From wasteland to sanctuary

Originally a mine, the area had fallen into disuse and was being used as a dump for construction waste. It was covered with a thick layer of garbage, rendering it nearly inaccessible. The buildings on the site were in a state of severe disrepair, surrounded by wild grass and wasteland.

The location was identified as a geological hazard zone. During rainy seasons, a significant amount of water would run down the mountain, flooding the area and spilling onto the roads. This made the site virtually inaccessible during such times and even posed a risk of landslides.

This forlorn site, despite its initial bleakness, held the potential the designers were seeking. They realized it was a diamond in the rough waiting to be polished into their envisioned garden sanctuary.

Yu recalls the moment they first drove up to the site, describing it as an instant when everyone's eyes lit up with excitement. They were greeted by a majestic cliff face dominating the view. A long water pipe ran through the valley, striking a chord with its imposing presence, all set against the backdrop of the surrounding forests.

In a fortunate twist of fate, they discovered that the construction debris from their previous studio, which had been dismantled, was lying in this wasteland.

This revelation added an emotional dimension to their project. It was as if their past efforts had led them to this very spot, presenting them with an opportunity to reclaim and transform what they had lost into something even more magnificent.

The team engaged in an intensive period of observation and exploration. They tirelessly traversed the nearby hills and ridges from dawn to dusk. Their focus was not only on the land itself, but also on understanding the natural cycles and rhythms of the environment.

They observed the changing patterns of sunlight over a year, seeking to understand the nuances of nature's processes.

The transformation of the site meant starting from scratch, clearing and rebuilding from the ground up.

The initial step involved removing the accumulated construction debris, wild grass and overgrown vegetation. They painstakingly cleared up to 4,000 cubic meters of waste. Then, several thousand cubic meters of planting soil was brought in from outside. This extensive soil transportation and landscaping continued until 2022, laying the groundwork for the garden's creation.

In addressing the potential challenges of floods and garden maintenance, Yu and Chai ingeniously created a break in the mountainside, utilizing the natural elevation difference to construct a drainage system. This system serves a dual purpose. In dry conditions, it acts as a dry creek bed, adding an aesthetic landscape feature to the garden. However, during heavy rains, it transforms into an efficient flood channel, directing the water along a predetermined path into the city's drainage system.

By reshaping the landscape, the designers not only transformed the area's aesthetics but also enhanced its safety, turning a once-dangerous site into a secure and inviting garden retreat.

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