Cozy Nook - Pt. III

Intergration with Nature Inside and Out

As seen in Parts I and II on the project, various elements were inserted to add a rustic coziness value to the chalet's industrial style. Among the execution strategies was the use of landscaping both inside and outside the project.

The style of landscaping chosen to complement the architectural design was tropical naturalistic, influenced by ecological landscaping and spontaneous landscaping. In association with the concepts of biophilia, it introduces nature into the project's internal spaces.

Before describing how the landscaping was applied, let's first understand the characteristics of the style used and how it relates to the chalet project.

Tropical naturalistic landscaping is a style of landscape design that seeks to create green spaces that integrate harmoniously with the environment. In addition to this balance, it prioritizes sustainability and a more organic look.

The use of native and tropical species reduces the need for irrigation, requiring less maintenance, and favors biodiversity by attracting local fauna such as birds and pollinating insects, contributing to environmental regeneration.

With compositions inspired by nature, the aim was to plant the species in an organic and dynamic arrangement, through different plant strata (tall trees, tall and medium-sized shrubs, mulch, etc.).

It's a style that strives for sustainability, which is why it prioritizes natural materials such as stones and logs. It also uses techniques such as rain catchment to try to be as natural as possible.

This style of landscaping was chosen to complement the rustic industrial construction of the chalet. There is thus a balance between the raw and the organic, the rigid and the fluid. The resulting space is a mixture of the strength of industrial architecture and the lightness of tropical landscaping. A contemporary, sustainable and visually striking environment.

Façade landscape

Interior landscaping

Ground floor

Starting with the balcony, there is a small planter at the entrance, next to the steps. Only one plant stands out, a small tree with evergreen foliage. For the inside, we chose to make a composition of pots with planters, with easy-to-maintain plants, suitable for half shade, given the luminosity of the place. The relationship between the different heights of the pots and the species used gives dynamism to the observer's gaze. Pendant lighting was placed over the plants to highlight the color combinations. Facing the chalet door, the plants welcome the individual as they prepare to enter.

Plant at the entry with composition of different tipes and sizes at the back

In the kitchen, small pots of plants have been placed on the shelves, along with pots of vegetables and herbs for everyday use. The colors break up the dark background of the walls, giving visual relief.

Plants over shelves in the kitchen

In the large interior space, the living room also has small potted plants strategically placed among the decorative items on the oak shelves and nature picture bilds.

Focal points for nature representatiton

In the transitional space on the way to the staircase, an internal flowerbed was created next to the large living room windows as an extension of the external garden. The intention is to bring nature from outside into the house, creating a feeling of freshness.

Inside garden by the grate window

Below the staircase, a garden was created to form the entrance to the bathroom, occupying an empty space that needed life, applying the concept of biophilia.

Garden under the stairs by the bathroom entrance

There are two flowerbeds in the bathroom. Right at the entrance, a small space with plants was placed before the glass shower enclosure, to add a certain amount of privacy. In the background, under the frosted glass used in the ceiling, an L-shaped garden was created, running from the shower area to the door of the toilet space. In this way, the bathtub is embraced by the vegetation. The light pebble floor adds naturalness by making the transition from the earth of the garden to the woody floor of the room.

Flowerbed by by the bathroom door

Flowerbed by the bath area in composition with pendents

Mezzanine

On the mezzanine floor, the landscaping was more punctual. Focal points have been placed. At the exit of the staircase, a planter with hanging plants marks the entrance to the upper floor. On the other side, those arriving at the top of the stairs can see a composition of vases illuminated by a pendant. To complete the room, two pots were placed: one next to the reading station and the other at the entrance to the closet.

Focal points for landscaping the bedroom

Finally, the deck above the balcony also received planters and pots to make the environment cozier.

General view from the deck

Side view from the deck

External landscaping

The naturalistic tropical landscaping features organic shapes, lush foliage and vibrant colors. This creates a visual and sensory counterpoint to the strong textures and robust character of the building.

Outdoors patio garden

The Cozy Nook project is located on a square plot, with the building centered, leaving reasonable setbacks for all the facades.

Uper view from the surrounding landscaping

As a strategy to mark out the surroundings, native trees were used, surrounded by an unpruned hedge, which is reminiscent of a freer, more natural garden, attracting birds and insects.

At the base of the chalet, the flowerbeds created explore the beauty of flowers in their different species. The vibrant colors enhance the warm tone of the wood on the facades.

Side/backyard view

On the backyard façade, a space with bamboo was used, bringing lightness and movement to soften the break between the natural stone wall of the bathroom and the large metal and glass window.

View from the backyard

The resulting area between the cottage's flowerbeds and the hedge gave life to dynamic spaces. This made it possible to create organic paths. From the entrance to the side, a path of irregular natural stones was made, with vegetation between the joints, which continues as a lining throughout the free surface of the front of the plot. This path leads to an outdoor patio where a social area has been developed next to the kitchen window. The path continues until it reaches the backyard, the free surface of which is completely covered in native vegetation, as at the front of the plot, and continues along the other side, where there are flowering shrubs.

Stone path making way to the outdoor patio

As mentioned, there are native trees in the surrounding area. They were strategically placed as follows: on the front façade, one tree on each side; at the back, five trees on the edge of the plot. The main reason for this distribution is to soften the rustic industrial look of the chalet by creating a more welcoming atmosphere with the involvement of the treetops. Trees with green and red foliage were alternated. In this way, the exuberance of the vegetation extends throughout the viewer's field of vision.

Overall, we believe that landscaping is a fundamental part of achieving a project with a welcoming atmosphere both inside and outside the chalet. The presence of the natural element is therefore extremely important in softening the strong characteristics of rustic industrial architecture.

And that's a wrap! Hope you found this posts about the Cozy Nook project interesting and keep coming back for more!