Common Ground Collective Garden by el.em studio: A Vision of Community and Sustainability in Israel

Located in the heart of the Hefer Valley, the Common Ground Collective Garden by el.em studio is a captivating example of sustainable and community-driven design. Nestled within the historic Beit Harishonim house, this 200 m² garden offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and collective effort. The project, completed in 2023, aims to transform the outdoor space of a once-abandoned house into a vibrant, cultivated garden that invites local participation and celebrates the surrounding landscape.

A Collective Effort for Cultural and Environmental Integration

Beit Harishonim sits on a limestone ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Hefer Valley. After years of abandonment, the Hefer Valley Regional Council decided to reopen the house as a local cultural and art center. The transformation of the surrounding garden into Common Ground became more than just a landscaping project—it became a collaborative endeavor.

Instead of following the conventional model of architecture as a final object, Common Ground was developed as an ongoing process. The construction stage was opened to the community through public calls, inviting local residents to engage in building the space. Together, they tightened the soil, cast custom concrete benches, and planted native wildflowers. This approach turned the construction process into a shared experience, with gardening remaining an evolving project.

The Design: Blending Tradition with Modern Elements

The layout of Common Ground is inspired by traditional English gardens, yet it’s designed on a more intimate scale. The central path branches off into smaller trails, each offering distinct perspectives of the Hefer Valley landscape. Hidden seating areas encourage visitors to explore, rest, and absorb the surroundings. A striking feature of the garden is a custom concrete terrazzo element, which reflects both historical and modern design sensibilities.

Among the first two concrete elements are intimate benches designed for relaxation, while the third element is a symbolic nod to the past—a ghost element resembling an 18th-century water pool. This reflection pool once carried water to the eastern slopes of the property. The new pool symbolizes the potential for interaction between people, animals, and plants, serving as a space for play and gathering. Water flows toward the western slope, where wild plants will grow, creating an entranceway that leads to the house.

Sustainability and Local Flora

The garden's design incorporates local wild plants, which are characteristic of the Hefer Valley region. These plants not only provide a beautiful aesthetic but also enhance the local biodiversity. Five trees were planted along the garden’s paths, offering shade and fruit for visitors. A small selection of cultivated plants were also introduced, ensuring multi-seasonal blossoms that will enrich the garden throughout the year.

A Space for Future Collaboration and Community Engagement

Once fully realized, Common Ground will evolve beyond its physical form. It will become a dynamic venue where artists, creators, volunteers, gardeners, and visitors converge to participate in workshops, exhibitions, and events. The garden is designed as a space that fosters ongoing collaboration and engagement, making it an ever-changing project that reflects the spirit of community.

The Common Ground Collective Garden is a powerful example of how landscape architecture can foster cultural connections, celebrate local heritage, and promote sustainability. Through its collaborative design process, this garden not only enhances the physical environment but also brings together people of all backgrounds, ensuring that its legacy will continue to grow long after its completion.

All Photographs are works of Mikaela Burstow