FIELD EMOTION

Old forests and open heather fields characterize the old landscape where this garden of landscape architect Andrew van Egmond, is situated. In the golden ages, rich traders from Amsterdam built their countryside estates here. Through the ages more and more wealthy people settled on these higher sandy grounds of the Netherlands. Parcels became smaller and smaller and the original landscape was turned into gardens. Although it is a very green area to live in, the connection with the original landscape has been lost. The concept of this garden is to introduce the original landscape back again in a subtle way. Typical Pine and native Birch trees have been selected and planted in a natural composition. One big field of perennial grasses has been introduced and refers to the original landscape. Long minimalistic lines are positioned to frame the lush green clouds of shrubs, trees and grasses.

The original landscape is not literally copied. The intention was to capture the emotion of the original landscape, resulting in a garden that honours the larger landscape it is in. At the same time the garden embraces the classical architecture of the house with a contemporary garden design. The chosen materials have a humble appearance and accommodate the classical architecture. The type of gravel used is typical for The Netherlands and feels very natural for this environment. The granite cobble stones are meaningful because they are a relict from the old garden. Refined detailing is key for a minimal design approach. The way the wooden deck is designed is a good example of this. It appears to be floating above the walls, paving surfaces, lawn and swimming pool. To prevent the pool from seeming alien in this natural setting, concrete walls were chosen to achieve an appealing green look.

The garden should be a link between the human scale of the dwelling and the larger scale of the landscape. In this garden, it’s realized by introducing a long minimalistic line in the back framing the lush green and by transforming the front lawn into one big field of perennial grasses. The wild look of the grasses and multi-trunk trees make a beautiful contrast with the classic house. The field of perennial grasses is a living painting capturing the elements of wind, rain, frost and sunlight. It is an ever changing composition which connects us to the seasons and our emotions. An experience you don’t expect with this type of architecture.

Landscape architecture & photography:  Andrew van Egmond

Green constructor: Kroeze Hoveniers Beesd

Trees by:: Van der berk

Lighting by: Burlight

Architect renovation and pool: BOS architects

Interior architect: De Brouwer Binnenwerken