Urban Oasis

A tiny postage stamp of space had two big things going for it: multiple vantage points from which to view it and two clients excited by the creative process of improving it.

The design focused on creating visual clarity from three angles: a small Master Bedroom deck acts as an aerie with the broadest vantage point; basement access provides something akin to a grotto with the enjoyment of details at soil level, and, at mid-level between the two, the Main Deck used for dining.

Altogether, this was a space with enormous untapped potential.

These levels, now enhanced and improved, visually interact with a square patio and a stone sitting wall, both placed askew. This playful offset creates a graphic/spatial tension within the space. Plants are a foil to this, deployed to provide lush organic textures and patterns. Carefully chosen sculptural elements further strengthen desired sight-lines.

There is a fun, easy logic to how the owners use and enjoy the space; their activities on multiple levels animate the design and add further interest.

01

View from basement media-room past the ‘Grotto’ to the sculpture beyond.

02

Soil level details.

03

Steps to main garden level.

04

View across the width of the garden.

05

Two strategically placed sculptural elements.

06

Visual interest at the square patio.

07

Foliar vignette.

08

Leaf contrast at the bamboo.

09

View from main deck.

10

View from ‘Aerie’ with patio askew below.

11

Plants as a foil to hardscape and sculpture.

12

Textural composition.

13

Graphic ‘pop’ at the patio.

To See More About Urban Oasis

Green Ramblings

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