Simple Chic: A Tranquil Urban Oasis by Dagmara Berent

Iron A' Design Award Winner Transforms Urban Garden

In the bustling urban environment of Torun, Poland, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Dagmara Berent, a visionary designer, has crafted an urban garden that stands as a testament to tranquility and modern design. Named Simple Chic, this garden has been recognized with the prestigious Iron A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2024, a distinction that honors well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial standards.

The inspiration behind Simple Chic was to create a sanctuary that diverts attention from the urban chaos, allowing for a reconnection with nature. Berent faced the challenge of designing a peaceful haven within a compact urban space. The solution came in the form of small architectural elements and sculpted trees that provide immediate privacy and a barrier against city noise. The elongated spaces within the garden visually alter its proportions, offering a serene retreat amidst the urban landscape.

What sets Simple Chic apart is its seamless integration with the building's architecture. The garden features distinct geometric shapes and an organized layout that extends the living space into the outdoors. The use of aluminum pergolas and massive concrete slabs, installed with precision, creates a sense of deceleration and space magnification. The garden's boundaries are defined by graphite-colored fiberglass walls, panels adorned with climbing plants, and strategically placed tall trees that ensure privacy.

Technical specifications of the garden reveal a meticulous approach to design and sustainability. The 889.2 sqm plot includes automated irrigation, smart-controlled lighting, and outdoor speakers, all managed through a dedicated app. The pool is heated using efficient photovoltaic panels, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The garden's construction involved on-site cast concrete pots and insulated aluminum pots to address the terrain's variations.

The interaction with Simple Chic is an experience of seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. The garden's bold geometry, innovative materials, and striking forms create a dynamic area that is both an extension of living space and a standalone feature. The suspended bench, integrated with the concrete pots, and the strategic lighting enhance the garden's ambiance, making it a cohesive, contemporary space for relaxation and contemplation.

Conceived in 2021 and completed in 2022, Simple Chic represents a significant achievement in modern garden design. The research that underpinned the project included site surveys, soil analysis, and sunlight studies, with a focus on addressing drainage challenges on less permeable clay soil. The result is a garden that not only provides a functional and aesthetic extension of the home but also contributes to sustainable water management and design practices.

In conclusion, Simple Chic is a prime example of how thoughtful design can transform a small urban space into a private sanctuary. Dagmara Berent's creation is a celebration of minimalism, functionality, and the harmonious blending of indoor and outdoor living. The garden's recognition with the Iron A' Design Award underscores its success as a space that fosters well-being and offers a peaceful retreat from the urban milieu.