A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN
YEAR: 2022 – 2023
LOCATION: RIGA
AREA: 3000 M2
DESIGN: MĀRTIŅŠ RŪTENBERGS, ANSIS BIRZNIEKS
A garden is an idealized fraction of nature, embodying our dreams in the language of plants, shapes, textures, and flowers. This sprawling garden, located in Riga’s verdant Mežaparks district, underscores the profound value its owners place on their environment and living space. From the very beginning, our mission was to create a miniature Eden—a paradise corner designed to enchant all the senses throughout every season.
The classical and majestic architecture of the building played a pivotal role in shaping the garden's design, which artfully unveils unique sightlines from various rooms, beckoning one to step outside and savor the experience. Meticulously trimmed evergreen hedges function as elegant dividers—taller hedges physically delineate spaces, while shorter ones frame and accentuate forms, reinforcing a sense of classic refinement and clarity. This framing effect beautifully complements the abundant, flowering plantings, creating a harmonious and visually captivating garden landscape.
The garden is thoughtfully divided into over 12 distinct areas, each offering its unique charm. The entrance features a formal and elegant front garden in a refined white and green palette. Two decorative pools, each with unique water features, provide varying sensory experiences. There's a cozy fire pit area, a kitchen garden dedicated to growing fresh vegetables and herbs, an orangery, a fruit orchard, and a discreet utility area with its own street access. At the heart of the garden lies a meticulously manicured rectangular lawn, framed by lush plantings and ideal for sunbathing. The owner’s love for cooking is evident, as the kitchen garden plays a pivotal role in this design, meticulously planned to align with the family's culinary routines.
At the heart of the garden lies the 'Mediterranean Garden,' characterized by a charming alley of multi-trunk serviceberry trees and a lush array of perennials and grasses that exude a distinctly Mediterranean ambiance. Salvia, catmint, monarda, and an assortment of grasses and other perennials take center stage in this sun-soaked haven, displaying their magnificent blooms throughout the seasons. Evergreen spheres add classic and captivating accents, ensuring the garden retains its vibrant structure even in the winter months, when the memory of floral fragrances lingers warmly.
The garden's surface structure incorporates three key materials: expansive dark concrete slabs define the functional zones, while elegant clinker highlights the central features. The kitchen and fire gardens are surfaced with reinforced gravel, neatly edged with clinker to evoke a light, country estate ambiance. Additionally, concrete slabs are strategically spaced to form pathways that weave through the plantings, enhancing the garden's walkability and ensuring effortless navigation throughout the space.
