28 June 2021

ØSLO'S COURTYARD GARDEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN AND AROUND THE OUTER PORT

The reddish-brown bricks of Øslo at Ghent’s Outer Port are a nod to the past and the old industrial buildings located nearby. In his design of the extensive courtyard garden, landscaper Koen Mennes of KM Tuinplanning also referred to the district’s maritime past. In fact, in the middle of the communal courtyard garden, there are islands of trees in the shape of boats. A tribute to Europe’s arguably best-preserved 19th-century port. The end result is a residential complex in which every resident can enjoy a comfortable home with a patch of green.

Moreover, the green oval islands playfully provide privacy between the three blocks of apartments. This way, the residents not only get to enjoy nature from close-up, they can also do so at their own pace. The private terraces on the ground floor are also naturally separated by raised flower boxes with shrubs to restrict the view. Climbing plants and evergreen hedges finish off the whole on the north and south sides. Overall, Øslo forms an oasis of peace in the city.

Mennes has also considered accessibility: a paved section at the entrance halls and bicycle storage provides not only tranquility and privacy, but also more day-to-day living comfort. Moreover, emergency services and removal vans find their way effortlessly through the greenery. The paths do not break up the harmony as the plants provide a green backdrop.

Image: KM Tuinplanning

The bustle of 18th-century port life is no more, but the combination of private and shared green space means the courtyard garden is once again full of life. Yet, thanks to the lush planting, a sense of respite is never far away.