Cool, calm and connected

Transforming an Urban Retreat: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity that elevates the Outdoor Experience. An elegant garden that looks as good from indoors as out, with spaces to sit, read a book and enjoy the surroundings

Our clients recognised the potential of their newly purchased property, which required both extension and refurbishment. Small disclaimer: They enlisted our expertise early in the process to help achieve their vision of a remarkable connection between the interior of their home and the outdoor garden space. Having collaborated with us on previous projects, the clients were familiar with our design process, allowing us to refine the brief as we developed the concept for the kitchen extension – having not even appointed an architect at the time and knowing how important the garden design was. After some recommendations and suggestions our client then appointed and we worked in partnership with architect Will Gamble.

Design

The design of the extension draws inspiration from the serene elegance of a traditional Japanese tea house. Featuring charred wood cladding and a grid-like glass façade reminiscent of classic shoji screens, the space is crafted to honor both traditional aesthetics and contemporary design principles. Our brief emphasized marrying these elements to create a fresh yet inviting environment, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.

To enhance the garden’s appeal, we retained an existing birch tree, which not only adds instant maturity to the landscape but also serves as a natural privacy screen from neighbouring properties. This tree became a focal point around which we designed the surrounding planting scheme. A variety of flowering shrubs and evergreen plants, including magnolia, myrtle, and fig, were chosen to create layers of visual interest while framing the views from the kitchen extension with lush foliage.

Site Preparation and Build

The construction phase involved thoughtful planning and execution to enhance the garden’s functionality and aesthetics. A contemporary screen fence was installed adjacent to the extension, and all garden boundaries were elegantly finished in a soothing Farrow and Ball shade referred to as ‘Bone’. For the surfacing, we selected handmade clay bricks crafted by Belgian brickworks, Vandemoortel, which were laid in a modern grid pattern to add both definition and visual interest to this compact outdoor space.

Small yet impactful details were integrated into the design, such as a reclaimed stone water trough and stylish copper light fittings, echoing the high-quality finishes of the interior spaces crafted by London studio Smith & Butler. The lighting scheme was meticulously designed to be warm and subtle, establishing a cohesive relationship between the kitchen and garden, particularly in the evening when both spaces come alive.

To accommodate the tree roots and manage the garden’s elevation changes, we raised the rear of the garden and added a step, creating a secluded seating area that enhances the garden’s allure and functionality.

Planting

A Bountiful and Balanced Garden.
The planting design strikes a perfect balance between lushness and functionality, creating a garden that feels alive yet remains easily manageable. A luxurious outdoor lounge area is anchored by a stylish sofa from Ethimo, providing a space for relaxation. A bistro table with chairs invites casual dining beneath the dappled light filtering through the birch tree, while a hidden bench nestled under a contemporary arch provides a perfect nook for summer reading.