Landscape Design
Gardens, terraces and small architecture
House and garden are inextricably linked and often our design work carries us from the inside - out. Whether a balcony, rooftop terrace, urban garden, country estate, holiday home or retreat, the external space can not be neglected. It should give pleasure, be practical, flow effortlessly and look gorgeous with minimum maintenance. We love exteriors as much as interiors and get involved in all aspects from hard landscaping, drainage, paving to outdoor structures, art and small buildings although for planting we like to call on a trusted expert.
The garden in this West London property was a very large and sunny blank canvass. As series of themed zones complete with an outdoor fireplace was created for the easy summer living echoing a Mediterranean holiday feel.
The honey coloured flagstones with a blend of blue were chosen to complement the existing yellow brickwork. The sloping site was levelled and steps up to the house created.
A shady courtyard reminiscent of a continental secret cafe discovered by chance was the inspiration here.
A roof sun terrace overlooking a shady courtyard below.
An urban roof terrace is often out of reach because of the tough planning restrictions but we have successfully negotiated an access to a dreamy space for a number of clients.
Even the smallest patio can be made into a tranquil haven. A deep and long cantilevered bench floats off the ground to provide a generous seating. The Indian blue flagstones reflect the interior theme and a solar powered wall fountain adds a peaceful sound
The brick gate arch is not original but made to blend in. It was researched and specially designed to enhance the rear elevation of this substantial conversion with a roof garden.
This front garden was overgrown with weeds and used for bin storage. Now it extends a a warm welcome all year around with changing colours to the residents and guests alike.
A walk-on roof light can be a perfect solution for a natural light to penetrate into the space below. The eco heater extends the pleasure of an outdoor drink into the cooler months while the mini up lighters create and ambience in the evenings.
The strict brief required the maximum space laid to lawn for outdoor games, large summer parties and an occasional winter marquee. Subsequently the planting is quite formal and restricted to linear, peripheral raised beds with the pleached trees providing extra privacy.
Most garden rooms do not require planning permission providing they follow the guidelines which was not the case here. The brief was for a large bespoke multi functional garden building with four rooms set as close to the boundary as possible.
The Iroko cantilevered semi circular bench conceals integral ambient down lighting
We love to think up clever ways to maximise the space with an updated Modernist motto in mind - the aesthetic should follow the (multi) function. Here the semicircular rendered wall works very hard as balustrade for the upper level and a stair cheek with recessed spot lights illuminating the step, creating a sculptural feature. It also shelters a cosy sun spot for a dining table.
The tranquil terrace laid with a scaled up Victorian pattern tiles - a nod to the architectural period of the property leads down to a subterranean games room. The clients remained in residence during the massive excavation, underpinning, drainage and construction works.
Linear walk-on roof lights provide additional source of natural light to the underground games room. Bespoke semi circular wrought iron stairs lead up to a terrace over the extension.
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