Chelsea 2001
The Laurent-Perrier Garden
In this garden we were first able to develop ideas about structure and naturalism in the contemporary garden. The entire space is treated as a sculptural piece with a carefully defined interplay between contrasting forms and materials. It was conceived as a demonstration of how a contemporary garden could be both simple in its parts yet complex in its overall effect. This dialectic between simplicity and complexity was developed further in subsequent gardens for the same client.
The garden is formed from a series of defined layers: an enclosing insitu concrete wall, a line of pollarded trees and a formal pool; all set within a meadow. Concrete detailing was developed with the help of the architect Jamie Fobert, with whom we have collaborated on a number of projects. Trees were lent by a generous private client. The garden was built by Crocus.