Italian Pleasure Garden 01

The first of two Italian Pleasure Gardens celebrates time spent enjoying the pleasures of life, in particular, the company of family and friends.

Comprising three main spaces, qualities of conviviality and hospitality were important to convey; from the welcoming entry vestibule that invites guests into the property to the generous courtyard space alongside the house that enhances the interior rooms and provides an entertaining area in its own right.

Framed by a ‘green wall’ of creepers and climbing vines, the courtyard is animated by seasonal colour and fragrance while large festive gatherings are generously provided for with a permanent granite table and paved stone pathways. Anchored by an existing fig tree, the small rear garden encourages the cultivation of vegetables and herbs that heightens the client’s pleasure in preparing and sharing food.

This Italian Pleasure Garden orchestrates form and is enlivened by its diverse materials, reflection, shadows and the changing sounds of the water feature and wind. Moments of intimacy are found in small, carefully detailed areas where the variation of surface and texture provide delight.