ELFORD PARK GREENHOUSE

The Elford Park Greenhouse serves as a working horticultural garden blending nature, craftsmanship, and functional utility.

Anchoring the garden and providing a subdued backdrop for blooming vegetation lies the greenhouse. Envisioned as the “engine room” of the garden, this structure embodies a philosophy that utility can also be beautiful. Its proportion, materiality, and detailing elevate the structure beyond basic utility without distracting from the artistry of gardening itself.

The delicate glass greenhouse and solid shou sugi ban clad potting shed function as a workspace designed for transplanting, seed-starting, flower arranging, and tool storage. The shed’s placement supports optimal workflow throughout the seasons, while permeable paver flooring provides practical drainage within a refined aesthetic.

The impetus for the project originated with Karly, Barrett’s wife and avid gardener, whose vision was to create a shared sanctuary environment where their young growing family could cultivate both plants and moments together. The layout, seating, and greenhouse were conceived not only as efficient tools for horticulture but also as a space to connect through the joys of gardening.
An intimate recessed seating area provides a quiet vantage point across orderly plantings, while at its center, a custom steel water fountain anchors the composition. The fountain's crisp geometry and gentle sound create a calming focal point, extending symmetry into six raised planters that frame the approach to the greenhouse. Surrounding beds introduce a defined horticultural palette, reminiscent of English borders, blending structure with lush abundance.
Material selection throughout the garden and greenhouse were selected for their interplay between one another. Shou sugi ban cladding wraps the potting shed with a rich, tactile warmth, contrasting the metal greenhouse frame, planter beds, and fountain. The architecture is softened by a serpentine quartzite stone wall and large granite boulders, weaving together a dialogue between contemporary objects and natural texture. The result is a landscape that feels both timeless and contemporary—an architectural garden rooted in tradition, yet expressive of its Northwest setting.