The Landscape Studio

The Landscape Studio is a landscape architecture and design firm based between Nairobi in Kenya and Barcelona, Spain. The studio was founded in 2013 and has already created solutions for a diverse portfolio of projects around East Africa and more recently in Europe; planning and design of academic and residential, corporate, institutional and mixed-use, parks, […]

Garden for the Bishop’s House is a remarkable study in volcanic rock and the creation of ambiences with the use of vegetation and stone walls. The latter is used to emphasise the enclosed ambient and to add elements of surprise. In this small space, visitors can be immersed in the world of microcosmos, the structure of the volcanic rock where the surface has already started to change due to weather conditions and use. Carefully selected plants are starting to spread out, over and in between the dark stones, and moss is becoming a part of this beautiful pavement. Modest means were used to create this mesmerising garden. A bit like a meaningful haiku, Bishop’s House garden will give you goosebumps in very few words.

The jury also appreciated the reference to Thomas Church, whose legendary Donnell Garden inspired the kidney-shaped pool. Beautifully alienated in colour, materiality, form and embedding a reference to another time, it appears as if the designers were intentionally dealing with the contradiction of the swimming pool rather than the swimming pool itself. A very mature and precise statement!

This intervention raises the question of what ‘garden’ is and what it represents. Salaam house is a ‘hard-core’ landscape architecture project sending a message that with subtle approach, simplicity and a modest budget we can create a garden by maintaining and appreciating what we already have.

The Landscape Studio is an award-winning landscape design firm, working in East Africa, Europe and the UK. Throughout the years, we’ve had the privilege to contribute to a diverse array of projects, initially across East Africa and more recently in Europe. Our expertise includes the design and planning of academic institutions, residential developments, religious, corporate […]