|
Maximilian graduated from the University of Applied Science in Osnabrueck,
Germany in 2004 with a Diploma in Landscape Architecture. He has worked in
Landscape Architecture firms in Barcelona, Spain and Denver, USA and most
recently for a small architecture office in Dublin. Maximilian has a full
background in Landscape Construction, beginning with an apprenticeship in 1996.
I first came upon Maximilian’s work at last years Bloom, where I was delighted
with his Garden titled: "How does your Garden go?"
I’m sure you will remember that garden if you visited Bloom last year; it was
the one "moving" every two hours. The garden was a conceptual approach to a
contemporary outdoor space which does not want to be defined by a single purpose
or use but which can be easily changed, re-arranged and re-designed to serve a
multitude of possible occasions/uses.
All garden features (apart from boundaries) in this design are movable and
planted or placed into rectangular planters of different sizes and heights which
bear four casters underneath in order to be moved easily. They had: a Breakfast
Garden, a Dinner Lounge, Leisure and Play Garden and a Party Room. In each case,
garden changed in front of the visitors eyes and within five minutes a very
different space was presented.
Maximilian Kemper was awarded a silver gilt medal at Bloom 2008 for "How does
your garden go?"
Maximilian’s Design in Bloom 2009 was called: "LifeFibre co. ECOlogic" and is
sponsored by LifeFibre:a bread less ordinary.
"LifeFibre co. ECOlogic" demonstrates how garden can be ECOlogically friendly,
utilising recycled materials, while making the most of the restricted space
available.
The Eco design, which can be incorporated to an
existing patio, is also ECOnomically friendly. One
focal point is a vertical garden, a 2 metre high
lush green wall along one garden side on which
vegetables and herbs grow for daily use, while
flowering perennials add colour.
The vertical garden is placed in five large movable
planters, which can be turned around to reveal an
elegant natural stone wall.
Maximilian explained to me the technique and
material he used in creating this living wall, and
demonstrated for me how by moving whole wall (yes,
wall is movable, no surprises there!), different
looks and effects can be achieved. You are able to
"chase" the sun, exposing green wall to sunny spots
for longer, thus achieving amazing results. Not only
is a different visual effect created, but plants are
healthy and crop is substantial.
Plants are planted in pockets which cover whole surface of the wall, and they
are made from eco friendly material too, allowing enough moisture, drainage and
nutrients to create and maintain healthy plants.
This is a novel way to transform any garden from
a green oasis into an elegant space to entertain.
Additional mixed size planters will act as raised
beds containing a densely planted array of colourful
and scented plants and flowers.
Second focal point will be an ornamental artistic
feature, combining water and fire for acoustic and
visual amenity.
|