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The garden on the mountain
By : les lieux et Vertige paysage
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Private Residence : Gold Certification
Realized in 2022, the garden for this residence was to do more than embellish it, it was to reveal it. The conceptual approach to the garden focused first and foremost on the architectural heritage of the house in order to affirm its full value. Built in 1936 by architect Henry Ross Wiggs on behalf of G. Edwin Robertson, the residence is located in the declared Mount Royal heritage site. Prior to the work, the building was set in a thick green setting that camouflaged the architectural details and masonry work. On the façade, the entrance threshold was set back from the public domain, folded in on itself, with the threshold linked by a thin, unwelcoming path. From the outset, the clients expressed a desire to soften the monastic aspect of the house and make it more welcoming. To achieve this, the landscape architects relied on the warm tones present in the house’s stone to create surfaces in a neutral beige monochrome that would give full attention to the masonry stone. A large carpet unrolls in front of the front door in full proportion to the house’s architectural advance, connecting it to the neighborhood. The use of a herringbone pattern was an obvious choice, bringing a character inspired by the English cottages so popular with customers. Soldier borders in St-Marc stone add a touch of refinement and classicism inherent in the character of the architecture. Finally, a large St-Marc stone door sill rebalances the presence of the front door in the overall composition and gives it greater scope.
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To access the rear courtyard, a new access had to be thought through. The idea of creating a leafy walkway leading to the back garden immediately appealed to the customer. The staircase winds its way through the plants and allows us to appreciate the house’s stonework. The even slope brings out the character of the Mount Royal mountainside on which the house is set, and leads us quietly to the courtyard.
At the turn of the stairs, the pièce de résistance appears. The classic fountain, the real pivot and focal point of the garden, is revealed. Strategically positioned for viewing from every corner of the garden, it creates a bucolic, soothing ambience. It supports the resolutely classical character already evident on the façade. From the upper balconies, it makes its presence felt with the sound of water and attracts the gaze of guests. It establishes a tangible link between the garden and the series of three balconies above. The garden experience is lived as much in the heart of the garden as on the balconies, thus opening up the space of this small yet restricted plot.
Mainly in a shady situation, the garden unfolds in an ornamental plant palette that explores textures and shades of green. Native trees blend in with the natural vegetation of Mount Royal, in full compliance with the criteria required by the City of Montreal’s Heritage Division. In all, the greening covers more than 60% of the garden’s surface area.
The project underwent several permit analyses, including an authorization under the Cultural Heritage Act issued by the Ville de Montréal. In the communication issuing the permit it was stated: Management ( …) would like to emphasize the quality of the proposal, which maximizes vegetation and conserves existing ground levels with a view to preserving the natural slope
