Terraced Area Garden Re-Design – Case Study

This was a project near Bishops Waltham in a garden that sloped considerably towards the house. The house itself is of modern brick construction. The existing layout of the outdoor space didn’t work functionally, meaning it was under used with the shape very irregular and at odds with the house itself. There were also drainage issues on the lower terrace which we had to remedy. Essentially, the area felt dark, damp and unloved.

Contemporary Garden Design Request

The clients were looking for a contemporary design that tied in with the modern house, presented clean lines and worked for the family in terms of both entertaining and relaxing. We pushed the retaining walls back to give more room on the lower terrace for an outdoor kitchen and bench seating, creating nice wide steps that are beautifully lit at night leading to additional terraces for dining and relaxing. All provide great entertaining spaces which again benefit from integrated outdoor lighting.

We also made use of the space to the side of the house previously unused linking a decked area incorporating a sunken swim spa. The design flowed throughout the layout and worked well with the property itself creating a unified and balanced look and feel. It really is a case now of taking the inside out as the two flow together with a selection of outdoor ‘rooms’ to enjoy, importantly making the area both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Materials

The materials used reflected the brief for a contemporary style with light porcelain paving and steps, with clay pavers as well as brick work in the retaining walls to tie in with the house. The composite decking and use of metal edging around planting areas and the revised driveway complete the contemporary feel.

Planting Plans

The planting was kept low maintenance whilst it ties in with the contemporary and formal feel with ornamental grasses, a mixture of evergreen shrubs and easy to care for perennials providing year-round interest and colour. 

(Designed by DP Garden Design & Built by Gemini Landscapes)