Upon arriving at the property, we found ourselves in an unusual place. A new house for a family of four was to be built in a gardening colony near Hradec Králové. The adjacent deciduous forest and the Jáma pond gave the place a unique identity. The fundamental specifics of the land that dictated the solution were the high water table and the clay subsoil. As the owners wanted a water surface for bathing, we had to work with it as an element on the site from the beginning to be the centre of the action. Other specifics were the accessibility and walkability of the entire garden. We didn’t want to give up the existing apple tree and garden house either, so we tried to incorporate them amongst the other fruit trees, conceive the house in an artistic way and also use it as a children’s clubhouse.
The owners wished to create an edible garden that suited the location. The raised beds were to provide good serviceability and also visibility. The added seating area by the fire pit undoubtedly became a family gathering place. To ensure good accessibility around the garden, the gravel paths and walkways made of recycled granite blocks were satisfactory and tastefully linked the site area to the terrace by the water feature. Sauna bathing by the swimming pond was all the more special as the structure itself screened the neighbouring property. The pond helped to create conditions for other creatures in the garden such as dragonflies, frogs and small birds. The garden has also been recognised by the Habitat and Pond Association’s committee with two awards, namely 1st place Swimming Pond 2019 and Best Pond with Oase Technology 2019, and by the Greenspace Establishment and Maintenance Association’s committee with 3rd place Garden of the Year 2020.
