Accessible Garden in Espoo
Modern accessible garden in Espoo
Location: Espoo
Year: 2019–2020
Size: approx. 370 m²
"The journey home was long
but when I finally saw the familiar door, I knew
that the trip had not been in vain."
ML
The small yard was originally cramped and difficult to navigate. At the start of the design process in 2019, the yard had nothing but a lawn. The design and construction were influenced by the slope of the small plot and the mobility limitations of the future resident. Construction began in 2020.
Since this was a private residential yard, official accessibility regulations for pathways were not required nor feasible to follow strictly. The ramps were designed with a slope of 7–10%, and with an elevation difference of about three meters, the total length of the pathway needed to be over 42 meters to achieve the required height. The surface material for the pathway was a non-slip stone aggregate coating. A young, active wheelchair user can navigate steeper-than-standard ramps when the surface provides the right traction. Turning areas were designed with ample space for a wheelchair’s turning radius, and drainage grates were installed at the lower ends of the ramps. The planting beds were built at a height suitable for gardening from a wheelchair.
Material selection also considered splinter-free surfaces, ensuring that the resident could sit comfortably anywhere.
In addition to a swimming pool and hot tub, the design included a large dining area, a firepit, a glass-enclosed garden lounge, multiple edible plant beds, and various planting areas that could be maintained from a wheelchair. Privacy screens were added toward both the neighbors and the street. The garden was designed for long-term durability, ensuring it would last for decades. The residents specifically wanted teak decking, which they already had in their outdoor furniture.
The glass-enclosed lounge was built in the lower yard, allowing easy winter access to the outdoor hot tub. This placement determined the starting point of the pathway toward the upper yard. The retaining walls were cast in concrete and color-matched to the house. The firepit was positioned naturally near the swimming pool. Privacy was further enhanced with a wooden fence atop the existing hedge and retaining walls.
The result was a year-round retreat for the entire family—a home and a vacation oasis in one. It combines Scandinavian functionality with Central European style. Small, yet stylish, functional, and fully accessible for every member of the family.
After pictures of project
Before pictures of project
