The Pattern of Water
Forest Residences
Forest Residences
Located in a pine forest, the house designed for a young family became part of a larger landscape project covering three hectares in the Moscow Region. Buro Zemla developed three gardens united by a shared concept. One of the key challenges was to establish a distinct identity for each garden while preserving the continuity of the forest landscape. The site's pronounced topography and the elevated position of the house became the starting point for a terraced garden with its own spatial narrative.
Working in collaboration with DNK architectural group, we sought to establish a coherent dialogue between architecture and landscape. A series of corten steel water cascades, integrated into the house terrace, gradually extends beyond its boundaries and unfolds into the garden. The waterfall basins give way to a stream from which several walking routes diverge. The rectilinear geometry of the water features is echoed in the outlines of pathways, timber decks and stone platforms, creating a striking contrast with the organic forms of the forest landscape. Secluded waterside terraces and places to rest are arranged along the routes, while a children's play area lies deeper within the garden. A walk becomes an exploration in which everyone can discover something of their own.
Originally, the forest consisted predominantly of tall coniferous trees, with virtually no lower vegetation layer. Thousands of newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees have established an understory, restoring the multilayered structure of the plant community and enriching its biodiversity. Our intention was for the garden to be perceived as an extension of the surrounding natural environment rather than a separate territory. We therefore maintained a clear geometric language close to the house, gradually giving way to a freer landscape composition further into the site. Architecture establishes the structure, while vegetation gradually softens it, allowing the landscape to regain its natural complexity
Working in collaboration with DNK architectural group, we sought to establish a coherent dialogue between architecture and landscape. A series of corten steel water cascades, integrated into the house terrace, gradually extends beyond its boundaries and unfolds into the garden. The waterfall basins give way to a stream from which several walking routes diverge. The rectilinear geometry of the water features is echoed in the outlines of pathways, timber decks and stone platforms, creating a striking contrast with the organic forms of the forest landscape. Secluded waterside terraces and places to rest are arranged along the routes, while a children's play area lies deeper within the garden. A walk becomes an exploration in which everyone can discover something of their own.
Originally, the forest consisted predominantly of tall coniferous trees, with virtually no lower vegetation layer. Thousands of newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees have established an understory, restoring the multilayered structure of the plant community and enriching its biodiversity. Our intention was for the garden to be perceived as an extension of the surrounding natural environment rather than a separate territory. We therefore maintained a clear geometric language close to the house, gradually giving way to a freer landscape composition further into the site. Architecture establishes the structure, while vegetation gradually softens it, allowing the landscape to regain its natural complexity