A family from Bucharest reached out with the wish to create an intimate garden, a secluded oasis with ornamental grasses and a decorative stone water basin. A calming retreat, it was envisioned as a place to pause and relax while listening to the soothing sound of water, away from prying eyes.
Landscape Architecture: CMD/LA
peis Cosmin Coman
Landscape Contractor: Cherry Garden
Beneficiary: Private
For the intimate effect, CMD/LA surrounded one side of the pool with tall Pinus trees, creating a permanent green shield against the neighboring building. On the opposite side, a mass of ornamental grasses gently embraces the silhouette of a contemporary art sculpture, visible in perspective from the water basin.
On the right-hand side, a living Prunus fence defines the edge of the lawn and separates it from the central turf area. From the pool, two elevated stone platforms connect to a natural stone path leading toward the main bedroom. This inner courtyard—directly accessible from the bedroom—becomes the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset, immersed in the tranquil landscape.
An exclusive CMD/LA concept defined the garden’s signature gesture: a visual shaft starting from the barbeque area, framed by two rows of proud oak trees rising from ornamental grasses. At its center lies a striking decorative element—a 10-meter-long black metal water basin, only 35 cm high, resting on gravel. The BBQ pavilion itself is designed with perforated metal plaques and sandwich-type panels, executed by long-term partners BHC
The axis culminates in a massive, hand-polished stone block. Both sculptural and functional, it serves either as a seating element or as a commanding decorative focal point that anchors the garden’s perspective.
The new building’s living area features two glazed facades overlooking the garden. Access to the inner yard is designed over a glass walkway suspended above a decorative water basin, punctuated by four planted niches where grasses emerge through the glass. The connecting corridor to the house access is transformed into another intimate corner of relaxation, defined by a carefully sculpted stone block resting on gravel and complemented by a delicate shrub.
