Tired garden in need of a face lift

We were approached with an unusual brief. This family loved their garden and the general layout, but it was tired and falling apart in places. 

The transition between the lower and upper levels didn't work or maximise the space the area had to offer. The walling and steps had started to come loose.

The paving and fencing needed replacing and the upper tier didn't offer a large open space needed for the children to play despite an 80sqm floor plan.

For the highest point in the garden we proposed reconfiguring the steps using a mixed use of materials including Welsh green slate and sleepers to complement those already in place.

For the remaining upper area the cleaner layout featured new borders, bespoke fencing, a larger lawn area and mixed use of slate and paving to create a seamless transition to the new steps.

For the lower area we initially proposed reconfiguring the steps to maximise the paving area but we later came up with a better solution creating an integrated drystone seating space.

We started by clearing the sleepers at the top of the garden and up-cycled the existing paving to create a path to a new planting area.

We then removed the old steps and prepared the sleeper framing against a new section of bespoke fencing ready for introducing the Welsh green slate.

We removed the old path and dismantled the old metal fencing clearing the way for the new paving and bespoke fencing.

Preparing for a new lawn is one of the simplest but most transformative steps in the process. It helps to pull together all the elements of the newly created space.

The most challenging aspect of the project was constructing the sleeper framed steps, tying them into the existing dry stone wall and pond area.

The final stages of the build involved laying the paving for the new patio and building the drystone seating - the focal point of the design.

With careful planning we completed the project as the Covid 19 lockdown commenced, just in time for the family to make use of the garden while at home. 

The Welsh green slate steps allowing access to the very top of the garden offer a fantastic contrast against the wooden framing and drystone walling.

The new lawn and paving highlights the scale of the space unlocked by applying subtle changes to the layout. Perfect for child (and adults) with energy to burn.

The new fencing provides the perfect balance of prviacy while allowing light to enter across the paving and to take in the fabulous view across Mayfield Valley.

The new patio layout creates a perfect area for family meals or for entertaining, using traditional materials to provide a contemporary space.

The key feature of this garden is the integrated drystone seating area set against a sleeper frame for the steps to the upper level.