The Brief

Situated at the end of a long shared driveway, this impressive property originally had a relatively simple garden consisting mainly of lawn. However, the clients had recently acquired an adjoining piece of land which, although extremely overgrown, offered an exciting opportunity to extend the garden and create an outdoor space more in keeping with the size and character of their home.

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The brief was to completely transform the grounds, creating a contemporary, low-maintenance garden with several distinct areas for relaxing, entertaining and everyday living.

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The clients wanted a welcoming courtyard at the front of the property with parking for three vehicles, two private seating areas positioned to enjoy the sunshine, and an outdoor room that could be used throughout the year. It was also important that the different areas of the garden felt connected, with distinctive design features, carefully considered lighting and simple, low-maintenance planting bringing the entire scheme together.

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The Design

With the garden divided into two main areas — the front courtyard and the rear garden — our challenge was to give each space its own purpose and character while maintaining a consistent design throughout.

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The front courtyard was designed to provide practical parking alongside an attractive setting for the new outdoor room.

Positioned within the courtyard, the fully insulated garden room creates the feeling of an extension to the main house, offering the clients a peaceful retreat that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Clad in beautiful cedar timber, the building introduces warmth and natural texture to the contemporary surroundings.

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To create a sense of continuity, we extended the use of cedar along the courtyard boundary, combining it with bespoke gabion structures to produce a distinctive architectural feature. A low-level gabion wall provides the base for the cedar screening, while substantial gabion pillars replace traditional timber posts. Filled with limestone and incorporating bands of coloured glass, these bespoke pillars create an eye-catching feature and a striking first impression as visitors approach the property along the driveway. As well as their visual appeal, the gabions serve a practical purpose, providing retaining structures within the landscaping.

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Moving from the courtyard towards the rear garden, a series of timber archways creates an attractive transition between the different areas. These structures establish a strong visual connection throughout the garden, guiding visitors from one space to another while adding height, rhythm and architectural interest. The first seating area is positioned within the rear garden, offering a private place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

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Nearby, we introduced one of the project's most distinctive features — a large, bespoke gabion light installation.

Echoing the coloured glass incorporated into the courtyard pillars, this feature is filled with glass that becomes particularly striking when illuminated after dark. Carefully positioned slightly away from the seating area, it can be appreciated from several viewpoints throughout the garden, creating a dramatic focal point without dominating the surrounding space.

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The timber archways continue along the rear of the property, connecting the first seating area to the second.

Stepping stones lead through the lawn, encouraging movement around the garden while maintaining the open, green appearance of the space.  Lighting incorporated into the archways creates an additional design feature, drawing the eye along the length of the garden after sunset.  This combination of pathways, repeating materials and carefully positioned features ensures the different areas feel connected rather than separate or disjointed.

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The second seating area provides another inviting space to relax, with granite chippings creating an attractive, practical surface. Timber raised planting beds surround the area, introducing warmth and structure while providing a softer contrast to the contemporary hard landscaping. With two seating areas positioned to make the most of the sunshine, the clients can enjoy different parts of their garden throughout the day without compromising on privacy.

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The planting scheme was designed to complement the clean lines and architectural features of the garden while keeping ongoing maintenance to a minimum. Coral bark maples provide beautiful seasonal interest, with their colourful stems adding a striking feature during the winter months. Lavender and rosemary introduce fragrance, texture and soft colour, while ornamental grasses bring gentle movement and contrast to the more structured elements of the design.

Together, these plants create a simple yet effective scheme that softens the gabions, timber and paved areas without overwhelming the contemporary style of the garden.

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This project transformed a relatively plain lawn and an overgrown adjoining plot into a beautifully connected collection of outdoor spaces. From the welcoming courtyard and cedar-clad garden room to the private seating areas, illuminated timber archways and bespoke gabion features, every element was designed to complement the property and the clients' lifestyle.  The repeated use of cedar, stone, glass and lighting creates a strong sense of continuity, while the carefully considered layout ensures each area has its own character and purpose.

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The result is a distinctive contemporary garden that combines practical everyday living with striking architectural details, providing the clients with a beautiful outdoor environment to enjoy throughout the year. A garden where thoughtful design, natural materials and bespoke features come together to create something truly individual.