrow section of the rear garden, we wanted to avoid using conventional concrete or synthetic materials for the walkways. Our goal was to maintain the site’s natural character while keeping the design lightweight and breathable.
- Instead, we used basalt stepping stones set within natural river gravel, creating a path that is both visually appealing and structurally stable.
This approach provided a soft, grounded walking surface that complements the minimalist landscape and requires minimal maintenance—perfect for a small, functional green space. - To bring color and texture into the narrow rear garden, we planted low-maintenance, perennial groundcovers and flowering plants.
At the boundary, there were several mature hedge plants that had become overgrown and lost their original form. Instead of removing them, we chose to rejuvenate them through careful pruning and soil enrichment. - Removing those plants would have been wasteful, as the available soil was minimal and the area receives very little sunlight. These existing shrubs had already adapted over many years, and replacing them with new plants would have likely failed under such limited conditions.
Our approach was to respect what was already thriving and enhance it gently—striking a balance between preservation and renewal. - At the rear of the building, on the second floor, there was a small rooftop terrace where employees could take a break and breathe. We transformed this space into a functional and inviting outdoor area by designing and installing custom fiber planters.
- To bring life to the space, we selected evergreen plants that would stay vibrant throughout all seasons, ensuring year-round greenery.
We also integrated a functional lighting system tailored for outdoor use. The electrical infrastructure was cleverly concealed inside custom-made wooden-look bollards, which not only supported the planters but also enhanced the aesthetics of the space. - Later, comfortable seating elements were added, turning the terrace into a relaxing, multi-purpose environment.
Since all elements were custom-built by our team, every dimension and detail was carefully designed and fabricated to perfectly fit the space. - At the front of the building, we also designed and constructed a custom security booth and a windbreak-style entrance pavilion that functions as a small waiting area.This structure serves both practical and aesthetic purposes:
- It provides protection from wind and harsh weather during entry,
- Offers a comfortable semi-enclosed space for visitors or employees to wait briefly,
- And enhances the first impression of the building with a clean, well-integrated design.
As with the rest of the project, this structure was fully custom-fabricated, ensuring that dimensions, materials, and finishes aligned perfectly with the architectural context and user needs. - To maintain visual harmony and a cohesive design language, we used a single plant type with consistent style in both the front garden and the adjacent side area.
- This created a clean, unified look and helped visually expand the space despite the site's narrow layout. The repetition of form and texture not only enhanced the building’s street presence, but also supported the overall minimalist and professional concept of the landscape design.
- This site had a high level of daily foot traffic due to its commercial nature, with constant activity at the main and side entrances.
To soften the impact of this busy, dynamic circulation, and to protect the privacy of the neighboring residential property, we planted a line of tall hedge species along the front-side garden. - These dense plantings created a natural screen that helped reduce visual exposure and noise levels, while also establishing a gentle but effective separation between the workplace and the adjacent private space.
03. The Result
Through well-considered design, the right material choices, and a focus on quality craftsmanship and technical detail, we successfully delivered a beautiful and balanced final result.
This project reflects years of experience and attention to every aspect of the site—from privacy to comfort, functionality to aesthetics.
In the end, we transformed the property into a more comfortable, open, and refreshing landscape environment for both employees and visitors.
