Scope
A tiny garden space, bordered and overlooked by five other gardens.
North-west facing. Area adjacent to house in shade, other half in semi shade, to full afternoon sun.
A 1.4m rise from internal floor level to upper level. This could not be lowered due to inadequate foundations on boundary walls some of which needed underpinning.
A new wide garden door was planned. The client had a marble table top they wanted to incorporate into the scheme.
Brief
A garden that feels more connected with the house, that references the architecture and location. A visually cohesive space. Greater usable paved area with plenty of planting. Soften walls particularly outside the back door.
Design Interpretation
In such a small space, my first idea was to scale down the structural aspects of the design, mainly steps and walls. Hence using the 190mm x 90mm Vande Moortel brick, which also had a ‘Lowryesque’ industrial quality, that related to a grimier London past. It also contrasted with the painted London stock brick of the building and boundary walls.
The 1.4m rise was designed with a landing level, and turning the steps through 90 degrees so it felt manageable. A curved retaining wall creates a raised flower bed, as well as a strong dynamic shape that visually connects one end to the other, as well as acting as a ‘perching’ seat.
Other raised planter beds were used to counter a possibly oppressive 1.4m wall, which made sense of the steps layout, and created planting opportunities that softened the walls.
A living wall ‘greens’ a high section of walling in full shade. The central Dicksonia fern was chosen, as ideal for shade and shelter in a warmer microclimate, and limited in height and roots. It is echoed (for cohesion) by other lower ferns.
The clients marble top was used as a bench cut at an 80 degree angle, parallel with the opposite boundary.
Initially the client wanted to use the same surface as the internal floor, but this proved impractical and was changed to a coursed ‘Moleanos Blue’ Limestone paving. This contrasted but had enough warmth to work with the brick.
A bright ‘Spin’ pot creates contrast and surprise.
The clients love the space, its adaptability, internal/external visual cohesion and abundant foliage.
