Small City: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of the City

Creating a Relaxing Home Garden with Dagmara Berent

The inspiration for the Small City garden came from the serene gardens of Great Britain, where individual areas and peaceful oases are created to provide a tranquil retreat. Designed by Dagmara Berent, this project aims to extend the living space of a home and divert attention from the hustle and bustle of the city, immersing residents in nature.

Small City is a unique design, occupying a tiny space of 120 m2. Despite its narrow dimensions, the garden has been cleverly designed to optimize proportions and create a sense of spaciousness. Geometric lines divide the composition, including a lush lawn, meandering paths, well-defined borders, and wooden garden architecture. The main objective was to provide a relaxing haven for a family of four, complete with interesting plants and a captivating pond housing a collection of koi fish.

The realization of the Small City garden involved the use of various technologies and materials. Granite slabs were employed for the paths and stairs, while composite boards were used for the paths and terraces, partially suspended over the surface of the pond. The challenging access to the garden required the removal of soil using wheelbarrows and buckets, with all materials and plants carefully transported through the house or over a fence.

Smart home technology plays a significant role in the interaction and functionality of the Small City garden. The garden features, such as lighting, the pond, fountain, and gazebo sounds, are all supported by this technology and can be controlled through the owners' smartphones. As evening falls, the garden transforms with carefully designed lighting under the paths and numerous floodlights, creating a captivating ambiance. The choice of plants also attracts butterflies and other insects, ensuring that the garden remains vibrant and dynamic throughout the year.

The Small City garden project was completed in 2018, following meticulous research and analysis of the plot's vegetation and soil conditions. Despite creative and technical challenges, such as integrating the garden's design with the interior of the building and obstructing views of neighboring structures, Dagmara Berent successfully created a modern and functional garden that perfectly complements the surrounding environment.

The Small City garden has garnered significant attention and acclaim, being featured in numerous articles in major newspapers and home interior publications. Its unique design and innovative features have earned it the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category in 2021. This award recognizes the garden's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Dagmara Berent
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Radosław Worek 2018 Image #2: Photographer Radosław Worek 2018 Image #3: Photographer Radosław Worek 2018 Image #4: Photographer Radosław Worek 2018 Image #5: Photographer Radosław Worek 2018
Project Team Members: Designer: Dagmara Berent The Contractor: Michał Osmański "Atria"
Project Name: Small City
Project Client: Dagmara Berent


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