One of our most versatile and ambitious garden projects of 2023 took us to Belgium, where we were tasked with transforming the backyard of a private residence into an exclusive Japanese garden. The desire was to create a special outdoor space where traditional Japanese garden design, authentic materials, and refined craftsmanship come together. A place that not only invites to relaxation but also reflects the rich aesthetics and centuries-old philosophy of the Japanese garden.

The design was built around a carefully balanced composition of imposing natural stones, characteristic Japanese ornaments and sophisticated landscaping. A beautifully shaped Japanese pine tree, traditional stone lanterns, a Tsukubai water ornament and a stone bridge are the main highlights. The various elements are connected by a naturally laid path of stepping stones and expansive areas of authentic Japanese garden design. Shirakawa-suna grind.

A special part of the design is the traditional Koshikake Machiai, A Japanese seating area designed specifically for this garden. Set in a sheltered corner, this wooden structure offers stunning views of the entire garden landscape. The combination of natural wood species, traditional roof tiles, and a characteristic Tataki foundation reinforces the authentic Japanese feel.

The result of the design process was a cohesive garden concept in which every element has its own place and meaning. From the impressive rock formations to the smallest details in the landscaping: everything was carefully coordinated to create a timeless ensemble of tranquility, harmony, and natural beauty.

The realization of this special Japanese garden began with thorough preparation. The existing garden was completely cleared and the ground was carefully leveled to make room for the new design. Subsequently, the porch was fabricated and installed on site. This laid the foundation for an ambitious garden project in which traditional Japanese construction techniques and high-quality natural materials were central to the design.

As is customary when constructing an authentic Japanese garden, the actual garden work began with the positioning of the large natural stones. According to traditional Japanese design principles, stones form the foundation of the garden composition. Their shape, direction and relationship with one another significantly determine the character of the landscape. Subsequently, the stone ornaments, stepping stones and natural stone bridges were placed with great precision in their predetermined positions.

After all the heavy elements had been placed, our landscapers began planting. The imposing Japanese form tree, evergreen shrubs, ferns, and sophisticated groundcover were carefully distributed to create a natural transition between the different garden areas. Then the open spaces were finished off with authentic Shirakawa-suna grind, The light color of the garden forms a beautiful contrast with the dark vegetation and natural rock formations.

The final phase consisted of the installation of the traditional Koshikake, meticulously crafted by our talented woodworkers. This special wooden structure was installed on an authentic Tataki foundation and forms an architectural highlight of the garden. With the completion of this final component, artisan woodwork, traditional Japanese garden design, and natural materials came together in a harmonious whole.