Greenstone Landscapes

The Existing Garden

This was a new build site with a blank canvass to work with. There was a slight elevation from front to back and more weeds than ever before. The boundaries contained fence panels and concrete posts on each side with both neighbours being able to see in clearly and the new build houses behind were on full view.

The Brief

The brief was complex based on the space to work with. The client is very hands on and requested a garden room to relax in, storage, glass house and grow your own space, an outdoor cooking station, sun terrace and dining space with a select palette of planting and screening trees.

The Challenge

• Once the design was agreed (and costs) which was upon presenting the first draft we arranged a schedule and time to get to site. The biggest challenge versus the scale of the works was the access down the side passage. The house is also externally insulated so we had to protect the walls of the house with sheets of ply and foam boards for the duration of the works. We still managed to get 2 small machines in to help with excavations. Upon commencing we discovered a network of land drainage beneath the surface taking water from the higher ground from the new build estate behind so we had to remove this and reinstate it carefully ensuring it worked. Once this was done we began foundations (all pumped in) and all blockwork – again everything moved in with barrows mainly.
• The boundary fences could not be removed as they are shared so our solution was to fix into the existing concrete posts and frame between each post with timber. This enables the existing fence panels to be removed at any stage if they get damaged down the line and also keeps all parties happy. The finish on the fence is a PAO board treated and painted with a metal capping to prolong the life of the timbe.
• The garden room is neatly finished with sand/cement render on the outside and a skim finish on the inside. We also added a green sedum roof for additional biodiversity. The glass window is bespoke with a chosen powder coated finish and the doors come from Spain and are frameless bifold doors which pivot on the upper track.
• Paving was next and involved various levels with the garden room floor being level and outside having a fall with water feeding into the land drains beneath the surface. We added in a small brick slot across the house to take excess water on heavy downpours.
• The outdoor kitchen carcass is made entirely by us on site and we outsource the counter work to keep it as high end as possible with all corners mitered.
• Once all building works had finished we introduced plenty if new soil, unscreened, to maintain a good soil structure for all plants and trees.
• All trees were hand balled through the side passage with the magnolia being the most challenging weighing approx 800kg each.
• A subtle lighting scheme was included using all our own fittings which are low voltage and require hidden drivers within the garden.
• An irrigation system is fitted into the manhole on the right side planting bed which contains various manifolds and timers to control all watering when the client is away.
• Upon completion the clients were so delighted they hosted an after party for us along with the neighbours for being so understanding during the works in pure Italian style.

Judges’ Comments: 

“This pristine design developed a well-balanced geometric layout creating a soothing and calming atmosphere utilising a cohesive palette of materials.”

“This project delivers the full package in a relatively small space. Top quality project and delivered in a mature state to the client.”