During an extensive renovation of the building this outside space had been used as a construction site, obliterating the previous layout. Following the construction, all employees expected a new urban garden, somewhat greener than it had been, to gaze at for inspiration. The assignment was complicated by three factors: the yard is small, the adjoining walls are high and gloomy and almost no sunlight reaches the ground.

 

 

During an extensive renovation of the building this outside space had been used as a construction site, obliterating the previous layout. Following the construction, all employees expected a new urban garden, somewhat greener than it had been, to gaze at for inspiration. The assignment was complicated by three factors: the yard is small, the adjoining walls are high and gloomy and almost no sunlight reaches the ground. The design to resolve this is disarmingly simple. Space is defined, surface is articulated and vegetation adds the finishing touch that will grow and mature in the coming years.

 

Space The rectangular patio is divided in two parts of equal size, creating two squares. The northern part connects with two meeting rooms. Here a logical and pleasant event in summertime is to have an outside lunch together. As a courtyard, the space functions as a central core of the building. To serve that function it should remain as open and bare as possible, yet still provide a whiff of nature.

 

Surface The northern half that catches some sun at noon has a pavement of Norwegian flagstones. Their jade colored surface catches and reflects extra sunlight. The southern part in the shadow is covered with small pebbles mixed with scoured shards of green glass. Every ray of light that reaches the ground is gratefully received and directed upwards in this light well.

 

Vegetation Space and surface are intertwined by a mature dogwood tree Cornus kousa that blossoms in spring and produces an abundance of creamy white flowers. Visible from all office floors, its flowering is eagerly awaited every year. The undergrowth consists of a mélange of flowers from all over the world that can endure the deep shadow and still produce a flowering courtyard almost all year long.

 

 

Client
The Netherlands Foundation for Visual Arts,
Design and Architecture
(Fonds BKVB)