Living Fence presents a true “living fence” utilizing the Miyawaki planting technique, which involves densely planting native species together. This method enables trees to grow up to ten times faster than traditional techniques, rapidly creating self-sustaining forests that require minimal maintenance.
Living Fence uses native trees to establish an alternative and cost-effective boundary compared to conventional fences, offering both aesthetic and ecological benefits. It is suitable for gardens, food crops, commercial properties, and urban spaces. This sustainable, pocket-sized forest enhances visual appeal by breaking monotony, introducing unpredictability, and showcasing seasonal changes while promoting biodiversity. A pathway separates the ornamental area (single-species planting) from the forest thicket (diverse planting), which also serves as a backdrop for the carefully curated ornamental plantation. Mediterranean native shrubs gradually grow into larger canopy trees. The garden includes a recreational escape space with large artistically arranged rocks serving as seating. To highlight its impact on local flora and fauna, a water basin and a bird feeder have been incorporated to attract birds for birdwatching.
Asmita completed her architecture studies at IES College of Architecture, Mumbai University, in 2018, where she was Magazine Secretary in the Students’ Council. After gaining five years of experience working at architecture firms in Mumbai and Surat, she started her own practice – MANTIS.
Founder of MANTIS : MANTIS is a budding architecture and design studio based in Nashik. I lead design projects specializing in architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Through our architectural and interior design works, we explore spatial design through many dimensions. And we emphasize the use of native species and ecological sensitivity in our landscape works. Committed to understanding the ‘why’ behind design and grounded in the ‘how,’ we are keen to collaborate with passionate designers dedicated to creative excellence.
Parth completed his mechanical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, in the United States in 2016. On moving back to India, he started working with Asmita on construction sites and landscape projects before MANTIS was officially set up. He consults the studio with project execution, estimation and site management. Being an avid farmer himself, Parth adds practical knowledge and insights to landscape projects designed by the firm.
