design: Studio TOOP, 2010 location: Rotterdam, Kralingen status: built in 2010, door Teo van Horssen Hoveniers foto’s: 2011, Jolanthe Lalkens (with a few extras made by the clients) When we first arrived on the scene this garden with a Northern orientation was gray and dank and full of algae. The goal was essentially to create the antithesis of that: a warm, fresh, lively and dynamic garden suited for a party, play and just hanging out and having fun. The challenge was to incorporate lots of functions into the small space. The patio was set in the back to get the most garden. The ledges on the raised beds offer extra seating during parties. By situating the play house on top of the shed (only accessible by the climbing wall), moving the access to the back alley into the shed and adding a diagonal to widen the space near the shed for play but keep the patio area intimate, the space was optimized as much as possible. The warm Terre Egypte color from Farrow & Ball that is painted on the bed and walls adds lots of warmth and freshness.