The concept revolves around the metaphor of movement, which is associated with train travel and runs through the entire project, turning the garden into a space rich with history, symbols, and meaning.
A Scandinavian garden that alludes to the profession of its owner, a top manager at Russia’s leading railway company. The concept revolves around the metaphor of movement, which is associated with train travel and runs through the entire project, turning the garden into a space rich with history, symbols, and meaning.

The garden is located in a quiet village in the Moscow region and covers an area of just over one hectare. The client will reside there not alone but with his extended family. He envisioned a place where every family member would feel at ease and each person could discover a secluded spot amidst the wilderness. In this way, the concept of calmness and tranquility became intertwined with our garden symbolizing a journey, which, although it appears to contrast with movement, actually establishes a balance, like yin and yang.

The house, impressive in size, effortlessly integrates with nature. The garden doesn’t stand against the building. Instead, it envelops and softens it, making it a part of the living landscape. The garden path crosses different landscaped areas, each with its own distinct character, lighting, and mood. From the main entrance with its austere and minimalist design to the sunny orchard and noire deciduous forest, the walk invites you to slow down, pause, observe, and experience. We intentionally disrupt the site’s linearity by altering surfaces, vegetation, lighting, and materials, transforming the path from an endless corridor into a sequence of surprising landscapes.

The main visual and semantic axis of the garden runs from the front door of the house to a 20-meter-long, elongated water feature via a glass atrium and stairway. By reflecting the forest and enlarging the area, the water enhances the terrace’s architectural design and gives it a sense of depth.

The garden’s visual centerpiece is a composition of three-meter sculptures on the water: a running, walking, and standing figures, symbolizing the various paces of life, movement, and slowdowning.

The key material of the project is metal, referencing the railway vibe: actual rails, mesh flooring, brass elements, and an arch in the forest with an ironic exit sign, as if taken directly from a train station platform. These elements impart a modern, somewhat brutal character to the garden, yet without aggression. Just restrained strength and respect for the owner’s profession.

This garden tells the story of a journey, family, profession, and nature, intertwined into one cohesive, profound, and lively space.