Compact Minimalist Garden: Simple and Airy

Feb 15, 2019 | view 12,071

Many people often overlook the small details, thinking they are unimportant. This is similar to the area around a house that isn't very large, which many homeowners choose to neglect, believing it won't enhance the beauty or utility of their home. However, Mr. Poj- Supach Anuphanporn and Ms. Fah- Sakulrat Jaruwatsakoon, the owners of this house, think differently about their compact minimalist garden.

The 100-square-meter area in front of this house has been transformed into a compact minimalist garden, designed by the company Ginkgo Leaf Co., Ltd. The hardscape features simple, airy geometric shapes, complemented by lightweight outdoor furniture and visually pleasing plants. Ms. Fah shared her vision for the garden:

“Initially, we had several garden styles in mind, including tropical gardens and others, but we ultimately settled on a minimalist garden because we wanted it to look simple and pleasing to the eye, which matches the interior of our home styled in minimalist luxury. Originally, the housing project had provided a garden with grass and large trees scattered in some areas, but maintaining the lawn was burdensome. We wanted a garden that was easy to care for and could make full use of the space, accommodating relaxation for both personal use and hosting about 10 guests.”

The design approach for this garden focuses on how to make a narrow and small space feel spacious and comfortable, fully addressing the homeowners' needs. It includes a seating area or party space that can accommodate barbecues. The designer arranged the garden to have interconnected terraces that can be adapted for various uses, choosing materials that showcase natural textures and colors, predominantly in beige tones to harmonize with the yellow house, creating a warm and natural atmosphere. The front area of the house receives sunlight for half the day, allowing for the planting of flowering plants to add color to the garden, while most of the garden area remains shaded by the house throughout the day, necessitating the planting of shade-tolerant plants.

“Previously, we hardly ever walked close to or used this space, but after finishing the garden, we find ourselves using the backyard more often for reading and relaxing,” Ms. Fah shared her experience of utilizing the garden with a smile.

The waterfall is another highlight of the garden, a small feature that creates a natural feel and adds moisture beautifully. It is designed in a long, floating shape above a patch of dwarf octopus plants, similar to other elements in the garden that appear to float above the ground, giving the garden a light and dimensional look, providing a comfortable view into the garden.

In reality, a small space is also part of the home. If we neglect these areas, it is like overlooking parts that can enhance the completeness of our home. As the saying goes, “God is in the details”, because good design must pay attention to details, even if they are small or in small spaces.