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The idea was to bring the wow factor by combining distinctive lines and angles within a hardscape design, with shaded seating areas and easy to care for architectural planting. The garden is south facing and well proportioned, but it needed a strong vision and a complete garden makeover to transform it into a high-end, private and relaxing paradise.
The first consideration was how the garden should interact with the house. The patio doors that open out into the garden are on the left, not centrally placed. With the view from the house through the doors being an important aspect, architectural feature planting in the foreground on that side was introduced. This has the effect of both giving something immediate to enjoy as well as staging the attention and creating depth in the design. To this end, a large rendered planter was set close to the door of the house as part of the hardscape design. Had the planter been built square to the house it would have psychologically blocked the way, but by introducing a 45 degree angle it maintained the flow and allowed the space to function from both an architectural and aesthetic perspective.
Another aspect was ensuring a hassle-free design with minimal upkeep. Cedar was the chosen material used across fences, pergola and seating areas due to its weather and warp resistant nature, lessening the requirement for upkeep in the years to come.
A few grand, mature tropical plants were chosen to add lush architectural planting without the need to constantly trim and shape. Two Chusan palms, trachycarpus fortunei were planted within rendered concrete planters, strengthened with the addition of expanded steel reinforcements between each block course to ensure roots did not break out and create cracks, increasing longevity and ease of care.
Duncan did an incredible job transforming both the front and back of my terraced house. In the back garden, from a minimal brief (I’m not a designer) he totally understood what I was looking to achieve and managed to create a design that far exceeded my expectations. The results were stunning and incredibly creative, with every detail carefully considered for both space and design. This was crucial in such a small space.— Gareth, Forest Gate E7
At the front of the house he managed to continue the design scheme from the back, whilst also incorporating more traditional elements, including Victorian tiling. Duncan’s consultative approach to the plants we used was also superb. Again, plants aren’t something that I know anything about, so he very knowledgably talked me through the options, considering both the look but also my need for low upkeep!
The work Duncan has done has totally transformed the feel of the whole house. I look forward to the many years of enjoying the new space!
Duncan was super easy to communicate with, has a very high level of craftsmanship and went above and beyond to get it exactly how I wanted it – even helping advise on the finishing touches – furniture etc. A pleasure to work with. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough
One of the bespoke details of the design includes louvred (or angled) pergola roof slats. The angle was carefully chosen so that from the direction of overlooking neighbours little could be seen between the slats, yet from the opposing direction the sun could still shine upon the bamboo at the back of the garden. This suited the wish of the client to combine practical garden makeover features with aesthetic touches.
The pergola gives dappled shade but is also intended to support growth of garrya elliptica “James Roof”, this plant not only creates a further layer of privacy, but also introduces beautiful drapery to look upon from below. Long pretty catkins hang down in early Spring, contrasting in texture with the architectural plants.
Final consideration for colours and tones saw the selection of hardscape design elements which would work from the outset but also sit well with the cedar as it silvers over time. Given the intensity of the sun on the garden, particularly in the height of summer, the design aimed to complement the natural brightness without being too overbearing and blinding. A darker Brazilian slate with warm flecks and striations was chosen for the paving, contrasting nicely with the very pale grey of the planters, which come off as a classic Mediterranean white. All this mingles nicely with the backdrop of a blue sky, creating a garden makeover with a feeling of classic minimalism.
The work Duncan has done has totally transformed the feel of the whole house. I look forward to the many years of enjoying the new space! Gareth, Forest Gate E8
