The Brief

This project began with a clear vision: to transform a tired, uninviting garden into a contemporary outdoor space with a Mediterranean feel, beautiful water features and several attractive seating areas.

​

The clients wanted a garden that looked just as impressive from inside their home as it did from outside, with features that could be enjoyed throughout the year.

 

Their requirements included a natural-looking stream, a contemporary pool-style water feature, light and inviting multi-level seating areas, and an exceptionally low-maintenance design that incorporated some of the existing planting.

 

The original garden presented several challenges. An existing water feature was leaking and no longer fit for purpose, while the changes in level made the outdoor space feel disconnected and difficult to use. Some of the retaining walls had also become unsafe, and the overall appearance was dark and unwelcoming.

 

Our challenge was to completely rethink the space, making the most of its natural levels while creating a bright, cohesive garden that the clients would want to spend time in.

​

The Design

Water was central to the design, with two contrasting features carefully incorporated to create different experiences throughout the garden. Although they appear to be separate, the features are connected as part of one continuous water system.

 

The first is a naturalistic stream that winds along the rear of the garden, designed to look as though it has always been part of the landscape.  Carefully positioned rocks and planting soften the edges, while the gentle movement of water creates a relaxing sound that can be enjoyed from the nearby patio.  At the end of the garden, the stream disappears beneath the paving before continuing through a concealed channel. The water then emerges as a contemporary blade, cascading into a striking sunken pool. This clever transition from a natural stream to a modern water feature brings together two very different styles while maintaining a strong sense of continuity.

​

Rather than allowing the garden's changes in height to remain a problem, we used them to create distinct yet connected spaces. The contemporary pool is positioned below the main garden level, taking advantage of the existing landscape to create an impressive focal point. Overlooked by the conservatory, the pool provides a beautiful view from inside the house. Its dark stone-effect interior creates a striking contrast against the surrounding light-coloured paving and stonework, while water lilies and other aquatic planting introduce softness and natural beauty. The result is a calming feature that can be appreciated whether the clients are relaxing outdoors or enjoying the garden from the comfort of their home.

​

The redesigned levels also allowed us to introduce practical, attractive seating areas that flow naturally from one part of the garden to another. To achieve the Mediterranean-inspired appearance the clients wanted, we created a garden without a traditional lawn. This not only reduced ongoing maintenance but also allowed us to introduce a combination of light paving, rendered walls and carefully selected materials to create a bright, contemporary atmosphere. However, with such a strong emphasis on hard landscaping, it was important that the garden did not feel overly structured or sterile. 

 

We achieved this by introducing contrasting textures and softer details throughout the design.  Rounded paving edges help create a more relaxed appearance, while dark brickwork on the steps provides definition and contrast. Natural rocks incorporated into the planting areas complement the stream and water features, while rendered walls introduce a clean, modern finish. Existing planting was incorporated wherever appropriate, with additional planting used to soften the landscaping and bring colour, texture and interest to the garden. Every material was carefully considered to ensure the different elements complemented one another.

​

One of the most important aspects of this project was creating a garden that could be enjoyed from within the house.

The positioning of the water features, particularly the sunken pool beneath the conservatory, ensures the landscaping remains an attractive focal point even when the clients are indoors. Outside, the different seating areas provide opportunities to relax, entertain and enjoy the gentle sound of flowing water. The combination of naturalistic planting, contemporary materials and thoughtfully designed levels creates a garden that feels open, welcoming and beautifully connected.

​

This project transformed a dark, disjointed and largely unusable garden into a bright, elegant outdoor space with a distinctive Mediterranean influence. The two contrasting water features demonstrate how natural and contemporary design can work together, while the carefully considered changes in level, paving and planting ensure every area feels part of the overall scheme. The finished garden delivers everything the clients hoped for: an attractive, low-maintenance space with inviting seating areas, beautiful views from inside the house and the relaxing presence of water throughout.

 

We were also delighted that this project received the Marshalls Register Award for Best Project by a New Registered Member, recognising the quality of the design and workmanship involved. An award-winning garden that combines contemporary elegance, Mediterranean inspiration and the tranquillity of flowing water.