The brief for the design was to maximise this small space and reduce the feeling of being over-powered by large blank rear facade walls of properties beyond the boundary. Provision for an entertaining area that tied in with the interior of the property was essential, and the garden had to be of relatively low maintenance to fit in with the clients busy work schedule.
The garden is accessed by bi-folding glass doors forming the rear wall of the kitchen, therefore framing the view as per the pictures below. The design incorporated smooth-rendered, white-painted walls to reflect the light, within which is set an Iroko seat. To give the impression of increased space and to provide theatre, subtly lit planting has been designed on different levels using contrasting materials. The use of up-lit CorTen Steel gives a striking focal point drawing the eye along its length and balancing the colour scheme, whist the feeling of space is realised through the use of strong horizontal lines provided by the cedar screen, floating bench and evergreen clipped hedge. Planting utilises clipped box spheres, and a range of perennials and bulbs to provide year around interest, with screening provided by panel pleached Sweet Gum (Liquidamber syraciflua 'Worpleston' which has the added benefit of spectacular autumn colour. A statement piece is provided by the specimen up-lit olive tree set in a bespoke Urbis pot. |
Above - Before work commenced - the space has no real features and felt small and overlooked. The garden does not provide an inspiring backdrop to the interior living space and the small patch of turf became muddy and unusable outside of the summer months.
|